Team Lead - Mechanical

(8-15 years of experience)

entire product development lifecycle

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, driving adherence to design methodologies, standards, and best practices.
• Manage team performance through structured technical and soft-skill development plans.

Mechanical Design Ownership

• Own the complete mechanical design lifecycle — from concept and feasibility to prototyping and production release.
• Prepare detailed project schedules, track progress, and present status updates to management.
• Drive innovation by exploring advanced materials, manufacturing processes (CNC, additive manufacturing, injection molding), and cost-optimized solutions.
• Set strategic direction for mechanical design innovation and capability building.
• Ensure design data and IP protection in compliance with defense cybersecurity and company policies.

Design Execution & Review

• Execute and review 3D designs using CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, NX) for weapon kits (buttstocks, pistol grips, rails, helmet mounts) and electro-optical assemblies.
• Ensure design for manufacturability across injection molding, machining, casting, and sheet metal processes.
• Conduct design analyses (thermal, stress, fit, form, IP, IK) and perform FEA using ANSYS or Abaqus.
• Generate detailed design documentation — drawings, exploded views, assembly guides, and BOMs.

Quality, Compliance & Validation

• Apply and interpret GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5 or ISO) to ensure form, fit, and interchangeability.
• Define critical dimensions, datum structures, and tolerances for manufacturability and inspection.
• Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses, FAIs, CMM measurements, and PPAP reviews.
• Conduct and review DFMEA, PFMEA, and DVP&R to ensure robust, reliable designs.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant safety, environmental, and defense standards (RoHS, REACH, MIL-STD).

Project & Vendor Coordination

• Manage supplier and vendor engagements for prototype fabrication and component manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Electronics, Firmware, Manufacturing, and QA teams for seamless system integration.
• Coordinate with Engineering and SCM teams on project execution, material readiness, and timelines.
• Work with OEMs for technical documentation, compliance certificates, authorizations, and tender QRs.

Testing, Trials & Optimization

• Support field trials, capture user feedback, and iterate designs to enhance ergonomics, durability, and mission readiness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues through development, testing, and production.
• Perform root cause analysis and define corrective measures.
• Optimize mechanical production techniques using DFMA principles.

Documentation & Support

• Finalize and maintain mechanical BOMs, ensuring SAP accuracy and case tracking.
• Maintain an updated repository of datasheets, specifications, design cases, and product brochures.
• Support product demonstrations, exhibitions, and client interactions as required.
• Modify and upgrade existing product designs based on evolving client or technical needs.
• Conduct technical studies on optical/mechanical systems, thermal imaging, night vision, and related integrations.

Job Specification

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in

  Mechanical Engineering

  or equivalent.

Experience:

• 8–15 years

  of mechanical design experience in

  precision electro-optical or defense-grade systems

  , with at least

  3 years

  in a

  lead or senior role

  .

Technical Expertise:

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX) and surfacing (boundary, loft, fill).
• Deep understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5 / ISO), tolerance stack-up, and inspection planning.
• Hands-on experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus) for thermal/structural analysis.
• Sound knowledge of manufacturing processes — machining, casting, sheet metal, plastic molding.
• Experience in PLM systems and SAP/ERP environments.
• Expertise in DFM, DFA, and rapid prototyping.

Additional Skills:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven capability to manage multiple projects under tight timelines.
• Exposure to ISO and military standards (MIL-STD-810/883, JS 55555).
• Understanding of weapons systems, thermal cameras, and night vision devices.
• Experience working with

  Govt Labs, OEMs, Defense Integrators

  , and

  certification authorities

  .