Director - Mechanical Engineering

The Director – Mechanical Engineering is responsible for leading the mechanical engineering function to drive innovative product design, ensure technical excellence, and support scalable manufacturing. This role oversees the full lifecycle of mechanical systems and components—from concept, detailed design, and prototyping to validation, testing, and release for production. The Director will also play a strategic role in defining engineering best practices, mentoring technical teams, and aligning mechanical development with business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technical Leadership:

   • Lead mechanical engineering teams across design, development, analysis, and testing.

   • Guide design decisions and engineering reviews to ensure technical rigor and feasibility.

2. Engineering Execution:

   • Oversee CAD modeling, simulations (FEA, CFD), materials selection, and tolerance analysis.

   • Ensure compliance with industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, ISO, ANSI).

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

   • Partner with electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality teams to enable integrated product development.

   • Collaborate with supply chain and sourcing teams for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

4. Process & Quality Standards:

   • Establish and enforce engineering documentation, change control, and design validation processes.

   • Drive adoption of PLM, DFM/DFA practices, and engineering configuration management.

5. Team Development:

   • Mentor and develop engineers at all levels, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

   • Build succession plans and technical career paths for the mechanical team.

6. Innovation & R&D Support:

   • Support new product introduction (NPI) and advanced technology programs.

   • Evaluate emerging tools, materials, and methods for competitive advantage.

7. Project & Resource Management:

   • Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and engineering budgets.

   • Track KPIs related to engineering efficiency, quality, and design reuse.

Key Focus Areas:

• Mechanical Design & Product Development

• Thermal/Structural Analysis & Simulation

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Assembly (DFA)

• Material and Component Selection

• Engineering Standards & Process Optimization

• Cross-Functional Engineering Leadership

Required Skills & Competencies:

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, etc.), FEA/CFD tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.).

• Deep understanding of mechanical systems, mechanisms, and design methodologies.

Leadership & Strategy:

• Proven experience leading high-performance engineering teams.

• Ability to translate business goals into actionable engineering initiatives.

Project & Quality Focus:

• Strong project management and multitasking skills.

• Experience with engineering standards (ASME, ASTM, GD&T, ISO 9001, etc.).

Problem Solving & Innovation:

• Hands-on problem solver with strong analytical thinking and innovation mindset.

• Capable of resolving complex design and production challenges efficiently.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional teamwork.

• Ability to influence decision-making at senior executive levels.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (required)

  • M.E./M.Tech or MBA (preferred for strategic and leadership exposure)

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • PMP, Six Sigma, or Certified Engineering Manager (CEM)

• Experience:

  • 15–20 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5+ years in a leadership role

  • Experience in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, aerospace, or heavy equipment