Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and result-oriented Head – NPD & Engineering to lead the organization’s New Product Development, Process Engineering, Product Industrialization, and Engineering Excellence functions.

The role will be responsible for translating customer requirements and product concepts into technically feasible, cost-effective, manufacturable, and production-ready products, with solid emphasis on forging technology, process capability, quality, tooling, cost optimization, and timely commercialization.

The position requires strong leadership, project management, and technical expertise in APQP, PFMEA/FMEA, PFD, Control Plan, PPAP, process development, and forging manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

1. New Product Development & Industrialization

- Lead the complete NPD cycle from RFQ/feasibility assessment through prototype, trials, validation, PPAP, customer approval, and successful mass production.
- Review customer drawings, specifications, technical standards, and product requirements.
- Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Process Feasibility reviews.
- Establish development timelines, milestones, resources, and deliverables for NPD projects.
- Ensure effective transition of developed products from Engineering to Production.

1. APQP & Quality Planning

- Drive the implementation of APQP methodology across all new product and process development projects.
- Lead preparation and review of:
- Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
- PFMEA / FMEA
- Control Plan
- Process Capability Studies
- MSA / SPC
- PPAP Documentation
- Identify potential product and process risks and ensure timely implementation of preventive and corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements and applicable quality standards.

1. Forging & Process Engineering





- Provide technical leadership for forging process development and optimization.
- Develop and validate forging sequences, process parameters, material utilization, cycle times, and manufacturing routes.
- Evaluate and improve processes related to forging, trimming, heat treatment, machining, grinding, finishing, and other downstream operations.
- Drive process standardization, productivity improvement, yield enhancement, and reduction of rejection/rework.

1. Tooling, Dies & Engineering Development

- Lead development and validation of forging dies, tooling, fixtures, gauges, and special-purpose equipment.
- Coordinate closely with the Tool Room for die design, trials, modifications, and performance improvement.
- Ensure tooling is developed in line with product quality, process capability, productivity, and cost objectives.
- Drive tooling life improvement and reduction in tooling-related downtime and development costs.

1. Engineering Excellence & Continuous Improvement

- Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, process optimization, automation, productivity improvement, and material utilization.
- Lead technical problem-solving using structured methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis, 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone Analysis.
- Establish and improve engineering standards, process specifications, work instructions, and technical documentation.
- Evaluate new technologies, manufacturing methods, and automation opportunities relevant to forging operations.

1.



Cross-Functional & Customer Coordination

- Lead coordination between NPD, Engineering, Production, Quality, Tool Room, Maintenance, Purchase, and Supply Chain teams.
- Act as the technical interface with customers during product development, trials, technical reviews, and approval processes.
- Support customer audits, technical discussions, and resolution of product/process-related issues.
- Ensure effective communication of engineering changes and customer requirements to all concerned functions.

1. Team Leadership & Department Management

- Lead, develop, and mentor the NPD and Engineering team.
- Define departmental objectives, KPIs, manpower requirements, and development plans.
- Establish project review mechanisms to monitor development timelines, engineering deliverables, tooling readiness, trials, and commercialization.
- Build a strong culture of technical ownership, innovation, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical / Production / Manufacturing Engineering from a reputed institution.
- 10–15+ years of relevant experience in NPD, Engineering, Process Development, or Product Industrialization.
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in forging, hand tools, automotive components, or precision engineering manufacturing.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a leadership/managerial role managing NPD and Engineering functions.
- Proven track record of successfully launching new products from concept/feasibility to mass production.
- Experience in handling customer-driven NPD projects and APQP/PPAP documentation.

Pay: ₹90,000.00 - ₹110,000.00 per month

Benefits

- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Provident Fund

Work Location: In person

📌 Head – Senior Manager - New Product Development (NPD) (Jalandhar)
🏢 Gardex India
📍 Jalandhar