After completing professional training as an industrial mechanic at Papier-Mettler Group in Morbach (1995–2000), Bauer performed alternative service in the forestry department (2000–2001) before pursuing studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Trier.

During this time, he gained hands-on experience through an internship at Terex Demag Cranes and completed his diploma thesis at Herrenknecht AG, specializing in tunnel drilling machines (2001–2006).

In 2006, Bauer joined Volvo Construction Equipment in Konz as a Special Application Engineer. Four years later, he took on the role of Product Owner for Wheeled Excavators, a position he held for over a decade, leading product development and innovation within the product portfolio (2010–2022).

Since 2022, he has served as Segment Leader for Building & Deconstruction at Volvo CE, where he is responsible for steering strategic growth and customer focused solutions for the industry.