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R and D Manager
About this role
A full-time R and D Manager at Proforce Industries Limited leads engineering design, product development and technical research for armored vehicle lines. The role focuses on driving innovation in vehicle architecture, ballistic protection integration, prototyping and continuous technical improvement, with oversight of the R&D strategy and product roadmap. It requires managing projects, budgets and intellectual property, and ensuring designs meet international military and automotive standards. The position reports to senior leadership and supervises a team of engineers and technicians across cross-functional activities from concept to production. The company specializes in defense and protective mobility products for government, corporate and private clients in Nigeria and Africa.
What you would do
- Define and execute the R&D strategy and product roadmap for vehicle platforms and armor systems.
- Manage R&D project timelines, budgets, documentation and intellectual property portfolios.
- Oversee testing, validation, and standards compliance including FEA, ballistic simulation, field tests and STANAG/NIJ alignment.
- Collaborate with production, welding, body assembly and quality control to ensure design manufacturability.
- Lead and supervise CAD designers, mechanical designers, stress analysts and prototype technicians.
- Direct end-to-end vehicle design, modelling, prototyping and testing of new platforms and sub-assemblies.
- Research materials and technologies to enhance capability and production efficiency.
- Align engineering work with tactical requirements and cross-functional needs.
What they are asking for
- 6–10 years of progressive engineering experience.
- At least 3 years in a managerial or lead research role in automotive engineering, defence equipment design, aerospace or heavy vehicle fabrication.
- Bachelors or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering or related field.
- Strong technical leadership, project management, problem solving and technical reporting skills.
- Knowledge of testing protocols, materials science, vehicle dynamics, and CAE/FEA tools.
- Experience with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
- Understanding of armor and ballistic materials, blast mitigation, and protection levels (NIJ, STANAG 4569).
- Familiarity with DFMA practices and automotive assembly workflows.
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