Sr. Engineer

JD - Sr. Engineer, Forge.Labs
In the role of the Sr.Engineer, the person shall report to Specialist, Forge.Labs. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to drive the execution of innovation projects and manage innovation activities within various technical domains. This role will primarily focus on delivering the innovation projects, implementing structured innovation management practices, overseeing the design and delivery of the Innovation Practicum, and supporting the operation of Technology and Product Demo Labs (TDLs & PDLs). The ideal candidate will play a key role in accelerating the development of innovative solutions and supporting entrepreneurs in a fast-paced environment.
Position & Designation
Grade - Sr. Associate
The Sr. Engineer - Forge.Labs shall be designated in Forge at the grade of Sr. Associate, and considered for a promotion to the role of specialist after having delivered a commendable performance in the role for a minimum tenure of 12 months.

Compensation
Forge compensation is at par with the top end of the social enterprises sector in India and continuously benchmarked to be above the average compensation offered in the social (non-commercial or development) sector in general but significantly above the average compensation offered by TBIs in general in India.
The Total CTC will include 4 major components namely, Fixed Monthly Gross, Fixed Quarterly Payout, Annual Development Bonus (linked to demonstration of progress on developing and strengthening capabilities in alignment with the Career Advancement and Capabilities Development framework of Forge), and Annual Executive Bonus (linked to a predetermined share of the financial indicators/results of the company including grant-in-aid funds, revenues, and/or operating profits, as may be determined on a case-to-case basis).
Key Responsibilities:
Innovation Management
Lead the implementation of innovation projects through structured, process-oriented methodologies, utilizing the Forge Innovation Handbook and its associated tools, techniques, and best practices.
Manage innovation projects across key sectors (e.g., defense, manufacturing, mobility, sustainability), ensuring on-time delivery, within budget, and in full compliance with design and product specifications.
Oversee the development, coordination, and execution of innovation initiatives, guiding cross-functional teams to meet project objectives.
Collaborate with external stakeholders and technology partners to enhance the impact of innovation projects, ensuring the efficient integration of new technologies and ideas.
Monitor and assess the performance of ongoing innovation projects, proactively identifying risks and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Innovation Projects
Provide technical leadership and hands-on support throughout the product design, development, and verification phases of innovation projects, serving as a practitioner and mentor to innovators/startups.
Lead and mentor a team of engineers to ensure the successful execution of innovation projects, with a focus on prototype development, technical documentation, testing, and verification.
Guide innovation teams in selecting and using the right tools and techniques for product design, development, and testing, ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Engage directly with product development teams, providing expertise to accelerate the implementation of product designs and bringing them to market faster.

Innovation Practicum
Collaborate with Product and Program Managers to design and deliver training programs that enhance the innovation competencies of students and professionals.
Play an active role in the selection and admission process for students and professionals enrolling in training programs, ensuring candidates meet the program’s requirements.
Provide mentorship and guidance to students and professionals participating in the Innovation Practicum, helping them apply theoretical concepts to real-world innovation challenges.

Technology Demo Labs (TDLs) & Product Demo Labs (PDLs)
Continuously scan and curate the latest technology and product trends across relevant industries, and translate them into in‑house reference demos and proof‑of‑concept systems.
Design these demos as plug‑and‑play building blocks so that startups and innovation teams can quickly adapt and integrate them into their own subsystems and product architectures.
Ensure each demo includes clear technical documentation, reference architectures, and integration guidelines, enabling rapid adoption and reducing time‑to‑prototype for participating startups.

Lab Management & Technical Operations
Oversee the operation and management of Forge’s Innovation Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and Technology Labs, ensuring efficient and safe operation in accordance with safety and environmental standards.
Collaborate with external vendors and partners to manage procurement, installation, and training of technical equipment, ensuring smooth operations of labs.
Monitor stock levels of consumables and ensure proper maintenance and usage of lab equipment and tools.
Lead the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab operations, ensuring compliance with best practices and industry standards.
Required Expertise & Qualifications
Holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Electronics, or a related field from a reputed institution, with 3 - 5+ years of hands-on product development, or innovation lab experience.
Proven ability to apply deep technical knowledge in complex engineering projects with strong skills across Knowledge & Expertise, rapid prototypes Systems Engineering, Product Innovation, and Training.
Hands-on experience in at least two of the following areas is highly preferred: ROS/ROS2, embedded design and development, PCB design, electromechanical systems, IoT, Industrial automation, AI/ML, Mobile application development, Open CV-based computer vision System.
Demonstrated proficiency in lab operations, project scoping, budgeting, procurement, vendor management, and advanced laboratory operations.
Innovation & Proactivity: Commitment to continuous innovation and proactive engagement in driving new technical solutions, process improvements, and operational excellence.