Attero - Head - Research & Development

Head - Research & Development

MKU - A Global Defense and Homeland Security Company is looking for a dynamic, creative and energetic professional to head the Research & Development Vertical of its Armour Divison in the KANPUR Location.

Job Description : Head - Research & Development

i. General Information :

Role : Head - R&D Department, R&D

Division : Armor Business Job Grade/Level:

Functional Reporting : Managing Director Administrative Reporting: Managing Director

ii. Job Objective :

Lead and oversee the process of product solution designing according to customer specification: respond to Sales queries and prepare sample BOM for participation in tender, create cost effective product for commercial production and provide technical inputs to other R&D teams

iii. Key Responsibility Areas :

Execution Product Engineering :

- Guide the team in conducting project feasibility study for new project leads from Sales and present to Management

- Oversee Sample construction creation to meet tender requirements, create variant code, release production order to Manufacturing and prepare Sample BOM & datasheet

- Execute solution checking of sample BOM for bulk production, provide guidance to team members in carrying out necessary modifications and value engineering activities to achieve cost effective product solutions

- Prepare final alternate solution and seek approval from management within agreed timelines

- Finalize the bulk engineering BOM, along with Drawing, Process Control Checks, RM Specs, Work Instructions and handover the complete technical package to Tech Transfer team by formally releasing it in NAV

- Provide technical guidance to Tech Transfer and Manufacturing team through ECN & PCR during production of pilot batches and during production of samples

- Assist R&D Innovation team in New Product Development projects by participating in idea sharing and knowledge transfer exercises

- Coordinate with Procurement HOD and suppliers in technical doubt clarifications and assist the Procurement team with technical inputs during supplier onboarding process

- Participate in existing Supplier audits along with Procurement & Quality

- Risk Management: support and advice project risk assessment team with the definition of the technical risks related to new job orders, participate in risk Analysis and provide technical inputs

- Ensure product related specifications and technical documents are properly archived and ensure IP protection for the innovations in the organization along with the Innovation HOD

Innovation :

- Lead and execute the entire end-to-end value chain of New Product Development (NPD): from idea identification, finalization, R&D activities, prototype production to final commercialization of the product

- Develop strategic and creative new products, new designs and identify new & alternate sources for key raw materials, coordinate with Procurement team to onboard those suppliers

- Build a strong network of connections across industries who can support collaboration and provide valuable feedback innovation processes

- Support and manage a portfolio of NPD projects in a time bound manner; plan budget for NPD initiatives and seek approval from management for the same

- Clearly define NPD project scope and get approval from Management & concerned stakeholders to avoid scope creep

- Carry out market research and market entry feasibility studies

- Undertake searching of published patent documents, and existing technology, in support of the assessment of the originality of the innovation and its commercialization potential

- Determine the most appropriate route for commercialization for NPD projects

- Guide Innovation team with technical expertise in development of new projects and establish partnerships with technical experts of similar industries for knowledge exchange

- Guide team & ensure engineering BOM full kit along with DPPS (Drawing, Process Control Checks, RM Specs, Work Instructions) for new product before handing over to Tech Transfer for prototype production

- Coordinate with Product Engineering and Tech Transfer teams through FIPs and SGAs and provide technical guidance to Manufacturing in understanding of root causes for out of specification results or deviations

- Establish clear processes for generating breakthrough ideas, creating prototypes and producing them; develop testing methods for new products

- Conduct technical study and research on latest developments in armor products and personal protective equipment space

- Ensure security of confidential information related to new product, process and material development activities

- Maintain IP protection - file for patent, trademark and copy right etc. and ensure IP protection for the innovations in the organization

iv. Stakeholder Interactions :

Type of interaction Interaction with Nature of interaction

Internal Tech Transfer team Regarding BOM finalization of different orders and manufacturability of samples and pilot batches

Internal Innovation Head Regarding New Product development, BOM customization depending on customer requirement

Internal Planning team members Provide updates on BOM finalization and BOM transfer to Tech Transfer team

Internal Management Regarding progress on NPD projects, roadblocks and possible solutions

Internal Product Engineering & Tech Transfer Teams Regarding updates on new product development projects, knowledge sharing and idea exchanges

v. Job Specifications :

Qualification Min. qualification required B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical/Material/Textile Engineering

Other desired qualifications M.Sc/M.Tech in similar field

Relevant Experience Min. no. of years of relevant experience required 15 to 25 years of overall experience, 8 to 10 years in similar role

Knowledge and Skills Required :

- Knowledge of structured problem solving

- Risk Management: analysis & mitigation

- Concepts of Value Engineering, Product Costing

- Communication & inter-personal skills.

- Attention for detail and high level of accuracy while managing complex task

- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), MS Project

- In-depth knowledge of Software ; AutoCAD,

- ERP (NAV or any other systems)