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.

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

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.

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. .