Head of R&D
Location: Chennai
About the Role
We are looking for a seasoned and visionary Head of R&D to lead the organizations product development and engineering innovation initiatives across electric mobility platforms. The role will be responsible for driving end-to-end R&D strategy, new product development, platform engineering, vehicle architecture, technology partnerships, and innovation programs aligned with the companys growth plans in sustainable mobility.
The ideal candidate should have deep experience in EV technologies, automotive engineering, vehicle development, and cross-functional leadership, with the ability to build scalable and future-ready mobility solutions.
Key Responsibilities
R&D Strategy & Innovation
- Define and drive the overall R&D roadmap aligned with business goals and future mobility trends.
- Lead innovation initiatives across electric vehicles, battery systems, powertrain technologies, connected mobility, and smart vehicle platforms.
- Identify emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitive developments to strengthen the companys product portfolio.
- Build long-term technology capabilities and intellectual property for the organization.
Product Development
- Lead end-to-end product development lifecycle from concept design to commercialization.
- Drive development of electric vehicle platforms, aggregates, sub-systems, and associated technologies.
- Oversee vehicle architecture, design validation, prototyping, testing, homologation, and product engineering activities.
- Ensure products meet performance, quality, cost, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Engineering & Technical Leadership
- Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, electronics, embedded systems, software, and validation functions.
- Establish robust engineering processes, design standards, and development methodologies.
- Review technical feasibility, engineering risks, and product performance parameters.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of critical technical issues during development and field operations.
Program & Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, sourcing, quality, sales, and service teams to ensure smooth product industrialization and market launch.
- Collaborate with external technology partners, suppliers, research institutions, and certification agencies.
- Present R&D progress, technology strategy, and business cases to leadership teams and stakeholders.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively.
Team Building & Capability Development
- Build and mentor a high-performing R&D and engineering organization.
- Drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement.
- Develop succession planning and technical competency frameworks for engineering teams.
Desired Candidate Profile
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Automotive / Electronics Engineering.
- Masters degree in Engineering, Automotive Systems, EV Technology, or Management will be preferred.
- 1825 years of experience in automotive, electric mobility, commercial vehicles, or advanced engineering domains.
- Strong experience in EV product development, vehicle engineering, battery systems, powertrain integration, or mobility technology platforms.
- Proven track record of leading large R&D teams and delivering successful products to market.
- Strong understanding of automotive regulations, homologation standards, testing, and validation processes.
- Exposure to connected mobility, telematics, embedded systems, and software-driven vehicle technologies will be an advantage.
- Experience working with cross-functional global teams, suppliers, and technology partners preferred.
Leadership Expectations
- Strategic thinker with strong business orientation
- Ability to drive innovation and execution simultaneously
- Strong people leadership and mentoring capabilities
- High ownership and decision-making ability
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset
Preferred Industry Background
Candidates from electric mobility, automotive OEMs, commercial vehicles, auto components, EV start-ups, battery technology, or mobility technology companies will be preferred.
