R&D Manager

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

We are looking for an R&D Manager to lead and manage the R&D organization of our company, a leading manufacturer of steel wheels for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

Qualifications

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

The position will be responsible for managing product design and development activities for OEM customers and will play an active role in the structuring of technical processes.

Job Description

• Lead the structuring and development of the R&D organization within the company,
• Manage product development and validation processes in line with OEM customer requirements,
• Coordinate technical activities from the RFQ stage through mass production launch,
• Plan and oversee product design, analysis, testing, and validation activities,
• Ensure product development activities comply with customer specifications and applicable standards,
• Lead APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, and other product development processes,
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Project Management, and Customer teams,
• Manage technical communication with OEM customers and represent the company in technical matters,
• Lead the establishment and development of the R&D team and manage department performance.

Purpose of the Positions

To strengthen the company’s product development capabilities, enhance its technical competence in serving OEM customers, and establish a sustainable R&D operating framework.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in steel wheel development projects,
• Experience with OEM customer technical specifications and product approval processes,
• Knowledge of CAD/CAE applications and engineering documentation,
• Experience in product method plans,
• Experience in tooling design.