Automotive Research & Development Consultant

Who are we?

Outsized is a high-growth, well-funded disruptor in the fast-evolving talent economy. We focus on full-time contracts (remote or onsite), typically between 1-12 months.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced VAVE / Engineering Cost Reduction Consultant for a high-impact engagement with a major tractor manufacturing company. The consultant will work closely with the client's R&D and engineering teams on an ongoing direct material cost reduction programme, identifying design-led cost reduction opportunities across key tractor aggregates and supporting end-to-end implementation. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to make a significant impact through strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Conduct deep VAVE analysis across tractor aggregates including engine, transmission, hydraulics, axles, and other key systems to identify design-led cost reduction opportunities.
• Conduct product teardown and competitor benchmarking to identify potential design and specification changes.
• Develop savings estimates and build business cases for identified cost reduction initiatives.
• Work with R&D and engineering stakeholders to evaluate feasibility, align on proposed changes, and drive initiatives through implementation.
• Identify and resolve execution bottlenecks to ensure timely implementation of cost reduction ideas.
• Support end-to-end engineering change processes, including design proposal, feasibility, DVP/validation, and engineering release.

Skills & Qualifications:

• 8–15 years of experience in automotive R&D, product design and development, or engineering cost reduction.
• Proven experience delivering direct material cost reduction through design changes, with specific examples of a changed part/specification and measurable savings.
• Strong hands-on experience in VAVE / DTV / teardown programmes and product BOM analysis.
• Experience owning design changes end-to-end, from proposal and feasibility through validation, engineering release, and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of DFMEA, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and engineering change management.
• Experience in off-highway, agricultural equipment, or commercial vehicle programmes is strongly preferred.
• Experience with tractor OEMs and competitor benchmarking would be an advantage.
• Candidates should have worked on the design and development side of R&D rather than applications or technical sales.

Other Info:

Location: Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

Working Model: Full-time, 5 days a week onsite. Relocation preferred, but consultants based in other cities can also be considered if they are comfortable travelling to Hoshiarpur during the week and returning to their base location over weekends.

Contract Duration: 12 months, with potential for a 6-month extension.

Travel & accommodation: Covered for consultants travelling to Hoshiarpur.

Start: Immediate joiners and candidates with up to 30 days' notice preferred.