Lead Engineer - Structures and Interiors

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