Joachim (Dr.-Ing.) Fox-Director System Safety & Product Cybersecurity/Product Governance, Global R&D
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Experience
Director System Safety & Product Cybersecurity/Product Governance, Global R&D
ZF
- Lead global safety and cybersecurity strategy for ZF’s full product portfolio, including audits, assessments, release recommendations, processes, field monitoring, and incident response.
- Serve as Governance, Risk & Compliance manager for ZF’s R&D.
- Since January 1, 2025, took on additional responsibilities in AI, data privacy, and Automotive SPICE.
- Pioneered a data-based safety and security culture powered by a company-wide digital platform and currently integrating agentic AI for continuous compliance measurement and incident response.
- Oversee a team of approximately 50 employees across 10 global locations; oversee safety and cybersecurity for hundreds of product developments and over 5000 system and software engineers impacting all ZF product lines.
Global Chief Engineer Braking & Steering Software Systems Engineering
ZF
- Led development of software architecture platform for passenger car steering and braking systems, including teams for software safety and cybersecurity.
- Directed software development processes and infrastructure.
- Introduced Agile processes (Scrum).
- Managed up to 100 employees worldwide, providing the platform to up to 100 parallel development projects and major vehicle platforms.
Engineering Manager Base Software Development
ZF
- Leading the safety-critical software platform for slip control systems and electronic parking brake and its development environment, including configuration and change management, continuous build and integration.
- Managed a team of approximately 50 employees.
- Technically managed large-scale customer projects for BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen and others.
Lecturer Mechatronic Systems
htw saar, University of Applied Sciences
- Lectured Mechatronic Systems.
Manager Advanced Development - Control Engineering
Continental
- Managed advanced development in control engineering.
- Engaged in model-based system and software engineering.
- Worked on brake-by-wire, belt load limiters, and electrical motors.
Research Assistant
Laboratory for Process Automation, Saarland University
- Conducted research and teaching in control engineering, robotics, inertial navigation systems, and image processing.
Trainer Internet Search Strategies
Professional Education Center, University of Karlsruhe
- Delivered two seminars on internet search strategies.
Student Researcher
Chair for Theoretical Electrical Engineering, University of Karlsruhe
- Conducted research on sensor fusion and Kalman filters.
- Worked on wave digital filters and ADA programming.
Industry experience
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Experienced in Automotive and Education.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Product Development, Information Technology, Project Management, Research and Development, and Quality Assurance.
Summary
Visionary leader in automotive safety and cybersecurity with 20+ years of experience driving innovation in embedded systems and global governance. Proven track record in managing global safety-critical software platforms for braking and steering systems across major OEMs. Passionate about shaping the future of autonomous mobility through rigorous safety engineering and digital, AI supported transformation.
Skills
Management & Leadership System/Sw Engineering Leading Large International Teams In Complex Matrix Organizations, Mastering Both Hands-On Leadership And Top-Level Management Communication Cross-Functional Leadership, Strong Collaboration With Legal, Compliance, Ai Ethics Council, And Authorities (Bsi, Cisa) Well-Founded Network In Industry Associations (Vda, Clepa) Functional Safety (Iso 26262), Safety Of The Intended Functionality (Sotif – Iso 21448), Cybersecurity (Iso/Sae 21434, Unece R155/156), Uml/Sysml, Model-Based Engineering, Automotive Embedded Systems, Web Development, Fundamentals Of Agentic Ai
Process Models Automotive Spice, Agile (Scrum)
Languages
Education
University of Karlsruhe (TH)
honors degree (1,1) · Electrical Engineering/Control Theory · Karlsruhe, Germany
Saarland University
pre-degree (1,1) · Electrical Engineering/Control Theory · Saarbrücken, Germany
Realgymnasium Völklingen
Abitur (1,0) · Völklingen, Germany
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Joachim is based in Bassenheim, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.
Joachim speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Advanced).
Joachim has at least 27 years of experience. During this time, Joachim has worked in at least 8 different roles and for 6 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 5 months. Note that Joachim may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Joachim would be well-suited for roles such as: Director System Safety & Product Cybersecurity/Product Governance, Global R&D, Global Chief Engineer Braking & Steering Software Systems Engineering, Engineering Manager Base Software Development.
Joachim's most recent position is Director System Safety & Product Cybersecurity/Product Governance, Global R&D at ZF.
In recent years, Joachim has worked for ZF.
Joachim is most experienced in industries like Automotive and Education.
Joachim is most experienced in business areas like Product Development, Information Technology, and Project Management. Joachim also has some experience in Research and Development and Quality Assurance.
Joachim has recently worked in industries like Automotive.
Joachim has recently worked in business areas like Product Development and Quality Assurance.
Joachim holds a Doctorate from Saarland University, a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering/Control Theory from University of Karlsruhe (TH) and a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering/Control Theory from Saarland University.
The availability of Joachim needs to be confirmed.
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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 26 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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