Research And Development Manager

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking R&D Lead to lead the product innovation, technical development, and engineering excellence. Based in Pune, India, this role collaborates closely with global teams and plays a critical part in driving strategies, shaping product direction, and strengthening competitive advantages through advanced design, materials, and manufacturing innovations.

Key Responsibilities :

Provide direction on product design concepts, technical architecture, and innovation strategies

Promote modular design approaches and drive standardization of carry-over parts across product lines

Evaluate and optimize feasibility of product design, stamping and forming processes, and integration of metal and plastic components

Introduce and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to enhance innovation and product competitiveness

Review product design proposals and guide designers in identifying priorities, risks, and improvement opportunities

Support customer-facing activities by providing strategic technical input in solution development and presentations

Oversee the planning and review of prototype drawings, validation tests, and trial builds, ensuring alignment with technical direction

Mentor engineers and technical staff to enhance their problem-solving skills and design judgment

Define and execute mid-to-long-term technical development plans aligned with corporate goals

Develop and manage the company’s intellectual property strategy, including patents and trade secrets related to core technologies

Qualifications :

Master’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Materials Science, or a related field

At least 10 years of experience in automotive product development, including 5+ years in a senior technical leadership role

Strong understanding of the complete product development cycle—from concept design to mass production—with hands-on experience or oversight in relevant stages

Familiar with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, AutoCAD) and capable of reviewing 2D / 3D models for design optimization and feasibility assessment

Proven experience guiding or reviewing product validation plans, with working knowledge of DFMEA and the ability to interpret test data for design improvement

Deep familiarity with IATF 16949 product development frameworks and quality management systems

In-depth knowledge of tooling, stamping, plastic injection, metal fasteners, and mechanical integration

Strong leadership, decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and crisis management capabilities, with the ability to influence across technical and business teams

Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and negotiation skills in both Mandarin and English

In-depth understanding of automotive development processes, technical standards, and OEM / Tier-1 systems