We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Engineer / Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation multi-axle (6x6, 8x8, 10x10, 12x12) military trucks and tactical vehicles. In this role, you will leverage your 10+ years of automotive expertise to spearhead complex engineering projects from concept to combat-ready deployment. You will be responsible for ensuring that vehicle architectures meet stringent military standards (MIL-STD, EMI-EMC, JSS-55555, JSG-521, CMVR norms etc), possess high mobility in extreme terrains, and deliver uncompromised reliability under tactical conditions. Technical Leadership & Architecture
• Lead the vehicle architecture and system integration for multi-axle heavy-duty military platforms.
• Optimize driveline and powertrain configurations specific to multi-axle steering systems, transfer cases, and multi-drive axles, Twin axle steering system, PTO etc.
• Oversee advanced chassis design, high-mobility suspension systems (independent, hydro-pneumatic, or heavy-duty leaf/ Bogie suspension), and central tire inflation systems (CTIS).
• Integrate military-specific subsystems, including cabin armoring (ballistic/blast protection), weapon mounts, blackout lighting, and tactical communication systems. Project & Team Management
• Direct cross-functional engineering teams (structures, powertrain, electrical, and simulation) to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Manage the engineering roadmap from initial RFP / Tender mapping, packaging studies and prototyping to final production release. Compliance, Testing & Validation
• Ensure full compliance with global military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, NATO STANAG , DEFSTAN).
• Define validation plans for physical testing, including structural durability, extreme climate operations in desert & high Altitude Area, high-mobility obstacle crossing, and transportability (air/rail/sea).




• Review Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) reports to validate structural integrity and thermal management.
• Knowledge of HVAC system. Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration
• Collaborate with defense partners, military clients, and global suppliers to source specialized defense-grade components.
• Present technical proposals and engineering design reviews (PDR/CDR) to internal leadership and external military stakeholders. Excellent presentation skills. Required Skills and Qualifications
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Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering.
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Experience:
10 to 15 years of progressive experience in heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) or defense automotive engineering, with at least 5 years specifically focused on multi-axle or tactical military platforms.
• Core Technical Expertise:
• Deep understanding of multi-axle steering geometry, heavy-duty suspension kinematics, and complex all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems.
• Experience with high-torque powertrains, automatic/automated manual transmissions, and specialized electronic braking systems (ABS/EBS tailored for off-road).
• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes for armored hulls, high-strength steel chassis structures, and blast-mitigation design.
• Knowledge of HVAC system
• Software Proficiency: Mastery of 3D CAD platforms (e.g., Creo, CATIA) and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill or Teamcenter).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Solid working knowledge of defense procurement processes, ITAR regulations and military vehicle certification procedures. Preferred Attributes
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to make critical decisions under tight project timelines.
• Exceptional technical communication skills tailored for interacting with military personnel and technical specialists.
• Prior experience in localized defense programs or government-sponsored R&D; projects.

📌 Technical Specialist (India)
🏢 TATA Advanced Systems
📍 India