Sr Lead Engineer - Materials Technology

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

As a Senior Lead Engineer - Materials Technology within Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd's Automotive Division, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the application of adhesives and sealants across multiple automotive domains, including BIW (Body in White), Trims, Seating, and Powertrain. Your expertise will be critical in selecting, specifying, and validating materials that meet stringent performance, durability, and manufacturing standards under real-world conditions.

You will lead cross-functional teams to develop innovative material solutions driving cost optimisation, lightweighting, and process simplification. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the material characterisation and approval processes, guiding robust testing and validation strategies, and ensuring all material specifications and engineering documentation are meticulously generated and maintained to enable consistent quality and traceability.

• Lead material innovation initiatives aligned with global automotive standards and future platform requirements, ensuring scalability and compliance with regulations.
• Manage the enterprise-level database for adhesives and sealants to support data-driven decision making across projects and programmes.
• Continuously monitor and assess global advancements in automotive adhesives and sealants technology, translating cutting-edge trends into practical, actionable innovations.
• Employ structured problem-solving techniques such as 8D and DMAIC to address and resolve complex material-related challenges throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through to production.
• Facilitate collaboration across departments to integrate CAE tools and ensure regulatory compliance, including adherence to CMVR standards.
• Champion cost reduction initiatives through material selection and process improvements without compromising on quality or performance.

Experience

The ideal candidate will bring between 13 to 15 years of progressive, hands-on experience specifically focused on adhesives, sealants, and tapes within the automotive sector. This experience should encompass comprehensive knowledge of material formulation, functional testing, and application methodologies tailored to automotive uses.

Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in supporting critical automotive areas such as BIW, Trims, Seating, and Powertrain, with deep familiarity in the challenges and requirements unique to each application. Experience in developing and deploying advanced material technologies and handling extensive testing protocols is essential.

Strong competencies in project leadership, innovation management, and cross-functional collaboration will be necessary to thrive in this role. Prior involvement in managing enterprise-level databases or material specification systems will be highly advantageous.

Industry Preferred

Preferred industry experience includes roles within automotive sealers & adhesives, coatings and paints, application process engineering, and automotive R&D. Candidates with a background in materials testing or development within the automotive manufacturing sector will find themselves particularly well-suited to this position.

Experience in organisations that prioritize innovation in automotive materials, lightweight materials, and compliance with international regulatory standards will be especially relevant. Familiarity with the supply chain and quality assurance processes linked to adhesive technologies in automotive production environments is a plus.

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related field is required for this role. Advanced qualifications such as a Master of Technology in these disciplines or similar specialisations will be viewed favourably.

Relevant certifications or additional training in materials science, adhesives technology, or quality management systems will strengthen candidacy.

Continuous professional development demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of automotive materials technology and standards is expected.

General Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that facilitate effective interaction with diverse teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams and contribute as a dependable and proactive team member.
• Self-motivated with strong initiative and the capability to work independently to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant software tools for data analysis, documentation management, and reporting purposes.
• Strong organisational skills with an emphasis on maintaining accurate and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Ability to adapt to evolving project needs and maintain a solution-oriented approach when addressing challenges.