Lead Engineer - Materials Technology

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

As an Engineer – Materials Technology, you will lead and be responsible for comprehensive project deliverables relating to plastics and composite materials utilized in automotive applications. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Developing advanced raw materials for both interior and exterior polymer components, ensuring materials meet performance and durability standards.
• Conducting thorough failure modes and root cause analyses on polymer parts, employing established methodologies to enhance product reliability.
• Demonstrating in-depth knowledge of materials, part designs, and vehicle manufacturing processes to optimize product integration and manufacturability.
• Applying value analysis and engineering principles to improve cost-effectiveness and product quality across material selections and processes.
• Leading product development initiatives, harnessing tools such as DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP (Design Verification Plans) to ensure material and component performance aligns with engineering requirements.
• Selecting appropriate materials based on detailed engineering criteria, driving innovation in polymeric part designs and materials development.
• Utilizing robust statistical techniques for establishing material specifications, evaluating raw material suppliers, and conducting rigorous supplier audits to uphold quality standards.
• Independently leading the development and implementation of novel material technologies, including lightweight composites, to support cutting-edge automotive designs.
• Applying expert knowledge in composite materials and structural manufacturing technologies to develop high-performance applications.
• Interpreting mold flow analysis reports to resolve polymer processing challenges and mitigate associated part failures.
• Employing software tools such as CATIA for design support and having exposure to ICME (Integrated Computational Materials Engineering) platforms like MSC Digimat to simulate and optimise materials behaviour.
• Conducting benchmarking activities against industry standards and competitors to continuously improve materials technology strategies.

This role demands a proactive approach in research, development, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective materials solutions that align with our automotive business unit's goals.

Experience

We seek candidates with approximately 5 to 6 years of relevant professional experience, encompassing the following areas:

• Expertise in the selection of materials suited for automotive and industrial applications, balancing performance requirements with cost and manufacturing feasibility.
• Comprehensive understanding of materials, part design considerations, and vehicle manufacturing processes, and their interplay in product development.
• Proven competence in material and component validation processes to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards.
• Demonstrated experience in failure analysis techniques to identify root causes and propose effective remedial strategies.
• Advanced knowledge of composite materials technology, including fabrication methods and structural applications within automotive contexts.
• Proficiency with plastics specification development and application in part design and production.
• Hands-on experience with simulation and computational materials engineering tools such as ICME platforms, MSC Digimat, Materials Center, and Granta MI, aiding in predictive modelling and material optimization.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working both at the bench and collaboratively across teams, bringing technical rigor and innovative problem-solving to materials development challenges.

Industry Preferred

Preference will be given to professionals holding experience within the following industries:

• Plastic processing firms specializing in polymer materials manufacturing and innovation.
• Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) where materials technology and part design play a critical role.
• Composite fabrication companies focused on advanced materials used in structural and lightweight automotive components.
• Simulation and computational analysis companies that develop or employ software tools for materials behaviour prediction and optimisation.

Experience drawn from these sectors will provide a strong foundation for contributing effectively in our automotive materials technology initiatives.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess the following academic qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Polymer Technology, Plastics Technology, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Additional certifications or training in materials engineering, failure analysis, or composite technologies will be considered advantageous.

Academic credentials should demonstrate a solid theoretical foundation complemented by practical knowledge applicable to materials development and automotive manufacturing processes.

General Requirements

General requirements for success in this role include:

• Excellent communication skills, enabling clear interaction across technical teams, management, and external suppliers.
• A positive and collaborative attitude that promotes teamwork and shared problem-solving.
• Strong aptitude and keen interest in automotive materials, keeping abreast of evolving technologies and industry trends.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, contributing technical expertise while embracing diverse perspectives.
• A customer-oriented mindset, focused on delivering value and quality that meets or exceeds stakeholder expectations.
• High degree of self-motivation, with the initiative to drive projects forward independently and proactively.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of tasks, lead technical efforts, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, we uphold a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We recognise that fostering a diverse workforce fuels innovation and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and empowered.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure all qualified applicants receive fair consideration without discrimination based on age, caste, race, religion, colour, ethnic origin, gender identity, nationality, physical or mental ability, medical conditions, sexual orientation, educational background, marital or domestic partnership status, pregnancy or childbirth, veteran status, citizenship, ancestry, financial condition, or any other legally protected status.

We actively promote inclusive recruitment practices and provide an accessible application process that encourages candidates from all backgrounds to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Together, we build a respectful and supportive workplace that embraces differences and reflects the diverse communities we serve, driving sustainable growth and mutual success.