R&D Lead – Automotive Steel Wheels & OEM Validation

JW Jant; Efeler; On-site; TRY 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

JW Jant seeks an experienced R&D Manager to lead the R&D organization and drive product development for OEM customers in the steel wheel sector. You will guide design, validation, and process improvements to meet engineering standards and customer requirements.

You will coordinate cross-functional activities, manage technical communication with OEMs, and contribute to building a strong R&D framework for sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in R&D, product development, or product engineering within the automotive industry.
• Experience in steel wheel development and OEM projects preferred.
• Strong knowledge of RFQ, APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, and product validation processes.
• Familiarity with ETRTO, EUWA, automotive standards.
• CAE/FEA analyses, product durability assessments, and validation testing experience.
• Good command of English.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structuring and development of the R&D organization.
• Manage product development and validation processes per OEM requirements.
• Coordinate activities from RFQ to mass production launch.
• Plan and oversee design, analysis, testing, and validation.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and standards.
• Lead APQP, PPAP, DFMEA processes.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Project Management, and Customer teams.
• Manage technical communication with OEM customers.

Skills

R&D management

Product development

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

English proficiency

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE software

Engineering documentation

Tooling design

Job description

JW Jant seeks an experienced R&D Manager to lead the R&D organization and drive product development for OEM customers in the steel wheel sector. You will guide design, validation, and process improvements to meet engineering standards and customer requirements.

You will coordinate cross-functional activities, manage technical communication with OEMs, and contribute to building a strong R&D framework for sustainable growth.