R&D Project Manager in Substations - India Development Centre

Hitachi Energy; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy is seeking a Project Manager/Owner to lead R&D projects in Chennai. You will manage project objectives and deliverables, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of experience in the Power industry, proficient in agile methodologies and project management tools like MS Project and Primavera. Strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to work in multicultural environments are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in the Power industry.
• Proven experience with gate process methodologies.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects from concept to validation.
• Develop project plans including scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams for project success.
• Communicate project progress and risks to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and procedures.

Skills

Project management related to Power system testing

Agile methodologies

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Master's or higher degree

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Azure DevOps

Job description

The Opportunity

Hitachi Energy India Development Centre (IDC) is a research and development facility with around 500 R&D Engineers, specialists, and experts focusing on creating and sustaining digital solutions, new products and technology.

This includes product integration, testing, cybersecurity, and certification. The India Development Centre is situated in Chennai and Bangalore.

As a Project Manager/Owner to lead and coordinate R&D projects, this role involves managing projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams. Foster innovation in Grid control technologies by leading R&D projects with structured gate processes and leveraging tools like MS Project, Primavera, and Azure DevOps. Deliver impactful solutions efficiently through agile practices, strong cross‑functional teamwork, and technical excellence within the R&D environment.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• You will be responsible for leading R&D projects from concept to validation, applying structured gate process frameworks.
• Define project objectives and deliverables in alignment with organisational goals and customer requirements, and develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, resource and budget allocations.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and issues effectively to all relevant stakeholders, executive leadership, and facilitate timely decision‑making by presenting facts and figures.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams including engineering, simulation, testing, and product development.
• Manage third‑party vendors and consultants involved in projects and ensure all project activities comply with industry standards, codes, and safety regulations.
• Identify potential risks and challenges in project execution and develop and implement mitigation strategies to minimise disruptions and ensure project success.
• Foster a collaborative and results‑driven work environment, inspire and motivate R&D teams, and collaborate with resources from functions across the company, working with teams spread globally.
• Ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Live Hitachi Energy’s core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your Background

• Required bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering; a master’s or higher degree is a plus, with a minimum of 8+ years of experience in the Power industry.
• Knowledge of project management experience related to Power system testing, control and protection in an R&D environment is required.
• Experience in Power generation/FACTS/HVDC/Substation automation or renewable sources integration is an added advantage.
• Proven experience with gate process methodologies and project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, Azure DevOps), with a strong track record of managing Agile workflows and DevOps practices in a technical R&D environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to think strategically, understand the big picture and adapt available solutions to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in a multi‑cultural team will be valued.
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English is required.

Publication date: 2026-02-10