Head of Design

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Design to lead our multidisciplinary design team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the overall design strategy, execution, and quality of products across the company's portfolio, ensuring compliance with defense standards, user needs, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

Define and drive the overall design strategy in alignment with company goals and customer requirements.

Lead the conceptualization and execution of cutting-edge aerospace and defense systems.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, R&D, manufacturing, systems integration, program management) to translate design vision into tangible products.

Design Management

Oversee the complete design lifecycle from ideation through to detailed design, prototyping, testing, and production support.

Ensure adherence to defense and aerospace standards (e.g., MIL-STD, AS9100, DO-178C, etc.).

Lead design reviews and approve final design outputs for production.

Team Leadership

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing design team including industrial designers, mechanical engineers, CAD experts, and systems designers.

Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Innovation & Technology

Stay abreast of emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to defense and aerospace design.

Guide R&D efforts to explore and adopt innovative design solutions and tools (e.g., CAD/CAE platforms, simulation, additive manufacturing).

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as the design authority in engagements with clients, government agencies, and defense partners.

Contribute to bid proposals and design documentation for new programs.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.

15+ years of experience in design leadership roles within the aerospace, defense, or high-precision engineering sectors.

Strong portfolio of successful defense or aerospace product designs.

In-depth knowledge of military and aerospace regulatory frameworks and design standards.

Proficiency in advanced CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks) and PLM systems.

Proven leadership, team-building, and project management skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with UAVs, missiles, radar systems, avionics enclosures, or tactical ground systems.

Prior experience working with DRDO, HAL, ISRO, or international defense agencies.

Exposure to rapid prototyping and digital twin technologies.

Certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP, or Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) are a plus.

*Position is based out of Chakan Pune