Senior Specialist - Handling & Logistics Tooling Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Specialist - Logistic & Handling Tooling Engineer to join our Blades Process Engineering organization in Taranto.

In this position, you will be responsible for the development, specification, and optimization of tooling used in the handling and logistics of wind turbine blades and components. This includes defining tooling requirements, leading industrialization projects, and managing suppliers to ensure high-quality, safe, and efficient operations. You will play a key role in driving standardization, digitalization, and continuous improvement, ensuring our processes meet the highest standards of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of tools for blade handling and logistics.
• Define tooling requirements, specifications, and industrialization standards.
• Develop and execute a tooling and supplier roadmap, including AS-IS and future state analysis.
• Oversee supplier management, CAPEX budget planning, and tooling delivery (TPM).
• Define and implement service and maintenance strategies, including EAM.
• Drive tooling optimization projects for existing equipment.
• Ensure tooling meets CE marking, safety regulations, sustainability, and energy efficiency standards.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA) to resolve issues.
• Use Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Contribute to a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• Green Belt Lean certification (preferred).
• Approx. 10 years of experience in tooling engineering roles within manufacturing.

Proven track record in:

• Tool development and specifications.
• Maintenance planning and service strategies.
• Supplier management and tooling projects.
• Data-driven decision-making and process analysis.
• Driving optimization and standardization in manufacturing environments.

Competencies

• Ability to capture functional and non-functional requirements and design for manufacturability & maintainability.
• Strong expertise in handling and logistics tools for large components (materials, blade parts, full blades).
• Deep understanding of mechanical tolerances, automation, and equipment safety standards.
• Knowledge of CE compliance, safety regulations, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
• Experience in root-cause analysis and systematic problem solving in production settings.
• Preferably, knowledge of composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber, epoxy resins).
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work across cultures and time zones.
• Self-motivated, result-oriented, and committed to continuous learning.

What We Offer

• A senior engineering role with high impact on process excellence and innovation.
• The opportunity to lead tooling projects that directly influence blade manufacturing performance.
• Collaboration with a global, multicultural engineering community.
• A role that combines technical depth, project leadership, and supplier management.

This position is based in Taranto, Italy. Candidates should be located nearby or open to relocation.

Our commitment to a fair hiring At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

BEWARE - RECRUITMENT FRAUD It has come to our attention that there are a number of fraudulent emails from people pretending to work for Vestas. Read more via this link, https://www.vestas.com/en/careers/our-recruitment-process