Research & Development Engineer – Chassis Development

Job Purpose

• Technical Evaluation & Supplier Coordination

• Review and validate technical specifications received from suppliers to ensure full compliance with engineering and project requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve technical deviations, non-conformities, and specification gaps.
• Support supplier technical evaluations and provide engineering input for approval processes.

• Design Development & Engineering Collaboration

• Work closely with design engineers to refine chassis components based on testing feedback and performance analysis.
• Contribute to design optimization for manufacturability, durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support engineering change processes and documentation updates.

• Testing & Validation

• Conduct and oversee fitment trials of chassis components to ensure proper integration and functionality.
• Perform structural, durability, and performance testing under various operational conditions.
• Analyze test results and recommend design improvements or corrective actions.

• Materials & Component Engineering

• Evaluate and recommend materials based on mechanical performance, environmental conditions, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Support material selection processes to ensure product reliability and lifecycle performance.

• Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of development cycles, test reports, and engineering changes.
• Ensure adherence to NAFFCO quality standards, ISO requirements, and applicable industry regulations.

• Project Execution & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all R&D activities are executed within defined project timelines and budget constraints.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in chassis design, testing methods, and development processes.
• Stay updated with industry innovations and incorporate best practices into engineering work.

****Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)****

• Design & Development Accuracy: % of chassis designs passing validation without major revisions.
• Testing Success Rate: % of components passing fitment and durability tests on first attempt.
• Engineering Change Efficiency: Average turnaround time for design modifications and improvements.
• Supplier Issue Resolution Time: Time taken to resolve technical non-conformities with suppliers.
• Project Timeliness: Adherence to R&D project milestones and delivery schedules.
• Documentation Compliance: Accuracy and completeness of technical reports and engineering records.
• Cost Optimization Contribution: Measurable improvements in material or design cost efficiency.
• Quality Compliance: Zero critical non-conformities in audits or internal quality checks.

Qualifications & Requirements

• ****Education****
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s Degree is an advantage.

Experience

• 3–7 years of experience in R&D, automotive, chassis development, or heavy vehicle engineering.
• Experience in structural design, testing, and product validation is preferred.
• Exposure to fire fighting vehicles or special-purpose vehicle manufacturing is an advantage.
• ****Technical Skills****
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and chassis systems.
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of material science and structural analysis.
• Familiarity with testing standards and validation procedures.
• ****Soft Skills****
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent collaboration and cross-functional communication skills.
• High attention to detail and quality orientation.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.