Program Lead / Systems Engineer (Robotics & Defence)

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Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Program Lead / Systems Engineer to lead the development and delivery of a complex robotic platform from concept through engineering validation and field trials.

This role combines systems engineering, technical program leadership, hardware integration, vendor management, and customer coordination. You will translate defence user requirements into system specifications and architecture, lead cross-functional engineering activities, manage project risks and schedules, and represent the engineering program during customer reviews, demonstrations, and trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate defence user needs into formal system requirements and system architecture.
• Develop and maintain requirements specifications, interface control documents, and configuration and change-control processes.
• Lead the core engineering team, coordinate cross-functional activities, and conduct design reviews and stage-gate assessments.
• Maintain project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and technical delivery plans.
• Lead the selection of off-the-shelf robotic components, legs, actuators, and related hardware in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Manage suppliers, technical vendors, procurement coordination, and import logistics.
• Represent the program in customer discussions, including requests for information (RFIs), requests for proposals (RFPs), technical reviews, demonstrations, and user trials.
• Plan verification and validation activities across the system development lifecycle.
• Coordinate the development of test plans, technical documentation, and evidence required for engineering acceptance and field evaluation.
• Support phase-two workforce planning and define future engineering hiring requirements.
• Drive issue resolution and ensure alignment between technical requirements, project timelines, and delivery objectives.

• BE/BTech/ME/MTech in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• 10–15 years of experience in systems engineering, hardware product development, robotics, defence engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience leading a hardware, robotics, defence engineering, or multidisciplinary technical team.
• Demonstrated experience delivering a physical product, such as a UGV, UAV, robot, vehicle, or defence electronics platform, from design through field testing.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering practices, including requirements management, interface control documents, the V-model, and verification planning.
• Experience leading technical reviews, managing engineering risks, coordinating suppliers, and overseeing project delivery.
• Working knowledge of Indian defence procurement processes, including DAP 2020, iDEX, defence trials, and DGQA inspection.
• Strong stakeholder management, technical communication, and team leadership skills.

• Experience with DRDO, defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), private defence organizations, or relevant technical roles in the armed forces, including EME, Signals, or Corps of Engineers.
• Background in robotics, autonomous systems, or unmanned ground and aerial platforms.
• Familiarity with ROS and robotic system architecture.
• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), PMP, or similar professional certification.
• Familiarity with SysML, Cameo Systems Modeler, or related systems engineering tools.
• Experience with environmental qualification and testing standards such as JSS 55555 and MIL-STD-810.

• Lead the development of a complex robotic platform from requirements definition through field evaluation.
• Shape system architecture, engineering processes, and cross-functional delivery.
• Work directly with technical stakeholders and defence customers on demanding engineering challenges.
• Build and guide a multidisciplinary engineering team while contributing to long-term product development strategy.