NPD (Forging Process)

As a Manager/Sr. Manager in New Production Development (NPD) specifically in the Forging Industry, your role will entail the following responsibilities: **Role Overview:** You will be responsible for leading and managing the development of new forged components from concept to production, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery targets are met. This includes coordinating design, process planning, tooling development, and trial validation in line with customer requirements and organizational objectives. **Key Responsibilities:** - Lead the complete NPD process from enquiry, feasibility study, and cost estimation to successful PPAP and SOP. - Study customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to develop process flow, forging sequence, and material selection. - Coordinate with design, production, tool room, and quality departments for die design, tooling development, and validation. - Plan and conduct forging trials, analyze results, and implement necessary modifications for process optimization. - Prepare and review process layouts, forging drawings, and tool designs (dies, punches, mandrels, etc.). - Ensure proper die design considering material flow, load distribution, and forging defects prevention. - Prepare detailed project timelines and monitor progress to ensure timely completion of new product launches. - Identify risks in project execution and take corrective and preventive actions. - Act as a key technical interface with customers for all new development activities. - Ensure dimensional accuracy, metallurgical properties, and mechanical strength as per customer specifications. - Optimize process flow to achieve material yield improvement and cost reduction. - Guide and mentor NPD engineers and cross-functional teams. - Promote teamwork and collaboration across departments to meet project objectives. **Qualification Required:** - B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical/Production/Industrial Engineering. - 14-16 years of experience in New Product Development/Process Engineering in a forging industry, preferably automotive or heavy engineering sector. - Experience in handling customer projects from development to mass production is essential. This role requires strong technical knowledge of closed-die/open-die/ring rolling forging processes, hands-on experience in process design, die design, and tooling development, proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, or Unigraphics), good understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment, and material flow, familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and other automotive quality systems, excellent project management and problem-solving skills, and strong communication and coordination ability with internal teams and customers.,