# Design Head ## Role Overview Nandan GSE is seeking an accomplished and visionary Design Head to lead the end-to-end design and engineering function for Aviation Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Defence Systems, and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) product lines. This senior leadership role owns design quality, technical governance, cost optimisation through value engineering, and the long-term technology roadmap. The ideal candidate will bring deep mechanical design expertise, strong people leadership, and a disciplined approach to ERP and design processes, driving innovation and excellence across our diverse product portfolio. ## What We're Looking For We are seeking a leader with a minimum of 13 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, ready to take full ownership of our design function. You will be instrumental in shaping our product future, ensuring engineering rigour, and mentoring a high-performing team. ## Key Responsibilities * Own approval of all engineering drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), and revisions across GSE, Defence, and MHE product lines. * Enforce design standards, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T;) discipline, and manufacturability principles to drive near-zero rework. * Lead Design Review (DR1, DR2, FAT) governance, both internal and client-facing. * Reduce drawing error rate, Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and design-related manufacturing deviations to industry-best levels. * Define and maintain Design Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Way-of-Working documents, and CAD library governance. * Ensure 100% ERP discipline — design status, BOM release, revisions, and traceability within defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs). * Drive audit readiness for ISO, defence Quality Assurance Plans (QAP), and customer-specific design audits. * Lead cost reduction through alternate design, material substitution, and value engineering initiatives. * Quantify rupee savings per project and per quarter; report regularly to management. * Partner with Purchase and Production for localisation and design-to-cost initiatives. * Build and mentor a strong bench of Senior, Junior, and Graduate Engineer Trainees. * Define skill matrices, Individual Development Plans (IDPs), and structured training plans for the design team. * Drive a culture of ownership, accuracy, and engineering rigour within the team. * Identify and adopt new design technologies — FEA, simulation, automation in CAD, AI-assisted design. * Contribute to the product roadmap for next-generation GSE, defence platforms, and material handling solutions. * Build long-term technology partnerships with OEMs and design service partners.



## Required Skills & Qualifications ### Education * ME / MTech or MS in Mechanical Engineering. ### Experience * Minimum of 13 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering, with significant leadership experience. ### Technical Skills * Proficiency in Mechanical Design principles. * Expertise in CAD software such as SolidWorks and Solid Edge. * Foundational understanding of FEA (Finite Element Analysis). * Strong knowledge of Hydraulics systems. * Experience in Structural Steel Design and Sheet Metal design. * Proficiency in designing Welded Assemblies. * Demonstrated ERP Discipline in design processes. * Deep understanding and application of Design Standards and GD&T.; * Proven experience in Value Engineering. ### Desired Qualities * Strong engineering judgment and problem-solving abilities. * Ownership mindset with a proactive approach to challenges. * Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of 10+ engineers. * Disciplined documentation orientation, ensuring accuracy and traceability. * Excellent stakeholder management skills, both internal and external. * Calm, firm, and decisive leadership style. * Commitment to accuracy and engineering rigour. ## Preferred Qualifications (Good-to-Have Skills) * Experience with advanced Simulation tools. * Proficiency in CAD Automation techniques. * Familiarity with AI-assisted Design methodologies. * Prior leadership experience in GSE, Defence, or Heavy Fabrication industries. * Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities in complex environments. ## Work Culture & Expectations Nandan GSE fosters a disciplined culture centered on "First Time Right," "On Time Delivery," and "Quality at Every Stage." We expect a high degree of ownership, accuracy, and engineering rigour from all team members. This is a demanding yet rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact national defence and critical infrastructure. ### Work Schedule & Mode * **Work Schedule**: 6 days / week, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Sundays + 3rd Saturday off. * **Work Mode**: 100% Work From Office at our Khalapur manufacturing facility. Work From Home (WFH) / Work from home is NOT permitted. * **Physical Requirement**: This is a shop-floor / on-site role requiring constant physical presence. ## Benefits & Perks We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent: * **Compensation**: Competitive salary benchmarked against industry standards,



commensurate with experience, technical depth, and selection process outcome. * **Statutory Benefits**: Provident Fund (PF), ESIC (where applicable), and gratuity. * **Annual Bonus**: Performance-linked bonus. * **Paid Leave**: Earned, casual, and sick leave as per Maharashtra norms. * **Health Cover**: Group health insurance for self (and family, where applicable). * **Transportation**: Company bus service available from Navi Mumbai / Karjat / Panvel routes. * **Relocation Support**: FREE company shared accommodation for the first 3 months for outstation joiners. * **Overtime / Field Allowance**: As applicable. * **PPE & Uniform**: Company-issued Personal Protective Equipment and uniform. ## Growth Opportunities Nandan GSE is committed to the professional development of its employees: * **Career Path**: Clear path to VP Engineering / CTO over 4-6 years for high-performing individuals. * **Reviews**: Structured KRA/KPI reviews and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to support your growth. * **Exposure**: Cross-functional exposure across diverse product lines and verticals; direct involvement in defence, aviation, and aerospace customer projects. * **Certifications**: Sponsored skill certifications for high performers to enhance expertise. ## Why Join Us? * **Impact**: Contribute to building India’s next manufacturing powerhouse, working with prestigious clients like the Indian Air Force, ISRO, HAL, DRDO, Tata, Reliance, Air India, and global customers. * **Ownership**: Experience real ownership of scope, output, and team. * **Culture**: Thrive in a disciplined culture focused on "First Time Right," "On Time Delivery," and "Quality at Every Stage." * **National Contribution**: Directly contribute to India’s defence indigenisation and self-reliance initiatives. * **Stability**: Join a stable organization with 35+ years of heritage, ISO 9001 /+91-XXXXXXXXXX & AS9100D certified, operating two state-of-the-art factories. ## About Nandan GSE Nandan GSE Pvt. Ltd. is a leading Indian designer and manufacturer of Aviation Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Defence Systems, Material Handling Equipment, and Car Parking Solutions. Headquartered in Khalapur, Maharashtra, with 250+ employees, we specialize in engineering custom solutions for airports, airlines, defence forces, and industrial customers across India and globally. ## Work Location Khalapur, Maharashtra (100% Work From Office) ## Application Process 1. **Application**: Apply through our careers portal. 2. **AI Interview**: Complete an initial structured AI-led interview. 3. **Personal Interview**: Participate in a final round interview, in person or via video, with the hiring manager and senior leadership.

📌 Design Head (Khalapur)
🏢 Nandan Gse
📍 Khalapur