Manager - Research & Development (Solar LED Lighting)

About the Company

Bondada Engineering Limited (BEL), headquartered in Hyderabad, is dedicated to delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions with high standards in quality, safety, and environmental protection. BEL's expertise spans core infrastructure services to operations and maintenance across India, driven by a knowledgeable, multidisciplinary team committed to excellence and environmental responsibility.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Research & Development Manager specializing in Solar LED lighting products. The candidate will lead product innovation, design, development, testing, and continuous enhancement of LED luminaires, ensuring technical excellence and commercial viability.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead product development from concept formulation through commercialization for new solar LED lighting solutions.
• Innovate and design energy-efficient LED luminaires and solar lighting systems tailored to market needs.
• Investigate and assess emerging technologies and critical components, including LEDs, drivers, optics, batteries, controllers, and thermal solutions.
• Develop prototypes by preparing BOMs, conducting validation and product testing to ensure performance standards.
• Enhance existing product designs focusing on efficiency, thermal management, durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Guarantee compliance with industry standards such as BIS, IEC, LM79, LM80, TM21, IP ratings, and surge protection.
• Oversee lighting laboratory testing using instruments like Goniophotometer, Integrating Sphere, Environmental Chambers, and Surge Generators.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality assurance, procurement, and supply chain teams for seamless product delivery.
• Maintain precise technical documentation including drawings, product specs, test outcomes, and compliance records.
• Conduct detailed failure analyses with corrective and preventive measures for product issues.
• Manage coordination with third-party labs for certifications and regulatory approvals.
• Provide technical guidance to sales and marketing during customer engagements and project evaluations.
• Drive ongoing innovation by evaluating and adopting new technologies to expand and enhance the solar lighting portfolio.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent fields.
• Additional certifications or specialized training in LED lighting technology, solar energy, or product design is advantageous.
• 7 to 10 years of R&D experience in Solar LED lighting, with a proven track record in product design and development.
• Proficient in developing LED luminaires, solar street lights, and energy-saving lighting solutions.
• Strong familiarity with LED drivers, solar charge controllers, battery technologies, optics, and thermal management systems.
• Hands-on experience with product prototyping, validation tests, and effective lifecycle management.
• Knowledgeable about lighting standards and testing methods such as LM79, LM80, TM21, BIS, IEC, IP ratings, surge protection, CRI, and CCT.
• Experienced with lighting testing equipment including Integrating Sphere, Goniophotometer, Environmental Chambers, and Surge Generators.
• Capable of leading R&D projects independently through all phases from concept to successful launch.
• Skilled in collaborating with various internal teams and external certification bodies to ensure compliance and quality.

Skills

• Solar LED Lighting Product Development
• LED Driver and Solar Charge Controller Design
• LED Module and Luminaire Engineering
• Thermal Management and Heat Sink Solutions
• Optical Design and Light Distribution
• Electrical Schematic and PCB Design Fundamentals
• Lighting Standards Compliance (BIS, IEC, LM79, LM80, TM21)
• Laboratory Testing (Integrating Sphere, Goniophotometer)
• Prototype Development and Validation
• Bill of Materials (BOM) Preparation
• Root Cause Analysis and Troubleshooting
• Energy Efficiency Enhancements
• Surge Protection and IP Rating Knowledge
• Technical Documentation and Reporting
• Cross-Functional Project Coordination
• Innovation Management
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication and Technical Presentation