R&D Program Manager - Modular Interiors

You will join the R&D department of our Center of Excellence Interiors, a key actor in the design and development or interior train parts  for Rolling Stock, with more than 160 people  & 24 different nationalities, working both for French & international projects. 

Purpose of the job:

Develop the Innovation and R&D roadmap for flexible and modular Trains' Interiors and develop & manage the associated R&D activities in terms of Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD).

Key accountabilities

• Ensures that the overall QCD target of the Workpackage “Modular Interiors: Novel Interiors architectures, designs, components and interfaces maximizing the adaptability & evolutivity of the Interior layout over the full lifetime of the trains" is met
• Follow-up the WP QCD and risks evolution and mitigation plans: Budget adherence, Design for Quality milestones and progress follow-up according to R&D DFQ process
• Proposes and drives improvement action plans in R&D WP.
• Analyses the requirements of the Business Opportunities targeted by the R&D Program/WP (Business Case).
• Manages all the resources needed to complete the WP (internal resources, internal & external suppliers).
• Disseminates the results of the program within the different stakeholders of company
• Contributes to the deployment of the R&D development and new technologies in projects (transfer to Bids/Tender teams, Training & support to Projects)
• Proposes new R&D initiatives in relation to his/her scope, gathering ideas from inside and outside of the company.
• Develops the network of internal and external R&D partners for innovation in relation to new materials for railway interiors & front end applications
• Seeks for external funding and partnerships. Prepare for new calls (European and National). Manages participation to public funded projects in relation to his/her scope.
• Manages and develops the team of R&D Engineers

Reports directly to:

Head of Interiors R&D

Direct reports:

R&D Engineers, Apprentices

External Links

Suppliers, Laboratories, Universities and Research Centers, Customers, Competitors, Public Funding Bodies

Performance measurements:

• QCD targets according to the R&D Program charter (including the number of new Free-For-Tender solutions released)
• PAB/PRB process (GO/NO-GO; budget approvals)
• Technical expertise and Innovation generation & exploitation (nb inventions, use on commercial projects)
• R&D partners network development (including Operators)

Educational Requirements:
Mandatory:

• Engineering University Degree or equivalent in Mechanics, Industrial design
• Profound knowledge of materials, manufacturing & assembling processes used for transport vehicles Interiors
• Proficiency with CATIA V5

Desirable:

• Railways technical knowledge

Experience:

Mandatory:

• >5 years R&D experience in an international and industrial environment  
• Track record of successful development & release of innovative mechanical parts/systems 
• Proven experience on managing internal engineering/CAD resources as well as external resources/suppliers
• Experience in Railway, Automotive or Aeronautics

Desirable:

• Experience with stage-gate R&D processes

Competencies & Skills

• Autonomous, results driven and team-oriented personality with strong relationship skills
• Ability to prioritize and to work effectively under pressure to meet the deadlines
• Strong passion for innovation and questioning the status quo, and perceiving (upcoming) market needs
• Fast prototyper, likes to experiment in order to quickly show/test new concepts & solutions
• Strong written and spoken communication skills
• Team Leader and solid decision making and critical thinking.
• Ability to work in an international environment; Speak and write fluent in English; French is a bonus.

An agile, inclusive and responsible culture is the foundation of our company where diverse people are offered excellent opportunities to grow, learn and advance in their careers.  We are committed to encouraging our employees to reach their full potential, while valuing and respecting them as individuals.