Project Lead

Location: Pune/Pimpri-Chinchward, India

Department: Program Management / Engineering Operations

Reports to: Program Director / Senior Management

Company: Kalbhorz

Kalbhorz is looking for a highly capable and experienced Project Lead to manage strategic programs in the Defence, Aerospace, or Electric Vehicle (EV) domain. This individual will be responsible for end-to-end project lifecycle management — from planning to execution — while ensuring alignment with customer requirements, quality standards, and compliance frameworks.

The ideal candidate will bring deep domain knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership experience within high-precision, regulated industries. They should thrive in fast-paced environments, with a strong ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results under stringent timelines.

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex engineering or R&D projects in Defence, Aerospace, or EV sectors.
• Define project scope, goals, timelines, resource plans, and cost estimates.
• Track project performance using KPIs, milestones, and project dashboards.

• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure technical feasibility and alignment with product development goals.
• Conduct regular design and technical reviews with internal and customer stakeholders.
• Ensure integration of latest standards and technologies specific to the sector (MIL-STD, DO-178C, ISO 26262, etc.).

• Serve as the single point of contact for internal teams, customers (including defence agencies or OEMs), and external partners.
• Prepare and deliver project updates, reports, and presentations to key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with supply chain and vendor partners to manage deliverables and dependencies.

• Identify and manage project risks, maintaining detailed mitigation and contingency plans.
• Ensure adherence to applicable industry regulations, certifications, and internal quality management systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across project workflows.

• Lead multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, quality specialists, and procurement professionals.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Manage performance, resolve conflicts, and ensure team alignment with project goals.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related field).
• Minimum 3–5 years of project management experience in Defence, Aerospace, or EV sectors.
• Strong understanding of design, development, and validation processes in regulated industries.
• Experience managing end-to-end product development or system integration projects.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Confluence).

• PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum certification.
• Familiarity with standards such as MIL-STD, AS9100, ISO 26262, ARP4754A, or ISO 21434.
• Experience with CAD/PLM tools, ERP systems, and compliance documentation.
• Exposure to government/defence procurement processes or electric vehicle homologation requirements.