New Product Development - Rubber & Plastic

Job description: NPD (Rubber & Plastic)
Location: Yelahanka, Bangalore

About The Gig

As a Mechanical NPD, you will architect and execute the sourcing strategy for all mechanical components ( Rubber & Plastic) that power our next-gen electric two-wheelers. In this high-impact role, youll combine deep technical know-how in mechanical systems with world-class supplier management to drive cost, quality, innovation, and speed-to-market.

What You'll Do

• Strategic Category Leadership
• Develop and own the end-to-end sourcing strategy for mechanical components.
• Long Term and Short term Strategy
• Conduct quarterly category reviews to align cost-reduction, risk-mitigation, and innovation goals.
• Knowledge about Mechanical commodities Manufacturing Process, APQP
• Supplier Identification & Qualification
• Map global and domestic supplier landscapes; lead RFI/RFP/RFQ processes.
• Identification, Selection & Qualification of Supplier
• Establish qualification protocols, audit plans, and scorecards to ensure supplier capabilities and compliance.
• Cost Management & Negotiation
• Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction initiatives—targeting 8–10% annual savings.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations on contract terms, volume discounts, and tooling investments.
• Part Costing
• ZBC/Should Cost
• Contractualization
• Drive Cost reduction initiatives.
• New Product Development
• DFx Process
• DFMEA, PFMEA
• Part Development - Proto, Mass Production
• Proto & Mass Production Tool & Fixture Development
• Capacity Calculation & Set up Capacity as per requirement.
• Vendor Management:
• Supplier Identification, Selection and Approval
• Supplier Audit for Qualifying the supplier
• Develop and manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality components.
• Identifying Improvement plan along with supplier to meet SEPL requirement
• Maintain SRM
• QBR’s with supplier based on parameters
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with NPD, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering to balance design for cost, manufacturability, and performance.
• Fast-track prototype tool builds, pilot runs, and scale-up sourcing for high-volume launches.
• Risk & Quality Assurance
• Implement supplier risk assessments (financial, geo-political, capacity) and develop mitigation plans.
• Set and monitor quality KPIs (PPM, defect trends, on-time delivery) with continuous improvement roadmaps.
• Innovation & Sustainability
• Scout for advanced materials, manufacturing technologies (e.g., high-pressure die casting, additive manufacturing) to drive product differentiation.
• Champion sustainability—evaluate suppliers on carbon footprint, circularity, and compliance with global environmental standards.
  

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of end-to-end strategic sourcing experience in Tier-1 Automotive, EV, or Heavy Machinery sectors.
• Deep expertise in mechanical component technologies— castings, forgings, sheet metal fabrication, machining.
• Strong commercial acumen: adept at building cost models, negotiating multi-year contracts, and managing tooling investments.
• Hands-on experience with ERP/SAP procurement modules and supplier-performance management systems.
• Strategic Thinking: Translate business goals into category roadmaps and sourcing playbooks.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leverage cost-benchmarking, should-cost analyses, and spend analytics.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Inspire cross-functional teams and influence C-suite stakeholders.
• Communication: Articulate complex technical and commercial concepts clearly—both verbally and in writing.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment; pivot quickly as product roadmaps evolve.
  

Why Simple Energy?

• Be part of India’s fast-growing EV revolution.
• Work with a passionate team committed to sustainability and innovation.
• Opportunity to shape the brand identity of a leading EV startup