Lead Engineer

Role Overview

The Lead Engineer will be responsible for managing end-to-end engineering activities related to interior and exterior trim components. The role includes ensuring timely design releases, leading prototype builds, monitoring validation and fleet vehicles, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to resolve design and production concerns. The candidate will also participate in vehicle benchmarking, quality audits, and support plant-related issue resolution to ensure high-quality delivery of components.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Design & Release

• Ensure timely release of detailed engineering designs for interior and exterior trim components.

• Review design feasibility, manufacturability, and alignment with vehicle specifications.

• Provide technical guidance to teams for part development and design implementation.

Prototype & Validation

• Lead proto builds and support testing and validation of trim components on fleet and prototype vehicles.

• Monitor validation processes and ensure compliance with performance, quality, and durability standards.

• Identify design gaps and coordinate corrective actions with design, CAE, and manufacturing teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with design, CAE, manufacturing, and quality teams to resolve part development concerns.

• Liaise with suppliers and vendors for technical clarifications and design optimization.

• Support plant teams in tracking and resolving production concerns related to trim components.

Benchmarking & Quality Audits

• Participate in vehicle benchmarking studies to evaluate competitor designs and derive improvement opportunities.

• Conduct quality audits for interior and exterior trim components to ensure adherence to standards.

• Provide inputs for design improvements based on benchmarking and audit findings.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed records of design releases, validation results, and concern resolutions.

• Prepare reports and dashboards to update management on design progress, validation status, and plant concerns.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of interior and exterior trim component design and development.

• Proficiency in CAD tools (CATIA V5 or equivalent) for 3D modeling and 2D drawings.

• Understanding of vehicle engineering processes, prototype builds, and validation methods.

• Familiarity with benchmarking techniques and quality audit processes.

• Experience in resolving plant and production-related engineering concerns.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

• Analytical and problem-solving mindset.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure timely delivery.

• Leadership skills to guide junior engineers and coordinate with teams.

• Hands-on experience in prototype builds, validation, and plant support is preferred.

• Knowledge of automotive quality standards and benchmarking practices is a plus.

• B.E required.