Head of engineering

Head of Product Engineering (Automotive & Electrical Engineering Plastic Components)

Objective of the role:

The primary objective of this role is to lead and strengthen the Product Engineering function by driving the development of innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective precision-engineered products. The role will be responsible for building a strong engineering organization, enhancing technical capabilities, and ensuring successful product development from concept through validation and commercialization.

The incumbent is expected to establish engineering excellence, foster innovation, develop and retain high-performing talent, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver products that meet customer, quality, regulatory, and business requirements. Experience in precision manufacturing, precision molding, or precision engineering environments is highly preferred, with a strong focus on building scalable engineering capabilities and supporting long-term business growth.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Engineering Leadership & Capability Building Lead and strengthen the overall Product Engineering function across design, development, validation, tooling, testing, and program management. Build, develop, and retain a high-performing engineering organization capable of supporting current and future business growth. Establish engineering processes, standards, governance mechanisms, and best practices across the product development lifecycle. Develop succession plans, competency frameworks, and capability-building programs for engineering teams. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Product Development & Engineering Excellence

Lead end-to-end product engineering from concept development through design, validation, industrialization, and product launch. Drive product development for high-precision engineered components, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, quality expectations, and manufacturing feasibility. Evaluate customer RFQs, define technical requirements, and ensure robust engineering solutions. Ensure successful execution of New Product Development (NPD) programs with adherence to cost, quality, performance, and timeline objectives. Guide design reviews, engineering validation, risk assessments, and technical decision-making.

Precision Engineering, Manufacturing & Validation

Drive engineering excellence in precision manufacturing, precision molding, and high-precision component development. Ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and robust validation methodologies are embedded in all product development activities. Lead product validation, testing, reliability assessment, and qualification activities. Collaborate closely with manufacturing, tooling, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless industrialization and production readiness. Drive continuous improvement in product performance, manufacturability, and process capability.

Innovation & Technology Development

Identify and implement emerging technologies, advanced materials, automation solutions, and next-generation manufacturing practices. Lead innovation initiatives focused on product performance enhancement, cost optimization, lightweighting, and value engineering. Support technology roadmaps and capability expansion aligned with future business requirements.

Customer & Program Leadership

Act as the senior technical interface for customers and key stakeholders. Lead technical reviews, design discussions, validation activities, and engineering problem-solving initiatives. Ensure strong cross-functional integration and alignment between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and commercial teams. Drive customer satisfaction through timely execution, technical excellence, and proactive engagement.

Strategic Business Contribution

Support business growth through technical leadership during customer acquisition, feasibility assessments, and new business opportunities. Provide strategic direction for engineering capability enhancement and technology investments. Align engineering initiatives with long-term organizational goals related to growth, diversification, operational excellence, and market competitiveness.

Candidate Criteria:

Experience & Domain Expertise

15–20+ years of experience in Product Engineering / NPD / Design & Development of Automotive and/or Electrical Engineering Plastic Components . Design & Development, and Engineering Leadership within Automotive, Electrical Engineering Plastics, Precision Engineering, or related industries. Strong exposure to end-to-end product development, including concept creation, engineering from scratch, design validation, testing, industrialization, and commercialization. Candidates with proven experience in developing products from scratch, rather than only customer print execution, will be highly preferred. Experience in precision engineering, precision manufacturing, and high-precision component development is highly desirable. Hands-on experience in transforming engineering organizations, building technical capabilities, driving innovation, and expanding product portfolios across multiple business segments. Strong exposure to product validation, reliability engineering, design reviews, and engineering problem-solving methodologies. Prior experience with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, electrical component manufacturers, or engineering-led manufacturing organizations is preferred. Candidates who have worked in Indian engineering-led companies and have successfully built products, engineering teams, and technical capabilities from the ground up will have a distinct advantage.

Technical Competencies

Thorough understanding of engineering plastics (PA, PBT, PC-ABS, LCP, PPS, FR-grade materials, etc.). Strong capabilities in CAD (2 D/3 D), DFMEA, GD& T, tolerance stack-up, DVP, CAE/FEA interpretation, and engineering documentation. Familiarity with automotive standards (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, IMDS) and electrical component standards (UL, IEC, Glow Wire, CTI, IP ratings). Ability to lead validation activities and advanced problem-solving (8 D, 5-Why, DOE).

Leadership & Program Management

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams (Design, CAE, Tooling, Testing, Program Management). Strong project and stakeholder management skills with experience handling APQP, milestone reviews, and customer technical meetings. Demonstrated ability to lead engineering change management, product launches, and cross-functional coordination.

Innovation & Value Engineering

Experience in VA/VE, cost optimisation, lightweighting, material substitution, and feature enhancement. Exposure to advanced technologies like 2 K/3 K moulding, insert moulding, high-temperature plastics, automated assembly, and metal-to-plastic conversion.

Educational Background

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Polymer, Automotive, or related engineering fields. Additional certifications in CAD/CAE tools, plastics engineering, or project management are an advantage.

Behavioral & Leadership Traits

Strong leadership qualities with the ability to mentor and develop technical teams. High ownership, decision-making capability, and a problem-solving mindset. Strong communication, customer-facing capabilities, and stakeholder management. Ability to work in a dynamic, multi-product, multi-segment environment.