Research And Development Manager

Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.; Pune District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturing firm based in Pune is seeking an experienced R&D Lead. You will drive product innovation, manage technical development, and mentor engineering teams. This role requires extensive experience in automotive product development and a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Strong leadership and communication skills in Mandarin and English are essential. Full-time position with opportunities for strategic impact in product direction and engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in automotive product development.
• Strong understanding of the complete product development cycle.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction on product design concepts.
• Evaluate and optimize feasibility of product design.
• Mentor engineers and technical staff.

Skills

Automotive product development

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software (e.g., CATIA, AutoCAD)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking R&D Lead to lead the product innovation, technical development, and engineering excellence. Based in Pune, India, this role collaborates closely with global teams and plays a critical part in driving strategies, shaping product direction, and strengthening competitive advantages through advanced design, materials, and manufacturing innovations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direction on product design concepts, technical architecture, and innovation strategies
• Promote modular design approaches and drive standardization of carry-over parts across product lines
• Evaluate and optimize feasibility of product design, stamping and forming processes, and integration of metal and plastic components
• Introduce and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to enhance innovation and product competitiveness
• Review product design proposals and guide designers in identifying priorities, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Support customer-facing activities by providing strategic technical input in solution development and presentations
• Oversee the planning and review of prototype drawings, validation tests, and trial builds, ensuring alignment with technical direction
• Mentor engineers and technical staff to enhance their problem-solving skills and design judgment
• Define and execute mid-to-long-term technical development plans aligned with corporate goals
• Develop and manage the company’s intellectual property strategy, including patents and trade secrets related to core technologies

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Materials Science, or a related field
• At least 10 years of experience in automotive product development, including 5+ years in a senior technical leadership role
• Strong understanding of the complete product development cycle—from concept design to mass production—with hands‑on experience or oversight in relevant stages
• Familiar with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, AutoCAD) and capable of reviewing 2D/3D models for design optimization and feasibility assessment
• Proven experience guiding or reviewing product validation plans, with working knowledge of DFMEA and the ability to interpret test data for design improvement
• Deep familiarity with IATF 16949 product development frameworks and quality management systems
• In‑depth knowledge of tooling, stamping, plastic injection, metal fasteners, and mechanical integration
• Strong leadership, decision‑making, cross‑functional collaboration, and crisis management capabilities, with the ability to influence across technical and business teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and negotiation skills in both Mandarin and English
• In‑depth understanding of automotive development processes, technical standards, and OEM/Tier‑1 systems

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Research and Design

Industries

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing and Manufacturing