Do you want to spearhead deep-tech innovation and define the next decade of EV powertrain technology from the ground up? Do you want to architect high-performance propulsion systems that set global benchmarks and drive the future of sustainable mobility?
Job Title: R&D Head – EV Powertrain
Location: Bavdhan, Pune, India
Experience Required: 20–25 years
About MATEL
MATEL (Matel Motion and Energy Solutions) is a deep-tech company specializing in cutting-edge, highly efficient electric powertrain solutions and advanced motor technologies. Driven by in-house R&D and manufacturing, MATEL designs and develops intelligent powertrain technology (iPowertrain) for electric mobility across 2W, 3W, and 4W applications, as well as high-efficiency industrial motor systems.
What You’ll Own
- End-to-End R&D Ownership: Direct the comprehensive R&D strategy for EV powertrain systems, including electric motors, inverters/power electronics, gearboxes, and integrated e-axles.
- Technology Roadmap: Define and drive the multi-year technology roadmap for next-generation architectures, novel materials, advanced topologies, and high-performance benchmarks relative to global competition.
- Advanced Engineering & Pre-Development: Lead pre-development programs from concept, feasibility, and proof-of-concept stages through to production handoff.
- IP Strategy: Own the creation and execution of the intellectual property strategy, securing patents, technical publications, and core technology differentiation across the powertrain portfolio.
- Research Partnerships: Drive strategic research collaborations with leading universities, national laboratories, and advanced technology suppliers.
- Emerging Tech Evaluation: Lead the assessment and integration of breakthrough technologies, including SiC/GaN power devices, 800V+ architectures, axial-flux motors, integrated e-axle designs, and advanced magnetics.
- Simulation & Virtual Validation: Own the virtual engineering strategy, including simulation and multi-physics modeling across the powertrain R&D function.
- Cross-Functional Synergy: Partner closely with product planning, program management, and manufacturing units to translate research concepts into buildable, scalable production architectures.
- Resource & Budget Management: Manage R&D capital and operational budgets, resource allocation, and program prioritization across multiple concurrent technology streams.
- Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing engineering organization comprising powertrain researchers, systems engineers, and domain specialists.
- Executive Representation: Serve as the technical spokesperson representing MATEL’s technology vision to leadership, investors, and industry forums.
What You Bring
- Education: Master’s degree or PhD in Electronics, Mechanical, or Automotive Engineering.
- Industry Experience: 15+ years dedicated to EV powertrain R&D, advanced engineering, or propulsion systems development (within a total career span of 20–25 years).
- Track Record: Proven history of taking new EV powertrain technologies from concept to mass production across at least one complete program cycle.
- Domain Depth: Deep, hands-on technical expertise in motors, power electronics, and integrated e-drive systems.
- Segment Specifics: Direct hands-on background in 4-wheeler EV powertrain design and development.
- Specialized Expertise: Practical experience with axial-flux motors, integrated e-axles, or wide-bandgap power electronics (SiC/GaN).
- Leadership Context: Prior experience in a research lab, OEM advanced engineering group, or an EV startup's core technology team, along with a track record of building an R&D function from the ground up.
- Strategic & Technical Mastery: Ability to seamlessly switch between strategic execution (roadmaps, IP, partnerships) and detailed technical direction (design reviews, lab-level troubleshooting).
- IP & Research Standing: Strong publication and patent record or demonstrated tech leadership in the EV propulsion domain.
- Communication: Capability to articulate complex technical bets and architecture strategies clearly to non-technical leadership and investors to secure support and capital.
Why Join Us
- Long-Term Impact: Define the core technologies that will shape MATEL's powertrain portfolio for the next decade, moving beyond single product launch cycles.
- Total Leadership & Ownership: Take full ownership of the R&D roadmap, technology budget, and team growth in a high-visibility executive position.
- Frontier Engineering: Operate at the forefront of EV propulsion innovation with the operational backing and resources needed to pursue true advanced engineering.