Lead Engineer - Structures and Interiors

Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Engineer – Structures & Interiors, to oversee the end-to-end design & development of structural and interior systems for passenger transportation vehicles. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring structural integrity, Cabin & Passenger Car interiors, safety, material selection, mechanical component integration, prototyping and testing, regulatory compliance and performance under static, dynamic, and environmental loads. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams—including industrial designers, systems engineers, electrical systems, HVAC and safety specialists—to deliver solutions that are reliable, lightweight, comfortable, durable, aesthetically refined interiors, and ergonomically optimized. Key Responsibilities Design Leadership Lead the design and development of structures, interior layouts, and passenger amenities (frames, panels, joints, suspension points, ceilings, sidewalls, floors, partitions, seats, etc.) Own design deliverables across the product lifecycle (concept, detailed design, validation, industrialization). Define and validate material selection, jointing methods, and crashworthiness criteria (where applicable). Optimize structures for weight, durability, manufacturability, layout, acoustics, crashworthiness, structural constraints and cost. Manage interfaces between structure, interior, and onboard systems (e.g., door modules, cable ducts, driver interface). Engineering Analysis & Validation Coordinate with structural analysis (FEA/FEM) for load case analysis, fatigue, and crash scenarios. Knowledge of "Fit Feel Finish", Tolerance Management, Coatings & Welding Perform design reviews, DFMEA, and lead issue resolution for structural and interior design-related problems. Interface with testing and V&V teams for prototype verification. Support failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives. Cross-functional Collaboration Work with systems, electrical, and HVAC teams to ensure proper routing and interface integration. Collaborate with manufacturing and sourcing teams to ensure DFM/A (Design for Manufacturability & Assembly). Provide technical inputs to procurement and vendors on fabrication, tolerances, and installation. Documentation & Standards Prepare and review detailed 2D/3D CAD models, BOMs, and engineering change requests. Ensure compliance with global railway standards such as EN 1709, EN 12663, EN 15227, UIC, or equivalent, etc. Create and maintain technical specifications, design reports, and installation manuals Soft Skills: Strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to manage design teams and guide junior engineers. Proactive mindset with focus on quality and delivery timelines. Lead project reviews and coordinate design and verification reviews, providing comprehensive reports. Manage risk assessments and develop mitigation plans. Oversee technical solutions, identify gaps in application and product domains. Required Skills and Experience Proven expertise in designing structural frames for passenger transportation systems. Ability to assess maintainability, accessibility, and serviceability during design. Experience in volume allocation and weight assessment of assemblies, aggregates, and installations. Material selection Competence in designing equipment/subsystem geometries and optimizing installation within passenger transportation systems. Ability to define functional dimensioning requirements relating to operation, aesthetics, assembly, and disassembly. Knowledge of adjustment principles, clearance management, and stack-up analysis aligned with manufacturing capabilities. Experience analyzing manufacturing non-conformities and validating alternate solutions. Understanding of cost implications of technical design choices. Proficient in selecting and specifying fasteners based on joint design requirements. Strong knowledge of drawing standards and GD&T according to relevant codes. Hands-on experience with CAD tools (CATIA V5, SolidWorks) and PLM platforms like Enovia for 3D and 2D modeling and validation. Have knowledge on interiors surface definition and its packaging to a cabin space envelope Ability to design Saloon Interior commodities and their interfaces. Experience designing Interior commodities such as Side linings, Windows, Gangway, Ceilings, Door pillars, Flooring, Seat assembly etc. Ability to design Cab Interior commodities and Front mask. Ability to perform mechanical assembly calculations and interpret results. Skilled in translating and finalizing requirements according to customer specifications. Thorough understanding of welding technology, weld joint design, and bolted joint fabrication related to platforms, chassis, cabins, structures, and bogies. Good knowledge of material properties, adhesive designs, heat treatment processes, and surface coating techniques. Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. Minimum 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical structural & interior design, preferably in transportation sectors such as aerospace, rail or cable transport. Travel Requirements Occasional travel to gather inputs, study product functionality, support on-site engineering reviews, installations, or inspections. Site visits may include: Installation sites Prototype and manufacturing facilities Testing laboratories for vibration and load testing