Mar 2015 – Jan 2018 · 2 yrs 10 mos · India

• Technical Project Manager – Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (R&D Center)
• In my capacity as a Technical Project Manager at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.’s Research & Development Center, I played a key role in the successful development and launch of two of India’s most iconic vehicles — the Maruti Suzuki Dzire (2017) and Maruti Suzuki Swift (2018).
• My contributions spanned the full lifecycle of product development, encompassing project management, design engineering, vendor coordination, and cross-functional leadership.
• Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
• Led a multidisciplinary team in body design and development, aligning with performance, safety, and styling objectives.
• Conducted benchmarking studies and business case analyses for strategic design and cost decisions.
• Developed comprehensive project plans and managed resource allocation to achieve timelines and deliverables.
• Monitored project milestones and prepared detailed MIS reports for senior management.
• Oversaw sourcing activities, including RFQs, vendor evaluations, and quality validation.
• Conducted market research and feasibility studies for product positioning.
• Collaborated with cross-functional and CAE teams for concept development and design validation.
• Directed design and validation of bumper systems, exterior trims, and BIW structures.
• Explored advanced materials like carbon fiber and boron steel tubes for lightweighting initiatives.
• Managed Engineering Change Notices (ECN) and Engineering Change Requests (ECR) through PLM systems.
• Coordinated with vendors, suppliers, and production teams to ensure quality and schedule compliance.
• Led design reviews, resolved critical issues, and ensured first-time-right deliverables.
• Supported tooling clearance, design modifications, and assembly process optimization.
• Through this role, I contributed significantly to the on-time, high-quality delivery of both vehicle programs, reinforcing Maruti Suzuki’s leadership in the Indian automotive market.

Oct 2010 – May 2015 · 4 yrs 7 mos · Mumbai

• I was actively involved in the design and development of the Body in White (BIW) structure for a new generation heavy commercial vehicle, specifically a truck. In my role, I led a team of BIW design professionals dedicated to the cabin design project for this New Generation Truck (NGT).
• My responsibilities included collecting benchmarking data and conducting technical studies on various types of heavy commercial vehicles falling under the N3 category. I prepared Master Sections based on benchmarking data, carried out concept design, and detailed sectioning to optimize packaging. Additionally, I studied Styling (CAS) data and participated in design reviews with the styling agency.
• I took charge of designing and developing BIW panels, engaged with vendors, suppliers, and technical experts for parts development and design reviews, and collaborated with the CAE department to assess the feasibility of BIW parts. Furthermore, I conducted design reviews with the Production Engineering (PE) team and managed the final design release.
• Addressing field and production line issues of existing vehicles was also part of my role. I designed parts using 3D software (Catia V5 R20), managed project tasks and reported project status through Management Information Systems (MIS) to higher management. Leading a team of design engineers, I was responsible for internal project planning and ensured tooling clearance, design reviews, and design change requests. Finally, I coordinated with the production engineering team to establish welding lines and finalize assembly processes.

May 2008 – Oct 2010 · 2 yrs 5 mos · Pune Area, India

• I was involved in the design and development of BIW structures and components for various passenger vehicles, including M1 Category Cars, MPVs, and UVs. This work took place within the Body Design department, specifically in the Body in White (BIW) team, where I reported to the Head of Department.
• My responsibilities encompassed working on a vehicle weight reduction project and creating concept designs for a renowned Indian automotive OEM. I played a pivotal role in designing and developing automotive BIW components and sheet metal body structures, emphasizing optimal packaging through concept design and detailed sectioning. I also prepared Master Sections based on benchmarking data and collected technical data from various vehicle types.
• Utilizing Catia V5 R18, I engaged in 3D modeling following Daimler and Magna Steyr methodologies. Collaboration with the CAE department to assess BIW Parts feasibility was a key part of my role, as was redesigning components with modifications to meet design requirements. I actively interacted with customers and technical experts for design reviews and participated in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) exercises related to costing and materials selection.
• Moreover, I held responsibility for implementing the quality management system (QMS) and managed internal project planning and scheduling. Additionally, I coordinated with the marketing and business development team within the company to explore new business opportunities related to BIW projects.

Oct 2007 – May 2008 · 7 mos · Bangluru - Chennai

• In my role at Mahindra Engineering Services, I was responsible for designing and developing Body in White (BIW) structures and components for a range of passenger vehicles, including M1 Category Cars, MPVs, and UVs. I worked within the Body Design department, reporting to the Department Head. My tasks included contributing to a vehicle weight reduction project, crafting concept designs for a prominent global automotive OEM, and optimizing packaging through concept design and detailed sectioning. I also conducted benchmarking data collection, engaged in 3D modeling using Catia V5 R18, collaborated with the CAE department to assess BIW part feasibility, and actively participated in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives. Additionally, I managed the implementation of the quality management system (QMS) and coordinated with the marketing and business development team to explore new BIW project opportunities.

Nov 2005 – Sep 2007 · 1 yr 10 mos · Pune Area, India

• I worked as a design engineer in the Body Design team at FML R&D, focusing on N1 category small commercial vehicles. My responsibilities included collecting benchmarking data and studying technical data for various vehicle types, preparing Master Sections based on benchmarking data, conducting concept design, and creating detailed sections for optimal packaging. I also designed parts using 3D software (Catia V5 R16) and collaborated with the CAE department to assess the feasibility of BIW parts.
• Additionally, I engaged with the PE (Production Engineering) department, coordinated with the Prototype department for model preparation, and carried out redesigns of components with modifications to meet design requirements. I also conducted design reviews for interface components in alignment with vehicle assembly specifications.