Shift Incharge - IPQC Paint Shop

About the Role and Team

The In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) team at Ather Energy serves as the ultimate checkpoint to ensure zero defects in the assembly line of their intelligent scooters. As the Shift Incharge for the Paint Shop IPQC located in Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), you will be the technical lead responsible for verifying and maintaining the manufacturing process quality. This role demands leadership of a skilled team focused on identifying, containing, and resolving quality deviations promptly while fostering a "Zero Defect" culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the operational governance for quality standards and controls on the paint shop production line, steering the team towards achieving Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Morale (SQCDM) objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance and strengthen manufacturing process reliability, working in partnership with the Process Excellence team to conduct audits and ensure closure of non-conformities.
• Supervise quality milestones during new product phases including X1 builds and production trials (Low Volume and High Volume), ensuring all issues are resolved prior to mass production.
• Plan strategically to secure essential facilities, precise equipment, and adequate staffing aligned with company quality goals.
• Manage implementation of Engineering Change Notices and oversee document change controls within the division to enable smooth process transitions.
• Coordinate closely with specialist operations to conduct quick containment measures that avoid production line stoppages, and support Manufacturing Quality Assurance by delivering critical initial analysis data to meet Supplier Performance Ratings.
• Provide visionary leadership focused on Culture, Capability, and Capacity (3C Direction) to empower team members in technical decision-making.
• Develop and manage competency frameworks, sustain team morale, handle grievances of shift leaders and supervisors, and promote a high-performance work environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in quality control within manufacturing.

Core Competencies

• Expertise in in-process quality control in surface treatments such as Cathodic Electro Deposition (CED), powder coating, spray painting, and quality gates for automotive or EV assembly lines.
• Proficient use of SQCDM methodology to drive quality and operational efficiency.
• Advanced skills in root cause analysis techniques including 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone diagrams to enforce permanent corrective actions.
• Experience managing internal audits and maintaining certification standards such as ISO/IATF.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with Agile project management and the use of tools like JIRA to track quality-related workflows.
• Understanding of engineering change management (ECN/ECM) in rapid hardware development environments.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor junior staff through structured competency programs.

Additional Information

Ather Energy is a pioneer in intelligent scooters in India, known for clean, smart design and technology. The company is expanding its product portfolio and infrastructure to revolutionize urban commuting. Committed to diversity and inclusion, Ather fosters an equitable workplace culture respecting varying identities and viewpoints. As an equal opportunity employer, Ather empowers its workforce to be authentic and engaged in shaping the company’s future.