Head of R&D

Head of R&D

Location: Chennai

About the Role

We are looking for a seasoned and visionary Head of R&D to lead the organization s product development and engineering innovation initiatives across electric mobility platforms. The role will be responsible for driving end-to-end R&D strategy new product development platform engineering vehicle architecture technology partnerships and innovation programs aligned with the company s growth plans in sustainable mobility.

The ideal candidate should have deep experience in EV technologies automotive engineering vehicle development and cross-functional leadership with the ability to build scalable and future-ready mobility solutions.

Key Responsibilities

R&D Strategy & Innovation

• Define and drive the overall R&D roadmap aligned with business goals and future mobility trends.
• Lead innovation initiatives across electric vehicles battery systems powertrain technologies connected mobility and smart vehicle platforms.
• Identify emerging technologies industry trends and competitive developments to strengthen the company s product portfolio.
• Build long-term technology capabilities and intellectual property for the organization.

Product Development

• Lead end-to-end product development lifecycle from concept design to commercialization.
• Drive development of electric vehicle platforms aggregates sub-systems and associated technologies.
• Oversee vehicle architecture design validation prototyping testing homologation and product engineering activities.
• Ensure products meet performance quality cost safety and regulatory requirements.

Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical electrical electronics embedded systems software and validation functions.
• Establish robust engineering processes design standards and development methodologies.
• Review technical feasibility engineering risks and product performance parameters.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of critical technical issues during development and field operations.

Program & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with manufacturing supply chain sourcing quality sales and service teams to ensure smooth product industrialization and market launch.
• Collaborate with external technology partners suppliers research institutions and certification agencies.
• Present R&D progress technology strategy and business cases to leadership teams and stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines budgets and resource allocation effectively.

Team Building & Capability Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing R&D and engineering organization.
• Drive a culture of innovation collaboration agility and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession planning and technical competency frameworks for engineering teams.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor s degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Automotive / Electronics Engineering.
• Master s degree in Engineering Automotive Systems EV Technology or Management will be preferred.
• 18 25 years of experience in automotive electric mobility commercial vehicles or advanced engineering domains.
• Strong experience in EV product development vehicle engineering battery systems powertrain integration or mobility technology platforms.
• Proven track record of leading large R&D teams and delivering successful products to market.
• Strong understanding of automotive regulations homologation standards testing and validation processes.
• Exposure to connected mobility telematics embedded systems and software-driven vehicle technologies will be an advantage.
• Experience working with cross-functional global teams suppliers and technology partners preferred.

Leadership Expectations

• Strategic thinker with strong business orientation
• Ability to drive innovation and execution simultaneously
• Strong people leadership and mentoring capabilities
• High ownership and decision-making ability
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset

Preferred Industry Background

Candidates from electric mobility automotive OEMs commercial vehicles auto components EV start-ups battery technology or mobility technology companies will be preferred.