Vice President – Powertrain and Mechanical Engineering

The Vice President – Powertrain and Mechanical Engineering is responsible for driving the end-to-end development, innovation, and integration of powertrain systems and mechanical platforms across ICE, hybrid, and electrified vehicle architectures. This includes ownership of core subsystems such as engines, transmissions, drivetrains, thermal systems, structural components, and mechanical interfaces.

The VP will lead global engineering teams and cross-functional programs, ensuring delivery of performance, compliance, cost, and time-to-market objectives. The role will serve as a key technical and strategic leader, aligning product development with business and customer requirements across multiple vehicle segments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Define and drive long-term strategies for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrain system development.

• Lead technology roadmapping for mechanical subsystems and their integration across vehicle platforms.

• Guide investment decisions in core competencies such as lightweighting, durability, NVH, thermal performance, and fuel efficiency.

2. Product and Systems Development

• Oversee design and engineering of engines, transmissions, torque converters, motor housings, gearboxes, mounts, and cooling/lubrication systems.

• Ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with electrical and control subsystems.

• Approve engineering specifications, DFMEAs, validation plans, and system architecture reviews.

3. Cross-Functional and Program Leadership

• Drive alignment with manufacturing, procurement, controls, calibration, and vehicle integration teams.

• Ensure programs meet key performance indicators (KPIs) including powertrain performance, durability, emissions, NVH, and thermal efficiency.

• Resolve cross-functional technical challenges and ensure design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and global sourcing compatibility.

4. Organizational and Technical Excellence

• Build and lead a world-class engineering organization, including mechanical designers, simulation analysts, systems engineers, and integration leads.

• Implement best practices in digital engineering, CAE, CAD/PLM, prototyping, and failure mode analysis.

• Champion a culture of innovation, technical rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

5. Innovation and Compliance

• Drive innovation in combustion systems, electrified propulsion, friction reduction, and material technologies.

• Ensure compliance with global emissions, safety, and durability regulations (e.g., Euro 7, EPA, CARB, Bharat Stage, etc.).

• Support IP generation and technical leadership in industry consortia and customer engagements.

Key Focus Areas:

• Powertrain Architecture (ICE, Hybrid, EV)

• Mechanical Systems Integration (Structural, Thermal, NVH)

• Product Development Lifecycle Management

• Global Engineering Governance & Program Delivery

• Innovation in Sustainable Propulsion and Efficiency

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or Mechatronics; Ph.D. or MBA is a plus.

• 15+ years of experience in powertrain and mechanical engineering leadership, including global team management.

• Demonstrated success in delivering powertrain programs across various vehicle types and propulsion strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Deep technical knowledge in engines, transmissions, drivetrains, thermal systems, and structural design.

• Proficiency in engineering tools such as GT-SUITE, AVL Cruise, CATIA, Creo, and advanced CAE tools.

• Understanding of electrified propulsion, hybrid integration, and regulatory trends.

• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills at the executive level.