Model Maintenance Engineer (R&D)

Job Summary:

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced R&D Model Maintenance Engineer to support the Serial Life Improvement and Model Maintenance activities for tractor products. The role involves resolving assembly line issues, field failures, product quality concerns, and cost optimization opportunities while ensuring timely implementation of engineering changes.

The candidate will work closely with R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Purchase, Suppliers, and Plant teams to develop practical engineering solutions that improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in the design and development of Sheet Metal, Plastics, Casting, and Machined components used in tractors, automotive, off-highway, or industrial vehicles.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Model Maintenance

• Support Model Maintenance and Serial Life Improvement activities for existing tractor models.
• Analyze assembly line issues, field complaints, service feedback, and manufacturing concerns.
• Understand issues assigned through Issue Tracker and drive them to closure.
• Perform root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop engineering solutions and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Design & Development

• Design and develop Sheet Metal, Plastic, Casting, Forging, and Machined components.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with performance, manufacturing, quality, and cost targets.
• Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis, GD&T validation, fitment, and functional verification.
• Support prototype development, validation, and production implementation.

Manufacturing & Plant Support

• Participate in Assembly Line Issue Resolution meetings.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering for design feasibility.
• Support pilot builds and production implementation.
• Resolve manufacturing and supplier-related engineering issues.
• Provide technical support during production and new implementation.

Cost Optimization & Value Engineering

• Identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising quality or performance.
• Evaluate alternative manufacturing processes and materials.

Examples include:

• Converting Sheet Metal assemblies into Castings
• Replacing Sheet Metal covers with Plastic Injection Molded parts
• Component integration and part count reduction
• Standardization of fasteners and purchased parts
• Prepare technical and commercial feasibility studies.

Supplier Development

• Coordinate with suppliers during design development.
• Review supplier manufacturing feasibility.
• Resolve supplier quality and manufacturing issues.

Validation & Quality Improvement

• Participate in Design Reviews and Validation Reviews.
• Support DFMEA, Design Verification Plans, and Engineering Change Requests.
• Conduct failure investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Improve product reliability, durability, serviceability, and customer satisfaction.

Participate in Kick-off Meetings, Design Reviews, Validation Reviews, and Project Meetings. With Cross Functional Teams (Manufacturing Engineering/ Purchase/ Quality /Production /Testing and Validation)

Technical Responsibilities

The engineer should have experience in one or more of the following systems:

• Tractor Structural Components
• Transmission Components
• Axle Components
• Driveline Systems
• Engine Mounting Components
• Chassis Components
• Cab & Hood Components
• Hydraulic Components
• Operator Station Components (KBAU)

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of Tractor Model Maintenance and Serial Life Improvement.
• Experience in solving Assembly Line, Manufacturing, Service, and Field Failure issues.
• Excellent knowledge of Sheet Metal, Plastics, Casting, Forging, and Machined component design. Welding, Surface Treatments

Good understanding of :

• ECO/ECRM (Engineering Change Order/ Engineering Change release Management)
• GD&T
• DFMEA
• PFMEA
• Root Cause Analysis (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone)
• Tolerance Stack-up Analysis
• Design Validation
• Serviceability
• Reliability Engineering
• Value Engineering
• Cost Optimization
• Knowledge of SAP BOM management and engineering change processes.
• Understanding of component costing and manufacturing economics.
• Strong presentation, documentation, and communication skills.

Software Skills

• CATIA V6 / 3DEXPERIENCE
• Siemens NX (UG-NX)
• SAP
• Microsoft Excel /PowerPoint /Word
• PLM Systems (ENOVIA / Teamcenter preferred)

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (B.E./B.Tech.) in Mechanical Engineering or Automobile Engineering.
• Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech.) is an added advantage.

Experience

• 6 - 10 years of relevant experience in:
• Tractor Industry
• Automotive OEM
• Off-Highway Equipment
• Agricultural Machinery
• Construction Equipment
• Heavy Machinery

Experience in Model Maintenance, Product Improvement, or Serial Life Improvement projects is highly preferred.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Tractor OEMs
• Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers
• Automotive OEMs
• Off-Highway Vehicle Manufacturers
• Construction Equipment
• Heavy Machinery

Key Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Product Design & Development
• Model Maintenance
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Value Engineering (VE)
• Cost Optimization
• Root Cause Analysis
• Engineering Calculations
• Supplier Development
• Engineering Change Management (ECN/ECR)
• Product Validation
• Assembly Line Support

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking
• Excellent problem-solving ability
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Customer-focused mindset
• Result-oriented approach
• Decision-making capability
• Ownership and accountability
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work under tight timelines