R&D Transformation Lead

This role owns the two biggest levers for how the R&D organisation evolves: who it works with externally and how it builds capability internally — including the adoption of AI-driven ways of working. The Vendor, Org & AI Transformation Specialist ensures subcontractor quality does not become a delivery liability, that the organisation is structured and skilled for what is ahead, and that AI tools are embedded into engineering workflows in a disciplined, measurable way.

• Manage weekly and monthly R&D operating cadence, including program reviews, SOW standards, Deliverable Acceptance Checklists (DAC — SW and HW categories), and Payment Gate Schedules.
• Conduct technical audits and deliverable reviews for subcontractor engagements across SW, HW, and systems categories. Track vendor performance KPIs; manage underperformance with structured Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
• Oversee the R&D governance calendar, ensuring timely and data-driven discussions occur.
• Identify, pilot, and scale AI tools (Copilot, generative AI assistants, automated test generation, AI-assisted code review) within R&D teams
• Triage escalations by identifying blockers early and coordinating resolution efforts with engineering teams.
• Facilitate day-to-day Agile execution, including Sprint Planning, SCRUM, and retrospectives. Define and monitor delivery KPIs, identifying bottlenecks and implementing process improvements.
• Drive quality metrics monitoring and ensure adherence to engineering quality gates throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct root cause analysis on quality issues and foster communities of practice around engineering excellence.

Must-Have:

• Engineering or Masters in engineering with 15 plus years experience in R&D, engineering program management, or technical operations
• Direct experience in managing hardware/embedded subcontractor engagements DAC, BOM/AVL, DER, ECR/ECO in a hardware-software context
• Demonstrated experience driving AI or Gen AI tool adoption in an engineering organization — structured rollout with measurable outcomes, not just awareness.
• Comfortable working across engineering, HR, IT, and procurement stakeholders
• Proficient in org and people processes — headcount planning, competency frameworks, onboarding design
• Experience with Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, or equivalent GenAI tools in an engineering context

Nice-To-Have:

• Familiarity with Nokia or comparable OEM engineering processes
• Background in organizational design or HR business partnering. Exposure to Nokia BBD or Fixed Networks program structures

Some of our benefits in India:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work–life balance
• Health and well-being support – medical insurance for you and your family, health check-ups, life and accident insurance, well-being programs, and employee resource groups 
• A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave based on eligibility
• Personal Support Service 24/7 – a confidential support channel open to all Nokia employees and their families in challenging situations
• Career growth & mobility – technical career paths, job rotations, international assignments, and relocation support
• Continuous learning – technical certifications, mentoring programs, coaching, and digital learning platforms
• Opportunities to innovate and contribute through Nokia’s research and development environment
• Recognition programs that celebrate outstanding contributions
• Workplace support – ergonomic working support and mobile device programs based on eligibility