Sr Lead Engineer - Materials Technology

As a Senior Lead Engineer - Materials Technology within Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd's Automotive Division, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the application of adhesives and sealants across multiple automotive domains, including BIW (Body in White), Trims, Seating, and Powertrain. Your expertise will be critical in selecting, specifying, and validating materials that meet stringent performance, durability, and manufacturing standards under real-world conditions.

You will lead cross-functional teams to develop innovative material solutions driving cost optimisation, lightweighting, and process simplification. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the material characterisation and approval processes, guiding robust testing and validation strategies, and ensuring all material specifications and engineering documentation are meticulously generated and maintained to enable consistent quality and traceability.

The ideal candidate will bring between 13 to 15 years of progressive, hands-on experience specifically focused on adhesives, sealants, and tapes within the automotive sector. This experience should encompass comprehensive knowledge of material formulation, functional testing, and application methodologies tailored to automotive uses.

Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in supporting critical automotive areas such as BIW, Trims, Seating, and Powertrain, with deep familiarity in the challenges and requirements unique to each application. Experience in developing and deploying advanced material technologies and handling extensive testing protocols is essential.

Strong competencies in project leadership, innovation management, and cross-functional collaboration will be necessary to thrive in this role. Prior involvement in managing enterprise-level databases or material specification systems will be highly advantageous.

Preferred industry experience includes roles within automotive sealers & adhesives, coatings and paints, application process engineering, and automotive R&D. Candidates with a background in materials testing or development within the automotive manufacturing sector will find themselves particularly well-suited to this position.

Experience in organisations that prioritize innovation in automotive materials, lightweight materials, and compliance with international regulatory standards will be especially relevant. Familiarity with the supply chain and quality assurance processes linked to adhesive technologies in automotive production environments is a plus.

A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related field is required for this role. Advanced qualifications such as a Master of Technology in these disciplines or similar specialisations will be viewed favourably.

Relevant certifications or additional training in materials science, adhesives technology, or quality management systems will strengthen candidacy.

Continuous professional development demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of automotive materials technology and standards is expected.