Deputy General Manager – Test Lab Operation & Management

About the role

The Deputy General Manager will lead the design, construction and optimisation of test simulators and laboratory environments for KONE’s R&D teams. Based in Chennai, the role ensures that test equipment and facilities support unit, integration and system testing for elevators and escalators. The position reports to the Head of Shared R&D Services India and includes responsibility for safety, budgeting and team leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Full ownership and management of ITEC laboratories, aligning with global best practices for simulator development.
• Design, build and maintain test environments and equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations for elevator components.
• Develop new platforms and enhance existing ones in collaboration with project teams and external suppliers.
• Control laboratory budget, plan road‑maps and oversee resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor and coordinate a multidisciplinary team of lab technicians, sourcing specialists and lab in‑charges.
• Collaborate with testing professionals to expand R&D testing capabilities, covering unit, integration and system testing.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Automation Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in R&D or test engineering, with proven financial acumen.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and elevator systems and experience with Beckhoff I/O systems.
• Demonstrated people‑management experience and ability to work in an international team.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and safety compliance.

Required skills

• Beckhoff I/O systems
• Electrical and elevator system expertise
• Testing methodologies, tools and best practices
• Automation and production/commissioning knowledge
• Programming and AI concepts (advantageous)