Test Lead - Vehicle Dynamics

Test Lead - Vehicle Dynamics Location: IBC, Bangalore Reporting to: Function Head - Structural & Vehicle Attributes Testing Team name: Structural & Vehicle Attributes Testing About the Team and the Role: The Structural & Vehicle Attributes Testing team at Ather is responsible for defining the ride character, safety, and dynamic performance of our electric vehicles. This team focuses on validating critical functional attributes—including braking systems, handling, ride comfort, and ergonomics—to ensure every Ather product delivers a superior urban commute experience. By bridging the gap between engineering theory and real-world dynamics, the team plays a vital role in perfecting the vehicle's "soul" and ensuring it meets global performance benchmarks. This role is for a Test Lead - Vehicle Dynamics who will define the strategic direction for all VD validation activities. You will be responsible for developing robust Design Validation Plans (DVP), managing a team of specialized engineers, and overseeing the sophisticated test infrastructure required for high-precision attribute testing.

About Ather Energy

Want to know more?

• At Ather, we’ve built India’s first intelligent scooter, from scratch.
• Based on the philosophy of clean design and smart technology, we are transforming the urban commute experience.
• We are expanding in India, and in the coming years, we look forward to scaling up and launching more products globally.
• Today, our product offerings include the Ather 450X, 450S, 450 Apex, and Rizta.
• Beyond the product, we are also setting up an extensive charging network and re-imagining end-to-end ownership experience.
• To know more, check out our Careers site and our Substack.
• Be You, With Us The Ather story doesn't write itself - our people do.
• We believe everyone is equal, but not the same.
• Diversity is our strength, and building an inclusive and equitable workplace begins with acknowledging and embracing our differences.
• We are an equal opportunity employer, and our team reflects a wide range of identities, experiences, and perspectives - all united by a shared passion to shape the Ather journey.

Responsibilities

• Your leadership will ensure that critical failures are identified early in the design cycle and that our testing methodologies evolve to match the increasing complexity of intelligent electric vehicles.
• Define overarching test strategies for functional attributes including Comfort, Handling, Brakes, Ergonomics, and feature testing.
• Oversee both system-level and vehicle-level testing of Vehicle Dynamics (VD) attributes to ensure performance compliance.
• Lead benchmarking initiatives against global and domestic competitors to establish and maintain Ather’s market-leading VD standards.
• Develop and approve robust Design Validation Plans (DVP) that comprehensively cover all necessary VD test cases across product stages.
• Represent the Product Validation department in organizational swimlanes, directing tasks to respective teams and managing program timelines.
• Manage, mentor, and coach a team of aspiring engineers to enhance technical productivity and career development.
• Own and evolve the test infrastructure and instrumentation, ensuring it is maintained and upgraded to match product evolution.
• Drive continuous improvement through the development of new test standards, increased automation coverage, and the implementation of industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master in mechanical or automotive engineering or any other equivalent field 8-12 years of experience in Vehicle Dynamics Must Have Competencies: Technical expertise in Instrumentation and Data Acquisition for high-fidelity vehicle dynamics and braking system measurements.
• Advanced proficiency in Data Analysis and Data Visualization to translate dynamic vehicle behavior into engineering requirements.
• Professional capability in People Management and Directing People to lead a high-performing validation team.
• Advanced capability in Decision Making and Industry Knowledge to define benchmarking standards and performance targets.
• Proficient in using 2D for post-processing and advanced analysis of dynamic vehicle data.

Preferred

• Skilled in using Ncode Glyphworks for vibration analysis and fatigue-related durability assessments.
• Practical knowledge of Project Planning Tools to manage resources, testing schedules, and cross-functional delivery.
• Familiarity with MS Excel for complex data documentation, budget tracking, and lab inventory management.