CTO/Advisor | Electric Buses Design & Research | Technical

Must be 25+ years of exp and should be very strong in understanding of Electric Bus Design, understanding of battery dynamics, Understanding design considerations in Indian Market.

1. Role Overview

The Chief Innovation & Technology Officer will lead the end-to-end technology, engineering, digital systems, and product development for the Electric 4W (Buses & Commercial EVs) business. This includes:

• Complete vehicle technology ownership
• Full engineering & product development leadership
• Contract manufacturing technology oversight
• IT, digital architecture, connectivity & data systems
• Building next-generation EV architectures, platforms, and technology capabilities

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Vehicle Technology & Product Engineering Leadership

• Lead complete design, engineering, and development of Electric 4W platformspassenger EVs, commercial EVs, buses, and future mobility solutions.
• Define vehicle architecture, modules, aggregates, and platform strategies.
• Ensure delivery of performance KPIs: range, efficiency, safety, drivability, reliability, NVH, and durability.
• Integrate cross-functional systems across chassis, body, interiors, E/E architecture, and EV-specific systems.

B. Powertrain, High-Voltage Systems & EV Aggregates

• Lead development of powertrain systems: battery pack, BMS, motors, inverters, chargers, thermal systems, HV safety architecture.
• Guide EMI/EMC, energy efficiency, lightweighting, and next-gen EV powertrain technologies.
• Evaluate build vs. buy vs. global technology partnerships.

C. IT, Digital Systems & Connectivity (CIO Mandate)

• Define and lead the digital & IT roadmap for all vehicle and enterprise systems.
• Build connected vehicle architecture: telematics, OTA, cloud integration, cybersecurity, data platform.
• Deploy ERP, PLM, MES, and manufacturing IT systems across contract manufacturing units.
• Lead digital transformation, automation, software integration, digital twins, and model-based development.

D. Contract Manufacturing Technology Leadership

• Drive technology, quality, processes, and digital systems for all contract manufacturing operations.
• Ensure manufacturability, cost optimization, and seamless integration of suppliers & CM partners.
• Define line layouts, digital quality systems, manufacturing IT stack, and engineering change control.

E. Product Development, Testing & Homologation

• Oversee full vehicle DVP&R, CAE, simulation, Proving Ground testing, homologation, and certification.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards.
• Build strong validation processes across performance, safety, electrical safety, ADAS, thermal & durability.

F. R&D Leadership & Technical Organization Building

• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering departments: mechanical, electrical, electronics, software, CAE, NVH, testing, program management.
• Build internal capability for next-generation EV architectures, digital systems, and advanced technologies.
• Manage multi-site R&D operations, engineering budgets, and talent development.

G. Technology Partnerships, Ecosystem & Supplier Leadership

• Drive collaborations with global technology partners, semiconductor companies, battery suppliers, IT system providers, and engineering service firms.
• Evaluate and onboard suppliers for EV aggregates, vehicle systems, connectivity & software.
• Lead joint development initiatives and technology transfers.

H. Strategic Technology Roadmap

• Define long-term product & technology roadmap for EV buses, 4W programs, and mobility platforms.
• Build modular EV architecture enabling scale, cost optimization, and faster time-to-market.
• Represent engineering, R&D, and IT in Board-level conversations.

3. Required Experience

• 2030+ years in automotive engineering, R&D leadership, or vehicle technology.
• Minimum 1012 years experience in Electric Vehicle development.
• Proven track record in delivering Electric 4W / Bus programs from concept to production.
• Experience in IT systems, connected vehicle stacks, digital transformation, and enterprise IT.
• Strong exposure to contract manufacturing processes, manufacturing engineering, and digital MES/PLM systems.
• Ability to work with global partners, suppliers, and advanced technology ecosystems.

4. Education

• M.Tech / PhD in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, or related fields.
• Additional specialization in EV technologies / IT systems / digital engineering preferred.
• Certifications in advanced vehicle systems, digital transformation, or emerging mobility technologies will be an advantage.

5. Key Competencies

• Deep expertise in EV systems, vehicle engineering, and IT architecture.
• Strong leadership and ability to manage large, complex engineering and IT organizations.
• Strategic thinking, technology roadmap creation, and end-to-end program ownership.
• Execution-focused mindset with ability to manage cost, quality, and timelines.