Akashkumar Tarpada
Engineer-in-Training (EIT), PEO & APEGA | IEEE Member
About
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with hands-on experience in electrical testing, troubleshooting, technical documentation, and field support across rail and industrial environments. Experienced with LV/MV electrical systems, AutoCAD Electrical, single-line diagrams, commissioning support, field inspections, and coordination with engineering and operations teams. Familiar with utility distribution systems, construction drawings, electrical safety procedures, and project support activities.
Experience
Electrical Engineering Technician - Alstom Transportation - Toronto, Canada
(2023-05)
- Performed engineering-level troubleshooting and system analysis of rolling stock electrical systems (LV power distribution, battery chargers, HVAC, traction motors, braking and door control systems) using single-line diagrams, schematics, and event logs to identify root causes and restore system reliability, reducing failure rates.
- Supported reliability and asset engineering activities by analysing fault trends from MDS, TECU, and event recorder data, contributing to corrective actions, maintenance optimization, and engineering change requests (ECR/ECN).
- Executed electrical verification and validation activities including continuity checks, relay and protection device verification, and functional testing on 72 V DC, 480 V AC, and 600 V AC systems in compliance with safety and engineering procedures.
- Collaborated with design, reliability, and fleet engineering teams to resolve recurring equipment issues, support component updates, and implement technical improvements across train subsystems.
- Prepared technical documentation and engineering feedback reports to support defect tracking, lifecycle planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Power Supply Distribution Technician - Alstom Transportation - Eglinton, Canada
(2023-01 - 2023-04)
- Collected field data, logged anomalies, and issued weekly health reports that enabled early issue detection and cut unplanned outages.
- Maintained traction power substations, 13.8–27.6 kV switchgear, and DC battery systems through insulation tests, breaker checks, and cable meggering, preventing emerging failures.
- Verified control wiring and relay logic against engineering diagrams to ensure full compliance before system energization.
- Supported switching, LOTO, and energization activities with operations and protection teams, contributing to a zero-incident safety record.
- Prepared technical test reports and field documentation that strengthened asset-health assessments and improved lifecycle reliability.
Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer Intern - Gururaj Engineers Automation - India
(2020-10 - 2021-01)
- Developed PLC programs and HMI screens (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Delta) for basic motor control and automation panels, supporting testing, debugging, and on-site commissioning activities.
- Supported installation, wiring, and calibration of field instruments including RTDs, proximity sensors, and level transmitters, ensuring correct signal scaling and reliable operation.
- Prepared and updated control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and I/O documentation using AutoCAD Electrical, following applicable IEC and IEEE standards and client specifications.
- Participated in loop checks, I/O verification, and commissioning of PLC programs and instrumentation during system startup under senior engineer supervision.
- Assisted in preparing technical documentation, basic operation manuals, and as-built drawings, and supported operator handover and system familiarization.
- Coordinated with senior engineers, technicians, and customer during installation and commissioning to resolve wiring, integration, and site-related issues.
Graduate Electrical Engineer Trainee - Baroda Dairy Union Ltd. - India
(2019-09 - 2020-10)
- Supported substation expansion activities by performing load assessments, bus bar and feeder sizing for additional motors, MCC feeders, HVAC, large motors, process equipment, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary loads, verifying transformer loading, breaker interrupting ratings, voltage drop compliance, arc flash analysis and protection coordination using ETAP.
- Participated in testing and commissioning support for substation expansion equipment, including CT/PT testing & verification, circuit breaker trip and close circuit checks, protection relay functional testing (GE IAC) and secondary circuit continuity checks prior to energization.
- Reviewed and updated single-line diagrams (SLDs), protection & control schematics, and wiring diagrams to reflect substation expansion and load additions, ensuring alignment with as-built conditions and protection requirements, and applicable IEEE/IEC standards.
- Supported fault investigation and protection verification activities by reviewing relay indications, breaker operations, and test reports, and documenting findings to support corrective actions and safe system operation.
- Assisted protection relay configuration and functional verification using GE IAC electromechanical relays and numerical relays (feeder protection, transformer differential, motor protection), including basic settings review and functional checks using software.
Education
Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - University of Windsor (2021 - 2022)
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Gujarat Technological University (2015 - 2019)