Rakesh Gaonkar

CEO

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India13 yrs 2 mos experience
Highly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Over 13 years of experience in CAD and Production Engineering.
  • Co-Founder and CTO driving innovative aviation solutions.
  • Passionate about transforming urban mobility.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in automotive and aviation design, focusing on innovative product development.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Product DevelopmentProduction EngineeringProduct DesignProject ManagementAutomotive DesignSurface DesignClass A ModelingClass A Surface Development

Other Skills

CADConcept DesignAero Loft DesignProduction Quality SurfacesModelingAlias Studio ToolsMaya - Polygon ModelingSketchingRendering3D VisualizationDesign ThinkingSurface ModelingClass A SurfacingPolygon Modeling

About

As a proud Indian, I am committed to tackling urban congestion and driving solutions that enhance productivity, save lives, and position India as a leader on the global stage. As Co-Founder and CTO of Sarla Aviation, my mission is to create scalable, manufacturing-friendly products that address real-world challenges. With over 13 years of experience in CAD and Production Engineering across the automotive and aviation industries, I am passionate about turning cutting-edge ideas into transformative innovations for a sustainable future.

Experience

Sarla aviation

Founder & CTO

Aug 2023Present · 2 yrs 7 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · On-site

  • Empowering the future of mobility with technology that redefines urban landscapes and lives by taking India's mobility dreams to the skies.
CADProduction EngineeringProduct Development

Dreiwelt

Director & Co-founder

Nov 2021Feb 2024 · 2 yrs 3 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · On-site

  • Empowering OEMs and startups to create world-class products, from consumer goods to hypercars. With expertise gained from collaborations across the UK, US, and Germany, we deliver production-ready solutions that resonate globally.

Lilium

Team Lead - Loft Design Engineer | Concept to Series Production Aircraft

Nov 2018Aug 2023 · 4 yrs 9 mos · Munich, Bavaria, Germany

  • Founding member of Lilium Aviation's Product Design Team, contributing from concept design to pre-series production Project Pegasus. Key achievements include delivering the exterior aero loft for tooling, establishing processes, introducing global standards, and managing resources to ensure timely delivery. Played a pivotal role in team development and hybrid skill integration tailored for startup dynamics.
Concept DesignProject ManagementAero Loft DesignProduct Design

Bmw group

Team Lead - BMW 4 Series - Concept to Production

Sep 2017May 2018 · 8 mos · Greater Munich Metropolitan Area

Nio

Senior Design Engineer ( Concept to Series Production)

Mar 2016Aug 2017 · 1 yr 5 mos · Greater Munich Metropolitan Area · On-site

Design consulting gmbh

Project Lead - Automotive Concept & Series Production

Oct 2014Nov 2018 · 4 yrs 1 mo · Dachau, Bavaria, Germany

  • During my time at Design Consulting GmbH & Creative Wave GmbH, I had the privilege of contributing to prestigious projects and iconic brands that blend cutting-edge technology and design, such as Audi, Opel, and PSA. Growing up with a fascination for speed, it was a dream come true to work with these renowned names.
  • I also had the unique opportunity to witness the full lifecycle of innovation at startups like NIO (China), Lucid Motors, and SF Motors, where I experienced firsthand how ideas evolve from zero to full-scale production. These experiences allowed me to refine my skills honed at German OEMs and apply them in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
  • This journey shaped my entrepreneurial mindset, giving me the tools and vision to lead Sarla Aviation and tackle the challenges of building world-class solutions from the ground up.
Automotive DesignProject Management

Audi ag

Production Surface Design Specialist

Oct 2014Mar 2016 · 1 yr 5 mos · Ingolstadt, Bayern, Germany · On-site

  • Project : Audi A7 & A6 2018
  • Part Handled: Front & Rear Door Panels and Details
  • To deliver Production Quality Surfaces on par to Conventionally used ICEM Surf modelling tool
  • To co-ordinate modelling team (other Alias Consultants) for better manage the work flow and ensure timely delivery
  • Requires me to close coordination with other Modeller (IcemSurf), for better integration of Alias tool into the work flow and to create Class A Surfaces that meets Audi Surface Quality
  • Inputs: Scan Data, sketch, Engg. section and data book
Surface DesignProduction Quality Surfaces

Citroën

Senior Digital Sculptor ( Class A - Alias )

Jan 2014Sep 2014 · 8 mos · Munich Area, Germany

  • Project : Citroen C3 Aircross 2018 - Production
  • Role : Class A Modeller ( Alias )
  • Responsibility : Complete IP & Details
  • Description :
  • Worked as Senior Class A modeller and Managed a small team of 2 Modellers for the IP
  • Responsibility to create Production Quality Class A Math as per PSA Quality Standards
  • I was glad to Contributed to this project till half way.
Class A Modeling

Changan automobile european designing center s.r.l

Surface Designer

Nov 2013Dec 2013 · 1 mo · Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Mahindra & mahindra

Class A Consultant

Jul 2013Aug 2013 · 1 mo · Mumbai Area, India

  • Class A Consultant (July 2013 to Aug 2013)
  • Project : KUV 100 ( Compact SUV )
  • Development of Class A surfaces of a Complete Interior Trim & Garnish.
  • Sole responsibility to deliver entire Trim and Garnish in 3 months from Concept to Class A.
  • Require to have constant validation from studio engineer so as to meet all technical and manufacturing criteria.
  • Part Handled : Headliner, A Pillar, B Pillar, C Pillar, Quarter Trim
Class A Surface Development

Italdesign giugiaro, ( contract - mazel ingenieros )

Surface Designer

Dec 2011Feb 2013 · 1 yr 2 mos · Turin, Piedmont, Italy

  • January 2012 – February 2013 (1 year 2 months)Turin Area, Italy
  • CAS Modeller (Alias) - Concept development
  • 1. Concept development with constant one on one design direction from designer
  • 2. Create CAS models from
  • Design sketches / Scan data / Engg. Inputs
  • 3. Create models with curves network for the ease of editing, to incorporate quick design changes recommended by designer or higher management at design review
  • 4. Collaborate with design team in providing alternate solution

General motors design studio

Creative Digital Sculptor

Apr 2010Dec 2011 · 1 yr 8 mos · Bangalore, India

  • 1.Digital surface modelling as per design input from designer in form of sketches, renderings or scan data
  • 2.Surface Development as per GM Global Standard with given package information and technical specifications
  • 3.Close collaboration with Designer and Studio Engineer while modeling surfaces in order to incorporate design direction with the given technical specifications and criteria
  • 4.Complete modelling from Concept to Class A

Education

Coventry University

Master's Degree — Product Design

Jan 2007Jan 2009

Shivaji University

Bachelor's Degree — Production Engineering

Jan 2002Jan 2006

KHK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, DHARWAD, KARNATAKA

Diploma — Mechanical Engineering

Jan 2000Jan 2002

Don Bosco High School - India

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