Head of Research & Development (R&D) Automotive, Manufacturing, EV

Job Description Job Title: Head of Research & Development (R&D)* Location: Dholka, Ahmedabad Experience: 15+ Years Compensation: 30–40 LPA + ESOPs About The Role We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of R&D to lead end-to-end product development for electric vehicles, specifically 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of building vehicles from the ground up and driving continuous improvements in existing products. This role reports directly to the leadership team and will be responsible for shaping the company's R&D strategy, innovation roadmap, and execution. Key Responsibilities Lead the complete product lifecycle from concept/ideation to production. Drive continuous improvement and value engineering for existing products. Build and manage a high-performing R&D team across engineering, design, and testing. Oversee development of electric 2W and 3W platforms (L1, L2, L3, L5 categories). Ensure product compliance with regulatory and safety standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, supply chain, and quality. Implement cost optimization and performance enhancement strategies. Stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the EV ecosystem. Manage vendor development and strategic partnerships for R&D activities. Key Requirements 1)15+ years of experience in automotive R&D, preferably in electric vehicles Proven experience in developing 2W and/or 3W vehicles from scratch Strong understanding of vehicle architecture, battery systems, powertrain, and electronics Experience in handling product lifecycle management (PLM) Demonstrated leadership in managing large engineering teams Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities Familiarity with Indian automotive regulations and homologation processes Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's/Master's degree in Mechanical / Automobile / Electrical Engineering Experience in a startup or high-growth environment is a plus Exposure to cost engineering and mass-market product design What We Offer Opportunity to lead R&D in a fast-growing EV startup environment High ownership and decision-making authority Competitive compensation with ESOP benefits Dynamic, innovation-driven work culture