Sure, but if you want to fight for better positions at BMW, Daimler-Benz, VW related to machine learning/Big Data, they won't even talk to you unless you know a

Sure, but if you want to fight for better positions at BMW, Daimler-Benz, VW related to machine learning/Big Data, they won't even talk to you unless you know at least C1-German. If you want to work for 2nd tier companies, they are often desperate, so English is sufficient, but compensation is even lower. But don't expect to be promoted on merit; German-speaking employees will have massive edge over you unless you are an international superstar.