We are looking for an experienced Product Manager - Sheet Metal to lead the complete product development lifecycle of sheet metal components, from concept and design through prototyping, validation, and mass production.

The role will be responsible for ensuring that products are functionally sound, cost-effective, manufacturable, and scalable for mass production. The Product Manager will work closely with Design, Production, Quality, Tool Room, Purchase, and other cross-functional teams to drive product development and resolve technical and manufacturing challenges.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Design & Development

- Lead the design and development of sheet metal components and assemblies from concept to production.
- Review and approve 3D models, engineering drawings, flat patterns, BOMs, and technical specifications.
- Ensure product designs meet customer requirements, quality standards, functionality, and cost targets.
- Guide the team in using CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, or CATIA.

2. Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

- Establish and review DFM principles for sheet metal products.
- Ensure appropriate bend radii, bend allowances, relief cuts, hole locations, material thickness, and tolerances.
- Identify potential manufacturing issues such as tearing, warping, distortion, and dimensional variation during the design stage.
- Drive design optimization to minimize material wastage, manufacturing complexity, rejection, and production cost.

3. Product Development & Prototyping

- Lead prototype development, product trials, validation, and pre-production activities.
- Coordinate with internal teams for sample development and testing.
- Review simulation/FEA or forming analysis wherever required.
- Analyze prototype and trial results and drive necessary product modifications before mass production.

4. Manufacturing & Process Knowledge





- Provide technical leadership for manufacturing processes including:

- Laser cutting

- CNC punching

- Press brake bending

- Stamping

- Sheet metal forming

- MIG/TIG welding
- Ensure product designs are suitable for available manufacturing capabilities and equipment.
- Work closely with the shop floor to resolve product-related manufacturing issues.

5. Material & Surface Treatment

- Possess strong knowledge of steel grades, aluminum, spring steel, and other sheet metal materials.
- Select appropriate materials based on product performance, application, manufacturing process, and cost.
- Understand surface treatment processes such as powder coating and their impact on product design and performance.

6. Cross-Functional Team Management

- Lead and coordinate with Design, Production, Quality, Tool Room, Purchase, and Manufacturing Engineering teams.
- Resolve technical issues arising during prototype development and mass production.
- Conduct design and manufacturing reviews with relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure timely closure of product development and engineering-related issues.

7. Cost Optimization

- Identify opportunities for design-to-cost and value engineering.
- Optimize material utilization and manufacturing processes to reduce product cost.
- Evaluate alternative materials, processes, and design concepts without compromising product quality or functionality.




- Support costing and commercial teams with technical inputs during new product development.

8. Product Lifecycle Management

- Manage engineering changes, product improvements, and design revisions.
- Maintain proper documentation of product specifications, drawings, BOMs, and revision history.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the product lifecycle.
- Ensure smooth transition of new products from development to regular production.

Key Skills & Technical Competencies

- Strong expertise in sheet metal product design and development.
- Proficiency in Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent CAD software.
- Strong knowledge of DFM, GD&T;, tolerances, bend allowance, flat pattern development, and sheet metal design standards.
- Practical knowledge of laser cutting, punching, bending, stamping, welding, and sheet metal fabrication.
- Robust understanding of materials and surface treatment processes.
- Experience in prototype development, product validation, and production trials.
- Strong leadership, team management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple product development projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills.

Educational Qualification

- B.E. / B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Relevant postgraduate qualification in engineering or management will be an added advantage.

Preferred Experience

- 8-10 years of relevant experience in sheet metal product development/design within a manufacturing environment.
- Candidates with experience handling end-to-end product development and leading engineering teams will be preferred.
- Experience in automotive, industrial, engineering, or similar sheet metal manufacturing industries will be an advantage.

📌 Product Manager (Pune)
🏢 KBR Manufaturing
📍 Pune