Rims and Tyres Component Responsible

Italdesign is looking for a Rims and Tyres Component Responsible to manage the complete technical development of wheel and tyre components, from concept definition and technical specification to supplier nomination, validation, release and series production.

The role combines strong component ownership with cross-functional coordination, balancing styling, performance, aerodynamics, weight, durability, homologation, cost and industrialization targets.

The candidate will interface with OEMs, suppliers and internal teams, ensuring component maturity and delivery in line with quality, cost and timing objectives.

Responsibilities

• manage the complete development of rims, tyres, wheel badges, wheel bolts and TPMS-related interfaces from concept to SOP and series support;
• define technical specifications, component targets, validation requirements and release conditions according to vehicle and customer objectives;
• coordinate feasibility, packaging, Class-A and styling integration, 3D/2D development, tolerances and design freeze activities;
• support sourcing and supplier nomination by preparing complete technical documentation and evaluating technical proposals;
• lead supplier co-engineering and monitor component maturity, timing, quality, cost, weight and industrialization;
• manage design changes, bill of materials, release status, variants and technical problem-solving throughout the component lifecycle;
• coordinate wheel and tyre performance development, including strength, durability, high-speed capability, handling, NVH, rolling resistance and aerodynamics;
• plan and coordinate component and vehicle validation, test execution, issue resolution and engineering sign-off;
• manage homologation and self-certification activities with customers, suppliers and approved testing partners;
• ensure quality maturity and industrialization, including PPAP support during pre-series, launch and SOP phases;
• act as the technical interface with styling, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, CAD, testing, quality, purchasing, production and aftersales;
• deliver engineering decisions and results in compliance with quality, cost, weight and timing targets.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in automotive component development, preferably with direct responsibility for rims and/or tyres;
• Knowledge of the complete component development process, from technical specification and sourcing to validation, release and SOP;
• Knowledge of vehicle dynamics fundamentals;
• Proven experience in supplier management and technical co-engineering within OEM or Tier 1 environments;
• Solid knowledge of wheel systems, including cast, forged and carbon-fibre rims, tyre technologies and wheel-to-vehicle interfaces;
• Good understanding of wheel and tyre performance attributes: strength, durability, high-speed capability, handling, NVH, rolling resistance, weight and aerodynamics;
• Experience in component validation, test specification definition, test planning, result assessment and technical sign-off;
• Knowledge of homologation, self-certification and regulatory constraints applicable to rims and tyres;
• Experience in vehicle integration and cross-functional development environments, including CAD, testing and quality processes;
• Understanding of Class-A, packaging, tolerances, materials and manufacturing constraints related to wheel systems;
• Experience working with automotive development, change-management and release processes;
• Structured and analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities;
• Effective communication and negotiation skills in an international environment;
• Results-oriented approach with strong ownership and accountability;
• Planning, prioritization and project coordination skills;
• Ability to manage technical, commercial and timing trade-offs across multiple stakeholders;
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear engineering conclusions;
• Proactivity, flexibility and resilience.

Preferential requirements

• Experience in aerodynamic wheel development, including wind-tunnel testing and optimization of rim permeability, concavity and wheel-cover concepts;
• Knowledge of quality and customer processes, including PPAP, problem management, change management and release workflows;
• Experience with sport, semi-slick, race, run-flat or other high-performance tyre applications;
• Knowledge of wheel manufacturing technologies, materials, surface finishing and industrialization processes;
• Familiarity with BOM, component lifecycle management and engineering release tools used in automotive development.

Other Informations

Education: Master’s