AVL FAQs

History and Business Information

What does AVL do?

AVL is the world's largest privately owned and independent company for the development of powertrain engineering with internal combustion engines as well as instrumentation and test systems. Founded in 1948 by Prof. Hans List, it has grown considerably under the leadership of his son, Prof. Helmut List. Today it is a multinational High Tech organisation with a staff of 1250 in Graz, an export quota of 96% and a turnover in 1998 of 5 billion Austrian Shillings. Affiliates and liaison offices in every important country of the world with a total of 700 employees guarantee the close contact to the customers. In order to maintain international competitiveness, intensive research is carried out in house as well as in co-operation with international universities.

Why is AVL different?

AVL has cultivated the ability to recognise important break-through targets early on and reach them ahead of the market. Oriented basic research, cutting edge technological developments and clear product orientation are requirements for global competitiveness. In multi-disciplined teams, AVL offers expertise, creativity, innovative thinking and effective project management network as support for professional solutions.

Application Procedure

Who are we looking for?

The AVL workforce is split into Administration and Technical Expertise. Both parts equally contribute to its success. As AVL develops and produces leading edge technology, we are mainly looking for specialists and experts with the following education: Electrical Electronics Control or Mechanical Engineering Applied physics Math/Computer Science and Technology Combustion Technology. Degrees such as Marketing, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or similar education/formations are all suitable for Administrative positions. If you have a degree or formation in any other field and wish to enquire whether or not we have a suitable position for you, don't hesitate to contact us!

Do I need to send references?

Having some information about your qualifications helps us to understand who you are and what you have been doing before you became interested in AVL. A short reference of a former employer, university professor or project leader would help. Where to send my resume? On-line application forms are automatically being sent to the HR departments. Written applications must be sent to the HR departments ( including a downloaded application form). Addresses can be found on the general HR homepage.

When should I send my resume the latest?

As AVL is recruiting over the entire year, there are no specific dead lines. If you are responding to a direct job offer by AVL, send your application as fast as possible for you to increase the chance of acceptance. If you are applying for a summer internship, please check out Student Opportunities in order to inform yourself about the respective dates. What if I forget to send one of the required documents? The respective HR department will contact you if essential details are missing. You will then be asked to send the required piece of information. In case you feel that there could be interesting information that you have failed to send to our HR department in the first place, then either resend the entire application file including the missing document or send it by itself clearly quoting your candidate name and job reference number where required.

What if I do not hear from AVL?

You will be informed about the receipt of your application as soon as it reaches AVL. During the application period we will do our best to inform you regularly. Please understand however that AVL is often facing a huge number of applications and that short delays might occur.

Do I need a work permit?

EU citizens, who want to work in another EU country, do not need visa or work permits. For all others, an issuing period of 2 to 3 months from the date of request has to be accounted for. Please contact the HR department, which will inform you about all necessary procedures and facts.

How are applicants being selected?

For a clear step by step guideline through our application procedure read our Standard Application Procedure.

Administrative Questions

How can I find suitable accommodation?

AVL offers accommodation for employees that join the firm from abroad. Please understand however that this can only be a temporary solution. For more detail please contact the respective HR department. For permanent accommodation read local newspapers, which advertise accommodation weekly. Your HR department will be very glad to assist you in your search.

Being Part of AVL

Will there be some choice in assigned jobs?

The positions AVL is offering, are quite specific in their descriptions. You will therefore be expected to apply for a specific position or submit an open application. Having clear cut definitions does however not imply that tasks cannot be adjusted or redefined. We are continuously striving for improvement and development, and thus open for any requests.

What is the AVL academy?

The AVL Academy is in charge of any issue concerning the personal development & training of AVL personnel. In order to support you with your individual development plan, AVL has created "the performance improvement", which will be handed out to you ones you join the team. An on-line issue can be found at Performance improvement workbook". Each year, further improvements concerning employee relationships and performance are being discussed in the Annual Performance Review Meeting.

Is it possible to transfer to another AVL location after a while?

AVL is present on four continents. Internationalism, openness for other cultures and flexibility are being encouraged. A special exchange programme has been designed so as to allow AVL employees a transfer to another affiliate for approximately one year.

What is the typical profile for an AVL worker?

Education and/or formation wise, there is no typical profile that would fit the entire AVL workforce. We expect: high technical and or scientific qualification for applicants in technically oriented positions. Additionally:

What training can I expect?

For a company to remain on the leading edge of technology, critical thinking and continuos improvement are essential. It is therefore in our interest to offer you the opportunity for individual development. For further information look at performance improvement.