About the Role :
To lead the engineering function for automotive connectors and interconnect components , driving innovation, new product development, and technology leadership while ensuring compliance with global automotive standards. The role focuses on delivering cost-effective, reliable, and high-performance solutions for OEM and Tier-1 customers, supporting the organization’s growth in the evolving EV and connected mobility ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities :
Product & Technology Development
Drive new product development (NPD) for automotive connectors, terminals, and interconnect solutions.
Oversee design of high-voltage connectors, signal connectors, sealing systems, housings, and contact technologies.
Lead design validation & testing : thermal, vibration, durability, electrical load, environmental.
Process & Manufacturing Support
Partner with manufacturing teams on injection molding, stamping, plating, and assembly processes.
Support APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and DVP&R activities.
Champion design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-to-cost initiatives
Customer & Market Interface
Act as the primary engineering interface with global OEMs and Tier-1s.
Translate customer specifications into product designs .
Drive value engineering and cost competitiveness programs.
Leadership & Team Building
Lead a cross-functional engineering team (design, simulation, testing, prototyping).
Develop technical competencies in next-gen automotive interconnect technologies (high-voltage, high-speed data, EV charging).
Mentor and build a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement .
Candidate Criteria
Education
B.E. / B.Tech in Electrical, Electronics, or Mechanical Engineering or M.Tech / MBA (preferred, but not mandatory).
Experience
20–25 years of overall experience in automotive manufacturing components .
Minimum 10–12 years in connectors, terminals, interconnect devices .
At least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing engineering / product development teams.
Proven experience in end-to-end product lifecycle : design, validation, testing, and industrialization.
Technical Expertise
Strong knowledge of connector & terminal design (plastic housings, metal contacts, sealing systems).
Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes : injection molding, stamping, plating, and assembly.
Familiarity with automotive standards : USCAR, LV214, ISO 8092, IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP.
Proficiency in CAD / PLM tools (CATIA, NX, Creo).
Exposure to high-voltage connectors, EV charging systems, and high-speed data interconnects (preferred).
Leadership & Managerial Skills
Ability to build and lead high-performance engineering teams .
Strong stakeholder management with OEMs and Tier-1 customers .
Strategic thinking with focus on innovation, cost competitiveness, and quality .
Excellent communication, decision-making, and project management skills.
Personal Attributes
Visionary mindset with passion for automotive technology and future mobility .
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global, and cross-cultural environment .
Head Of Engineering • Chennai, India