Sr Lead Engineer - MTD

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

• As the Technical Manager of the Polymer Laboratory accredited under ISO 17025, you will take ownership of all laboratory operations, ensuring strict adherence to quality and compliance standards.
• You will lead and supervise a team of test engineers, guiding their development and ensuring precision in testing and characterization of polymeric materials including plastics, composites, elastomers, foams, adhesives, paints, and coatings.
• Your responsibilities will extend to managing the full cycle of test activities from contract review to final report approval, including overseeing inter-laboratory comparisons (ILC), proficiency testing (PT), and equipment calibration.
• Your role will involve detailed analysis and interpretation of test data with the ability to calculate measurement uncertainties and maintain rigorous document control systems in alignment with EOHS/EMS, ISMS, and EnMS protocols.
• You will also be instrumental in optimising the utilisation of laboratory resources, managing budgets for laboratory revenue, capital expenditure, and IT investments, while driving technology innovation projects focused on cutting-edge polymer characterization methods such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, TMA, DMA, and SEM-EDX.
• A strong focus on polymer weathering, aging, and life prediction techniques will support first-time right product developments across Mahindra Automotive and Farm Sectors (AFS).
• In addition, you will champion quality assurance processes including third-party lab audits and uphold a repository of approved external laboratories to guarantee high testing standards.
• Your expertise in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), failure analysis, and relevant quality tools will underpin continual improvements in testing methodology, including the design of experiments approach to innovate new test standards.
• Through strategic leadership and collaboration across divisions, you will foster a high-performance culture aligned with corporate goals.

Experience

We are seeking candidates with approximately 15 years of extensive hands-on experience in polymer materials testing and characterization. The ideal professional will have held progressive managerial roles within ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, demonstrating strong leadership in driving laboratory processes and team development.

Experience in automotive OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, or reputable polytechnic and polymer research laboratories is highly valued. Candidates should have a proven track record of applying advanced polymer analytical techniques and quality management systems in a product development environment, along with a comprehensive understanding of standards compliance and accreditation requirements.

Additional experience in innovation management, patent literature review, and development of new testing methodologies will be considered advantageous for this role.

Industry Preferred

The preferred industries for sourcing candidates include automotive OEMs with substantial R&D facilities, automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers specialising in polymer components, composites, and surface coatings, as well as independent laboratories recognised for ISO 17025 accreditation.

Well-regarded candidates are often located in organisations focused on polymer science and materials technology within the automotive sector, especially those involved in adhesives, sealants, paints, and advanced composite materials. Research and development divisions of global automotive companies or specialized materials testing firms who maintain high standards of quality and innovation form the ideal talent pool.

We also value professionals from polymer-centric industries engaged in advanced materials testing protocols and those familiar with automotive certification processes.

Qualifications

A doctoral degree (PhD) or a Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Polymers, Composites, or a related field is essential for this position, with preference given to candidates holding a PhD. Academic backgrounds should reflect strong knowledge in polymer science, material characterization techniques, and quality assurance processes relevant to laboratory accreditation standards.

Expertise in ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory management, combined with certification or formal training in quality management systems and analytical instrumentation, will be highly regarded. Additionally, prior exposure to regulatory requirements and environmental, safety, and health standards is beneficial.

General Requirements

• Excellent communication skills in both verbal and written forms to engage effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate efficiently across functions ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and fostering a team-oriented environment.
• Self-driven with a strong sense of initiative and the ability to manage workloads independently, prioritising tasks to meet strict deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other analytical and documentation software tools to ensure accuracy in data handling and reporting.
• Exceptional organisational competencies with meticulous attention to detail in managing laboratory documentation, including standard operating procedures, test reports, and compliance records.
• Flexible mindset to adapt swiftly to evolving project requirements and troubleshooting, ensuring a solution-focused approach to challenges.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and adherence to all relevant environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations.

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