Biography
Bernhardt completed his Diploma degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt in 2007. Following this, he held various technical and management roles at prominent companies such as MAHLE, IHI, Continental Corporation, and Kautex Textron. In 2015, he earned his PhD from Stuttgart University.
With a strong background in combustion engines, turbomachinery, and aero-thermodynamics, Bernhardt successfully transitioned into the field of electric propulsion and mechatronic systems. Over the past six years, he has held senior management positions in Product Engineering and Research & Innovation, focusing on electric and electrified vehicles, power electronics, and hydrogen technologies. To support the industry’s transition towards sustainability, Bernhardt also teaches a course on Sustainable Powertrain Technologies at Stuttgart University.
Currently, Bernhardt serves as Director of Global Validation at Kautex Textron, overseeing both physical and virtual (CAE) engineering activities. His key objective is to eliminate silos between disciplines like testing and simulation, fostering synergies instead. Over the past three years, he has introduced robust machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and established a global network of data science experts, accelerating digitalization and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration.