Engineering Operational Excellence and Madurai R&D Leader is responsible for driving Engineering Transformation across Garrett’s global New Product Introduction (NPI) and Engineering value streams. Focused on driving continuous productivity for engineering with a structured, data driven, and digitally enabled (including with AI tools) process improvements that enhance speed, quality, and cost across Engineering and NPI processes.
This role requires a strategic change leader capable of diagnosing systemic inefficiencies, designing sustainable Lean systems, and elevating Engineering performance through rigorous process governance, advanced problem solving, and breakthrough productivity initiatives. In addition, the role will be pivotal to grow our engineering presence in Madurai as the lead for R&D. This means the incumbant will need to work with other engineering functions to identify talent and opportunities and look after interns who can grow into the future engineers.
He/She will partner with global Engineering, Program Management, Test Labs, Prototype Development, Design Engineering, Simulation, Manufacturing Engineering, to build a culture of excellence and operational discipline consistent with Garrett Excellence Model (GEM) and modern product development best practices.
Key Job Areas of Responsibilities
Engineering & NPI Process productivity and transformation
Lead structured transformation of end to end engineering and NPI value streams, targeting cycle time, RDE productivity, first time right design, and digital process maturity.
Create & manage a prioritized portfolio of breakthrough improvement opportunities aligned with AOP, STRAP, and Enterprise initiatives.
Re-baseline Engineering processes (design, simulation, testing, proto, release) through Lean, digital workflow optimization, and waste elimination.
Lean & Six Sigma Deployment
Deploy multi-level Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Lean Baseline diagnostics, Kaizen events, and structured A3 problem-solving.
Institutionalize Lean Engineering practices such as Garrett Excellence Model (GEM), visual management, standard work, and engineering flow optimization.
Apply Six Sigma tools for root cause analysis, process capability improvement, and variability reduction in engineering workflows.
Measurable Productivity KPIs and results
- Deliver measurable improvements in engineering cycle time, engineering productivity (RDE), engineering rework, defect reduction, and NPI schedule adherence.
- Use engineering process data to forecast improvement impact for Quarterly forecasts, AOP, and STRAP.
Change Leadership & Engagement
- Operate as a Change Agent who challenges legacy thinking and stimulates a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Facilitate cross-functional engagement across NPI, Engineering domains, Program Management, Test Labs, Prototype Shops, and other global stakeholders.
- Coach engineering teams to develop structured problem solving capability (Lean, Six Sigma, GEM, DMAIC).
Governance & Execution Rigor
- Basic knowledge of Program management concepts and practicies to manage multiple Process excellence projects
- Establish Engineering Operational Excellence governance including Management Operating System (MOS), KPIs, cadences, A3 reviews, and project execution standards.
- Build robust process documentation, standard work, and “hard wired” sustainability mechanisms.
Help build and train the Madurai R&D team
- Help build the Madurai R&D team not only for OpEx but also for other global R&D functions as needed
- Identify, attract, develop talent from Madurai and Tamil Nadu to join the specific roles needed in R&D
- Build a plan and pipeline for R&D Madurai interns
Education/Qualifications
- A Bachelors degree in Mechanical / Production / Aerospace / Industrial / Automobile Engg or equivalent experience.
- Mechanical Master Degree in Engineering Management / Industrial Engineering is added advantage
Experience Required
- 8–10 years Engineering experience in New Product Development / NPI, ideally in Automotive or Turbomachinery.
- 3–5 years driving formal change management and structured improvement programs in a global organization.
- Experience collaborating across Engineering, Program Management, Test, Prototype, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar technical domains.
- Experience with data analytics and AI
Key Skills & Knowledge
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Expert certification
- Master’s degree in Engineering Management / Industrial Engineering preferred.
Working knowledge of:
- Experience with AI and prompt engineering
- SPC, statistical tools, advanced data analytics
- Program management fundamentals
Garrett is a cutting-edge technology leader delivering differentiated solutions for emission reduction and energy efficiency. We are passionate about innovating for mobility and beyond. With a nearly 70-year legacy, we serve customer worldwide with passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, aftermarket replacement, and performance enhancement solutions.
