Turning complex sensor development into reliable mobility solutions

As a project manager at Bosch, I contribute to shaping future mobility by developing acceleration sensors – key technologies for modern mobility applications, such as our new road noise sensor SMA380. My role covers the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping to preparing series production through to production ramp-up.

I lead interdisciplinary engineering teams across international locations, providing direction and ensuring efficient collaboration. By acting as the central interface between my team, management, and customers, I also ensure transparency and alignment, and that project goals are met. At its core, my role is about enabling the team to succeed.

My tasks and the entire technology and business environment have evolved rapidly, driven by increasing requirements such as higher precision, speed, and robustness, alongside faster market dynamics. Development cycles are under growing pressure, while projects often run over several years.

To manage this complexity, modern ways of working are essential. Hybrid collaboration models and the targeted use of AI help us manage data efficiently. By building on existing knowledge, we can also avoid duplications. Open and regular alignment between all stakeholders remains the key foundation for success.

The most critical decisions are made early in the concept phase. This is where we define core project objectives and the supply chain setup as well as technologies and materials. Moreover, we also define clear project boundaries. Thorough preparation at this stage is crucial, as these decisions determine the balance between technical risk, timeline, quality, and cost – and ultimately the success of the project.

What motivates me most is developing products as part of a team and driving innovation together. Creating a key technology for the mobility of the future and continuously improving it is both challenging and rewarding. Knowing that our work contributes to millions of vehicles worldwide gives my work a strong sense of purpose and makes me proud.

Customers have one single central contact who manages the complexity of the entire project. By coordinating internal expertise, we ensure customer requirements are implemented efficiently. The result is not just an innovative product, but a solution that is secured for series production and available in high quality and volumes, offering customers planning security and reliability.

Close collaboration with customers from the very beginning is key. By combining insights from the entire team, especially deep technical expertise, we can make the right strategic decisions early and minimize risks. During the SMA380 project, for example, the sensor performance was tested on customer level at an early stage. Quick customer feedback gave us the chance to optimize our design, materials, and programmable settings to make them the perfect fit for their applications. This approach leads to robust, innovative solutions that meet both technical and commercial customer needs and can be delivered reliably.

Rising performance requirements and ongoing cost pressure as well as geopolitical developments are shaping our field. Sensors must become faster, smaller, and more precise, while supply chains are being restructured to ensure resilience and long-term security. All of this must be achieved within increasingly shorter development cycles to remain competitive. Sister sensors of the new SMA380, such as the SMA381 or SMA286, are already in development to address new market trends in road noise cancelling systems or condition monitoring of mechanical systems, for example by providing a wider detection bandwidth.

Collaboration across Bosch is a key driver of innovation. Exchange takes place at component, test, and system level, enabling teams to leverage synergies and avoid redundant work. During the development of the SMA380, for instance, we worked together with our colleagues from Bosch Sensortec to ensure the sensor’s outstanding performance in low latency and noise. This kind of cross-divisional collaboration allows us to accelerate development and deliver smarter, more robust solutions, creating value for both customers and Bosch.