Team Lead, Production Systems (Engineering) (all genders)

tonies is the globally leading interactive audio platform for children. We are seeking a Team Lead for Production Systems Engineering to build, lead, and scale the engineering team responsible for the production technology ecosystem powering millions of tonies products worldwide. This role involves architectural ownership, hands-on technical depth, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of production systems and data pipelines for global manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will drive team development, technical strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to support product launches and operational needs.

Must Have

• Lead, mentor, and grow a cross-functional engineering team.
• Drive sprint planning, resourcing, prioritization, and delivery.
• Lead architectural decisions across all production and product data processing.
• Ensure reliability, security, observability, and scalability of production systems.
• Own system rollouts and upgrades at suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Partner closely with other stakeholders.
• Own uptime targets, data quality, and continuous improvement of global production systems.
• 5+ years of engineering experience (backend or systems).
• 2+ years leading engineering or cross-functional technical teams.
• Strong backend engineering experience.
• Experience with system-level data flows, distributed systems, or manufacturing/IoT environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams.

Good to Have

• Experience with MES/MOM, IoT, or manufacturing systems.
• Infrastructure, DevOps, or SRE experience.
• Strong Linux systems knowledge.
• Knowledge of factory automation, hardware–software interfaces, or industrial protocols.
• Experience working with remote engineering teams.

Perks & Benefits

• Learning & Growth opportunities to scale a globally deployed production execution ecosystem.
• Global Teamwork across departmental and country borders.
• Inclusive culture where everyone is welcome and supported.
• Mobility options: Deutschlandticket, office parking subsidy, leasing bicycle, or remote work subsidy.
• Enhanced Security: subsidies for company pension plans, occupational pension schemes, and occupational disability insurance.
• Rest & Time Off: 30 days of paid annual leave, plus three additional days off (Rosenmontag, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve), and up to 10 "toniecation days" (unpaid leave) after one year.
• Continuous Learning: internal and external training opportunities, individual learning budget.
• Language Learning & Relaxation: access to Babbel and Calm apps.
• Discounts on tonies products.

##### About tonies:

tonies is the globally leading interactive audio platform for children with more than 10 million Tonieboxes and 125 million Tonies sold. The intuitive and award-winning audio system has changed the way young children play and learn independently with its child-safe, wireless, and screen-free approach. Tonieboxes have been activated in over 100 countries, the content portfolio includes around 1,400 Tonies in several languages. Since its inception, tonies has achieved significant milestones, including listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in November 2021 as well as a globally present team of over 550 dedicated professionals operating from various countries.

Joining our tonies team means being part of an inspiring mission to create innovative and meaningful experiences for children around the world. Together, we’re shaping the future of play, learning, and imagination.

##### You as part of tonies:

Role Overview:

• Role Split: 60% Leadership / 40% Technical
• Team Size (Direct Reports): 6 (growing to ~10 by the end of 2026)

We are looking for a Team Lead who wants to build, lead, and scale the engineering team behind the production technology ecosystem that powers millions of tonies products worldwide. You will be responsible for the overall architecture, reliability, and continuous improvement of the production systems and data pipelines that are used for our global Tonie and Toniebox manufacturing operations on all production lines at our contract manufacturers.

This role blends strong people leadership with architectural ownership and hands-on technical depth. Your work enables real-time production visibility, system scalability, and reliable global manufacturing operations.

##### Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and grow a cross-functional engineering team (software engineers, SRE, System engineers).
• Drive sprint planning, resourcing, prioritization, and delivery.
• Build a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and development support.

Technical Ownership & Architecture

• Lead architectural decisions across all our production and product data processing.
• Ensure reliability, security, observability, and scalability of production systems.
• Define engineering standards, documentation practices, and quality guidelines.
• Oversee deployments, testing, and validation at global manufacturing partners.

Manufacturing Technology & System Rollouts

• Own system rollouts and upgrades at suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Ensure stable integrations, production readiness, and smooth handovers.
• Support production scaling for new product launches and peak cycles.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with other stakeholders at tonies who handle product engineering, production management, and the cloud systems that enable our products to work.
• Translate operational and business requirements into scalable technical solutions.
• Align roadmap priorities with product launches, factory needs, and global operations.

Delivery & System Reliability

• Own uptime targets, data quality, and continuous improvement of global production systems.
• Drive root-cause analysis and long-term fixes (not firefighting).
• Support rollout milestones and ensure smooth global operations.

Success Metrics / KPIs

You will be measured on:

• System uptime & reliability (≥ 99%)
• On-time delivery of roadmap & manufacturing rollouts
• Code quality, documentation level, and engineering standards
• Team performance: engagement, clarity, and predictable delivery
• Reduction of recurring incidents or manual work for production

##### What we are looking for:

• 5+ years of engineering experience (backend or systems).
• 2+ years leading engineering or cross-functional technical teams.
• Strong backend engineering experience
• Experience with system-level data flows, distributed systems, or manufacturing/IoT environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Experience with MES/MOM, IoT, or manufacturing systems.
• Infrastructure, DevOps, or SRE experience.
• Strong Linux systems knowledge.
• Knowledge of factory automation, hardware–software interfaces, or industrial protocols.
• Experience working with remote engineering teams.

Tech Stack You Will Work With

• Python, Django REST
• PostgreSQL
• Linux (Debian)
• Virtualization (Proxmox, Docker)
• MQTT or message brokers
• GitHub, CI/CD
• ETL pipelines, observability tooling
• I/O devices like cameras, printers, and RFID readers

##### Why tonies?

• Learning & Growth: In this role you will learn how to scale a globally deployed production execution ecosystem end-to-end, build digital physical production systems used across multiple factories and regions, lead engineering transformation in a fast-growing consumer hardware company.
• Global Teamwork: We collaborate across departmental and country borders on our vision to bring the Toniebox into every child's room in the world.
• Come as you are: This applies not only to the dress code but also to everything else. Because only where you truly feel comfortable can you give your best.
• Mobility: Choose the option that suits you best - a Deutschlandticket (public transport ticket) for unlimited mobility, a monthly contribution for an office parking space, a leasing bicycle, or a remote work subsidy.
• Enhanced Security: Benefit from subsidies for company pension plans, occupational pension schemes, and occupational disability insurance.
• Rest & Time Off: Enjoy 30 days of paid annual leave as well as three additional days off such as Rosenmontag, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. After one year of employment, you can also use up to 10 "toniecation days" (unpaid leave days).
• Continuous Learning: Benefit from our internal and external training opportunities as well as an individual learning budget to continuously expand your knowledge.
• Language Learning & Relaxation: Improve your communication skills with the language learning app Babbel and find relaxation through our access to the meditation app Calm.
• Discounts: Benefit from attractive discounts on our entire range of tonies products.

##### Good to know:

How We Work

Our team collaborates via Slack, Google Suite, Jira, and Confluence, with daily stand-ups and bi-weekly sprints. Optional in-person events include All Hands, workshops, and seasonal team gatherings.

Hiring Process

1. Recruiter Screen (30min)

2. Hiring Manager Video Interview (60 min)

3. Technical & Collaboration Interview (60 min)

For transparency, please note the following:

• The recruitment process for this role may be conducted in English. We kindly ask that application documents and written responses be submitted in English.
• Only candidates with demonstrated relevant technical expertise and team leadership experience will be shortlisted, as both are essential for success in this role.
• The annual salary for this position is maximum €90,000 depending on experience.
• Closing date for applications: 7th December.

As part of our principles, we are committed to supporting inclusion and diversity at tonies®. We actively celebrate our colleagues’ different abilities, ethnicities, faith and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Florina Varga

Senior Talent Acquisition Manager