Head of COE

Leaders’Edge Consulting Pvt. Ltd. is hiring a Head of COE - Principal Engineer for a leading automotive OEM.

This is a critical engineering leadership role in the automotive industry, responsible for driving the design, development, and delivery of advanced seating systems in alignment with passenger comfort, regulatory compliance, and engineering excellence. The position offers significant cross-functional exposure and ownership across multiple vehicle programs.

Role: – Head of COE - Principal Enginee

rFunction: Product Engineerin

gLocation: Pune, Indi

aGrade: L

3Scope: Passenger Vehicle Program

sTeam Leadership: Ye

s
Role Purpos

e:This high-visibility role will lead a Center of Excellence (COE) team focused on designing and delivering next-generation automotive seating systems. The candidate will be responsible for translating customer comfort expectations into innovative, manufacturable, and regulatory-compliant seat designs that meet cost, weight, performance, and timeline targets. The role involves strong stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring a technical team to deliver world-class seating solution

s.Key Responsibilitie
• s:Lead seating system design and development across vehicle platforms—from concept to SO
• P.Deliver against cost, weight, performance, safety, and comfort benchmark
• s.Provide technical direction and support to Styling, Product Planning, and Platform team
• s.Define Proof-of-Concepts and future-ready seat configurations aligned with regulatory roadmap
• s.Monitor and mitigate risks related to DVP (Regulatory, Functional, Durability) and ensure first-time-right design
• s.Stay ahead of global regulations and integrate required changes proactively into future program
• s.Collaborate with suppliers, interface teams, and product planners to define and achieve Functional Intent (FI) target
• s.Drive benchmarking, innovation, and technical reviews to enhance aesthetics, ergonomics, and material selectio
• n.Guide cross-functional interactions with CAE, NVH, BSR, STA, DE, Validation, PVT, and other key engineering team
• s.Oversee tooling activities in collaboration with CDMM and supply chain teams to avoid quality or process issues post-SO
• P.Track global trends in automotive seating systems and translate learnings into upcoming product line
• s.Build and nurture a high-performing engineering team; drive learning, ownership, and collaboratio

n.Qualification
• s:BE / B.Tech / M.Tech in Mechanical or Automotive Engineerin
• g.Minimum 15 years of experience in automotive seating system design and developmen
• t.Proven expertise in managing complete seat system delivery across product development cycles (Style to SOP
• ).Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, ergonomics, and material
• s.Experience working closely with Styling, Product Planning, and Platform teams to integrate seat requirement

s.Key Competencies & Soft Skill
• s:Deep knowledge of seating system design, development, and toolin
• g.Exposure to Design Thinking principles and customer-centric engineerin
• g.Awareness of global seating trends, technologies, and manufacturing standard
• s.Strong program management skills and stakeholder communicatio
• n.A passion for innovation, aesthetic detailing, and customer experienc
• e.Proven leadership in building and empowering technical team

s.This is a rare opportunity for a seating system expert to take on a pivotal leadership role with high visibility, technical depth, and a direct impact on the end-customer experienc