Nikhil Kumar

About Nikhil Kumar

I’m a results-driven engineering and manufacturing professional with over a decade of…

Experience

1. Head of Engineering

   CST Defence Technologies

   Apr 2023 — Present · New Delhi, IN

   As Head of Engineering at CST Advanced Systems, I lead the strategic and technical direction of all engineering functions, ensuring the successful delivery of end-to-end defence manufacturing solutions — from concept to deployment.I oversee cross-functional engineering teams across design, product development, manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and quality assurance, working in alignment with defence industry standards and customer expectations. Key Responsibilities:Provide technical leadership for new product development, system integration, and process innovation for defence programs.Oversee design, validation, and industrialization of complex assemblies, ensuring compliance with MIL-STD, AS9100, and customer-specific standards.Lead cross-functional collaboration between R&D, Production, Quality, SCM, and Program Management to ensure on-time, within-budget project delivery.Develop and implement long-term engineering strategies, driving innovation, automation, and digital transformation (Industry 4.0).Define and enforce engineering governance, including DFMEA, PFMEA, DFM/DFA, and robust change management.Mentor engineering managers and teams, promoting a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.Engage with defence clients, auditors, and regulatory bodies to support technical reviews, audits, and compliance documentation.Evaluate emerging technologies and lead capex projects for machinery, tools, and R&D infrastructure.My mission is to ensure CST Advanced Systems delivers reliable, scalable, and mission-critical solutions to the defence sector while building a future-ready engineering organization.