Manager - Product Development

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

1. Demonstrate deep knowledge of modern harvesting technologies, including Straw Walker, TAF, and Axial Flow systems, to drive innovative product development.
2. Interpret and apply design input documents such as PRF, PALS, and PDB, ensuring accurate and precise translation of requirements into technical solutions.
3. Conduct detailed design calculations for combine harvester systems and components, validating performance and durability benchmarks.
4. Create both conceptual and production-ready 3D models of parts and assemblies using advanced CAD software, with a preference for NX and Creo, enabling efficient design iterations and manufacturing preparations.
5. Utilize product lifecycle management tools including Teamcenter Enterprise, SAP, TC-Engineering, and TC-Project to streamline design documentation, change management, and collaboration across teams.
6. Apply robust design methodologies such as DFMEA, DOE, DFS, DFA, and DFM rigorously to optimize product quality, reliability, and manufacturability.
7. Develop and maintain Engineering Bill of Materials (EBOM) to ensure accurate parts tracking and product configuration management throughout the development lifecycle.
8. Carry out comprehensive benchmarking analyses against competing products to identify opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and performance enhancement.
9. Implement targeted improvements in combine harvester designs based on in-depth understanding of crop characteristics, soil conditions, and regional market demands.
10. Prepare and manage engineering documentation required for formal engineering releases, adhering to company standards and regulatory compliance.
11. Collaborate closely with prototype build teams to support development phases, troubleshoot design issues, and facilitate successful validation of parts and assemblies.
12. Lead design reviews with cross-functional teams (CFT) to ensure alignment on technical solutions, address potential risks, and incorporate diverse expertise.
13. Estimate material and manufacturing costs approximately for harvester parts to support analysis of design trade-offs and cost optimization strategies.
14. Gain thorough understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to combine harvester components, enabling design for manufacturability and process optimization.
15. Coordinate with testing and validation groups, including VI, CAE, and project management teams, to ensure comprehensive validation and successful product launches.
16. Engage with product and component development, manufacturing engineering, and plant operations to drive continuous improvement and timely delivery of new products.

Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in product development within the agricultural machinery sector, with a strong focus on combine harvesters.
• Hands-on experience designing complex mechanical systems and assemblies using CAD tools such as NX or Creo.
• Proven track record in applying design for manufacturability, reliability, and cost-efficiency principles in product engineering.
• Experience working with enterprise PLM systems like Teamcenter and ERP platforms such as SAP for product data management and process integration.
• Demonstrated capability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, including manufacturing, quality, testing, and supply chain.
• Familiarity with agricultural machinery testing protocols, validation methods, and root cause analysis techniques.
• Knowledgeable in design methodologies including Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design of Experiments (DOE), and others to drive high-quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform engineering calculations and cost estimations for parts and assemblies.
• Experience managing projects and coordinating with prototype development teams to meet schedule and budget targets.
• Exposure to global market trends and crop-specific agricultural equipment requirements is desirable.

Industry Preferred

The preferred industry background includes extensive experience in:

• Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing, especially in the design and development of combine harvesters and related harvesting equipment.
• Mechanical engineering firms specializing in heavy equipment and agricultural implements.
• OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers that develop and manufacture farm machinery components.
• Companies focusing on precision agriculture technology and smart farming solutions integrated with mechanical systems.
• Enterprises operating in international markets with a diverse product portfolio in farm machinery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Advanced certifications in CAD design and product lifecycle management tools are highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in 3D modeling software such as NX or Creo with a portfolio demonstrating complex mechanical design projects.
• Formal training or demonstrated knowledge in design methodologies such as DFMEA, DOE, DFS, DFM, and DFA.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively articulate technical concepts and collaborate with diverse teams globally.
• Project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and deliver engineering projects efficiently.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes used in agricultural machinery production.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required to domestic and international locations for project coordination and collaboration.

General Requirements

• Proactive and detail-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities, applying systematic approaches to overcome design challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills fostering teamwork, knowledge sharing, and positive collaboration across global teams.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and engineering ethics.
• Adaptability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving technologies and market requirements.
• Ability to work independently as well as mentor junior engineers and support professional development within the team.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, to facilitate global coordination.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

• We actively promote equal opportunity hiring and advocate for representation across gender, ethnicity, age, disability, and other dimensions of diversity.
• Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring that every team member has access to growth and development opportunities.
• We support initiatives that remove barriers and enhance accessibility within our workplace, cultivating an environment where innovation thrives through diverse ideas.
• Mahindra & Mahindra regularly offers training and forums on diversity and inclusion to raise awareness and build a supportive community.
• We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and be part of our mission to develop cutting-edge agricultural technologies that benefit farmers worldwide.