ROLE:

We need someone who can take what R&D; produces at prototype stage and turn it into a line series production system reliably, on time, and to defence-grade quality standards.

Zen Technologies builds complex, multi-disciplinary defence products combat training simulators and counter-drone systems. The engineering involved spans mechanical, electrical, electronics, software integration, and system-level testing. The Head of Engineering owns the transition from the R&D; bench to the production floor, and everything that sits between those two points.

This is not a process-management role. It is a hands-on, technically deep, leadership position. The person must understand drawings, BOMs, quality plans, supply chain constraints, and team dynamics all at the same time.

WHAT THE ROLE INVOLVES:

1. R&D; to Production Translation

Understand production requirements and interpret R&D-level; designs emerging from prototype build-up phases.

Translate R&D; drawings and specifications into detailed, production-grade engineering documentation across all disciplines mechanical (part and assembly drawings, GD&T;, tooling layouts), electrical (wiring harness, panel schematics, power distribution), electronics (PCB assembly, component placement, test point documentation), integration (ICDs, system assembly sequences), and testing (ATPs, functional checklists, burn-in protocols).

– Identify and resolve DFM and DFA gaps between R&D; intent and production realities before they reach the floor.

– Maintain version-controlled engineering master records aligned with the company's change management process.

– Coordinate with the R&D; team during proto phase — understand design intent, flag producibility issues early.

2. MQAP and Production Tooling

– Develop Manufacturing Quality Assurance Plans (MQAP) for all product lines.

– Design and commission production jigs, fixtures, test rigs, and tooling for first-article and series production.

– Establish inspection criteria, FAI processes, and in-process quality gates.

– Familiarity with DGQA, BQS, and defence acceptance processes is required — products go through military quality audits and field trials before delivery.

– Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis, CAPA,



and lessons-learned integration.

3. AI-Assisted Engineering

– Identify and deploy existing AI-based engineering tools to accelerate first production-level system build-up.

– Use AI/ML tools for automated drawing generation, design rule checks, BOM extraction, and clash detection where available.

– Champion AI-driven BOM comparison to cross-validate Production BOM against R&D; BOM — flag and resolve discrepancies, part number mismatches, and specification deviations systematically.

– Promote digitised work instructions, e-travellers, and MES integration across the production floor.

4. BOM Management

– Own end-to-end Production BOM generation, structuring, and maintenance in the ERP/PLM system.

– Conduct structured BOM reconciliation reviews between R&D; BOM and Production BOM at each product release milestone.

– Minimise BOM discrepancies through disciplined ECN/ECO processes.

– Ensure all BOM revisions are reflected in MRP/ERP in real time to prevent procurement and production errors.

5. Material Planning and JIT Supply Chain

– Define material requirements aligned with an optimised JIT manufacturing cycle.

– Manage input materials across three categories: JIT items ordered on-demand; common high-velocity items buffered against lead time variability; and long-lead, regulatory-constrained, or technologically obsolescent items managed proactively with safety stock and approved alternates.

– Coordinate with procurement to issue material release schedules, track supplier delivery performance, and resolve shortages.

– Manage EOL component risks; lead last-time-buy decisions in coordination with R&D; and supply chain.

– Defence supply chains have unique regulatory and ITAR/export control dimensions — the role requires familiarity with these constraints.

6. Quality and On-Time Delivery





– Ensure all product deliveries meet agreed quality specifications — on time, in full.

– Maintain engineering sign-off for all production releases.

– Collaborate with QA on customer complaints and field failure analysis; implement systematic corrective actions.

– Support customer acceptance trials and military user evaluations at field locations when required.

7. Team Leadership

– Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team across mechanical, electrical, electronics, integration, and test functions.

– Set clear performance goals, conduct structured reviews, and hold team members accountable.

– Identify skill gaps and drive targeted training; build succession depth.

– The expectation is a hard task master with genuine empathy — high standards, clear accountability, and real investment in people's growth. Both sides of that are non-negotiable.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Essential:

– B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Systems Engineering.

– Minimum 15 years of engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a production or manufacturing engineering leadership role.

– Demonstrated experience translating R&D; or prototype designs into series production across multi-disciplinary domains.

– Proficiency in engineering drawing tools — SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, Altium, or equivalent.

– Hands-on experience with ERP/PLM systems for BOM management (SAP, Oracle, Windchill, Teamcenter, or similar).

– Working knowledge of JIT manufacturing, MRP planning, and supply chain management.

– Experience managing long-lead, regulatory-constrained, and EOL/obsolescent component strategies.

– Experience developing and executing MQAP, FAI processes, and quality systems (ISO 9001 or equivalent).

Preferred:

– Experience in defence, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing environments — defence sector experience is a solid advantage.

– Familiarity with DGQA or military quality acceptance processes.

– Understanding of ITAR, export control, or defence procurement regulations.

– Exposure to AI-assisted engineering workflows — generative design, AI BOM comparison, LLM-assisted documentation.

– Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement background.

📌 Research And Development Engineering Head (Telangana)
🏢 Zen Technologies
📍 Telangana