Head of Engineering

Head of Engineering - Powertrain Components (Transmission Gears, Hypoid Gears, Differential Gears, Crown Wheel & Pinion, Axle Gears, Final Drive Systems, Differential Assemblies, Axle Components, and related Driveline )

Role Objective:

To lead the engineering function for drivetrain and powertrain components, including crown wheel & pinion, transmission gears, and related assemblies, ensuring design excellence, manufacturing feasibility, product quality, cost competitiveness, and technology advancement while supporting business growth and customer requirements.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

1. Product Engineering & Development

• Lead the design and development of crown wheel & pinion sets, transmission gears, and powertrain components.
• Ensure compliance with OEM specifications, durability requirements, and performance standards.
• Drive DFMEA, design validation, and reliability engineering.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and localization programs.

2. Gear Design & Drivetrain Engineering

• Oversee gear geometry design, tooth profile optimization, and load analysis.
• Ensure proper gear meshing, NVH performance, and torque transmission efficiency.
• Lead design improvements for durability, fatigue life, and efficiency.
• Manage software tools for gear design and simulation.

3. Manufacturing Engineering Integration

• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Support process development for:
• Forging
• Gear hobbing
• Gear shaping
• Heat treatment
• Grinding
• Lapping
• Optimize production processes and cycle times.

4. Technology & Innovation

• Introduce advanced gear technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Lead initiatives in:
• Lightweight powertrain components
• High-efficiency gear systems
• Electrified powertrain applications
• Evaluate and implement automation and digital engineering tools.

5. Customer & Program Management

• Interface with global OEM customers for product development programs.
• Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and validation activities.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and customer audits.

6. Quality & Reliability

• Ensure engineering designs meet quality and durability standards.
• Lead root cause analysis for field failures and warranty issues.
• Support quality teams on corrective and preventive actions.

7. Cost Optimization & Value Engineering

• Drive cost reduction initiatives through design optimization.
• Lead value engineering and material optimization programs.
• Improve productivity and engineering efficiency.

8. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with:
• Manufacturing
• Quality
• Supply chain
• Program management
• Ensure alignment between engineering, operations, and business goals.

9. Team Leadership

• Build and lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Mentor engineers in gear design, drivetrain engineering, and product development.
• Develop future engineering leaders and technical specialists.

Candidate Criteria:

Experience: 1520 years in automotive drivetrain / gear manufacturing industry.

Leadership: Minimum 58 years in senior engineering leadership roles managing product development and engineering teams.

Domain Expertise: Strong experience in crown wheel & pinion, transmission gears, differential systems, and powertrain components.

Technical Knowledge:

• Gear design and development
• Gear geometry and tooth profile optimization
• Gear manufacturing processes (hobbing, shaping, grinding, lapping)
• Heat treatment and metallurgy

Manufacturing Exposure: Good understanding of forging, machining, and industrialization of gear components.

Customer Interface: Experience working with global automotive OEMs and managing APQP / PPAP processes.

Tools & Systems: Exposure to gear design and engineering software (KISSsoft, Romax, CATIA, Creo etc.).

Education: B.E / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering; higher qualification in Design / Manufacturing / Automotive Engineering is an added advantage.