Senior Research & Development Specialist in Solid Insulation Materials for Power Transformers

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead and manage all aspects related to solid insulation materials used in power transformers. This includes establishing material requirements, conducting rigorous testing, and overseeing supplier qualifications to ensure top-quality materials that meet performance and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and manage requirements, specifications, qualification plans, test protocols, acceptance criteria, and risk-based change controls for solid transformer materials.
• Lead the screening of materials, qualify suppliers, validate laboratory methods, conduct prototype trials, and implement practices at manufacturing sites.
• Assess compatibility between materials and fluids, moisture effects, aging, corrosion phenomena, dimensional stability, and electrical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics.
• Incorporate material property data into design decisions concerning dielectric, thermal, mechanical, sealing, and corrosion protection aspects.
• Take charge or assist in root-cause investigations for failures such as insulation damage, partial discharge, leakage, coating failures, corrosion, contamination, and mechanical wear.
• Manage operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of solid-material characterization instruments, ensuring calibration, fixture integrity, safety compliance, and documentation accuracy.
• Maintain laboratory readiness through equipment qualification, measurement system controls, stock of consumables and spares, service support, and preserving data traceability.
• Direct hands-on operation, methodological developments, and upkeep of equipment measuring electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, microscopic, and surface properties including DSC, TGA, UTM, salt spray chambers, volume/surface resistivity meters, tracking and arc resistance testers, dry film thickness tools, hardness testers, and conductivity analyzers.
• Create and uphold operating procedures, equipment logs, preventive maintenance schedules, safety protocols, training records, and management systems aligned with NABL standards.
• Develop and enhance technical and production standards, maintain approved material lists and specifications, and provide guidance to manufacturing facilities.
• Contribute to the intellectual property strategy by participating in IP reviews, preparing clearance documents, and identifying potential risks and opportunities arising from R&D activities.
• Collaborate internationally with R&D teams, engineering departments, factories, quality assurance, supply chain management, suppliers, universities, and research institutes; participate in patent submissions, scientific publications, and knowledge sharing.

Additional Information

This role involves onsite presence at the Vadodara facility and requires close coordination with global teams and external partners. The incumbent will support continuous improvement and innovation within the solid insulation material domain for power transformers.