Mechanical Design Engineer
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I grew up in Gujarat, India, where I completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Automobile Engineering. During university I led the structural analysis work on my school's SAE BAJA competition vehicle, which was my first real taste of applying engineering math to a physical design and seeing it validated in the field. After graduating I worked as a Graduate Engineering Trainee at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, then spent over two years teaching mechanical engineering subjects, including Machine Design, Kinematics of Machines, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics, to undergraduate classes of 40 to 60 students.
Teaching is where I developed the skills I value most: breaking down complex reasoning step by step, writing and grading problems, and pinpointing exactly where a solution goes wrong.
I later moved to Canada to complete a Master of Engineering in Industrial Systems Engineering at the University of Regina, and I now work as an R&D Mechanical Design Engineer at Väderstad Industries, an agricultural equipment manufacturer, where I lead a small engineering team. My day-to-day work involves applied mathematics and analysis: structural and thermal calculations, tolerance analysis, hydraulic and fluid system modeling, and design validation against real test data. I am comfortable across calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, and applied mechanics, and I care a lot about rigor, verifying that an answer is actually correct rather than just clean-looking.
Outside of work, I like playing Volleyball and Cricket. I also keep an ongoing personal project developing a concept for a digital classroom notebook, which grew out of volunteer work supplying physical notebooks to schoolchildren back home, and it reflects my broader interest in the intersection of engineering and education.
R&D Design Engineer | Väderstad Industries Inc. | Saskatchewan, Canada Jan’23 – Present
· Led engineering projects across development, validation, industrialization, production release, and lifecycle support of advanced agricultural equipment platforms, including creation and maintenance of 3D CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and specifications in Creo 11 and Windchill PLM within an ISO 9001 certified QMS.
· Redesigned injection molded meter housing assembly by integrating a steel through-tube wear isolation insert extending service life from under 5,000 acres to over 50,000 acres (10x improvement) while increasing unit cost by only ~3%.Tags: Injection Molding, Plastics Design, Wear Resistance, Steel Insert Hybrid Design, Design Review, Abrasion Mitigation
· Identified a short-circuit failure pattern affecting connectivity hubs (6 out of 10 units failing), leading to a proactive recall and scrap of 280 affected units; redesigned the mechanical packaging and enclosure to deliver a robust, field-reliable solution. Tags: Mechanical Packaging, Enclosure Design, Electronics Integration, Connectivity Hardware
· Performed system-level engineering integration across hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical subsystems, resolving multi-domain constraints including load transfer, hose routing interference, and structural fatigue behavior. Tags: Systems Engineering, Multi-Domain Integration, Fatigue Analysis, Hose Routing
· Held sole technical ownership of wing folding system redesign, progressing from component-level analysis to full lifecycle implementation including stakeholder engagement, production validation, and change control. Tags: Project Ownership, Full Lifecycle, Change Control, Folding Systems
· Resolved critical caliper-axlebox fitment issue threatening assembly line stoppage performed precision measurements, CMM batch verification, and designed an interim spacer/shim kit that restored safe alignment with zero production downtime; took accountability for NCR documentation and permanent design change. Tags: Brake Components, CMM, Interim Fix, NCR, Zero Downtime, Safety-Critical
· Incorporated pre-series production operator feedback on hose routing tower interference performed root cause analysis in CAD, developed revised tower geometry, updated drawings, BOMs, and assembly SOPs before full production release; verified fix during subsequent unit assembly. Tags: Root Cause Analysis, Hose Routing, Operator Feedback, Pre-Series Validation
· Led field retrofit for hose-harness interference issue performed CAD motion simulation, tolerance stack-up analysis, and functional validation under load, then delivered full PQC kit including BOM, drawings, and field installation instructions; executed DFMEA on new routing design and implemented technical signoff checklist for each retrofitted unit. Tags: PQC, Retrofit Kit, DFMEA, Motion Simulation, Field Installation
· Performed structural FEA, hydraulic system simulations, tolerance stack-ups, and engineering calculations to validate design performance, reliability, and manufacturability across complex agricultural equipment platforms.
· Redesigned the Baglift hydraulic system using flow control orifices and upgraded pivot bushings eliminating reported incidents entirely (100% reduction, zero incidents post-implementation), improving ease of operation for customers, across 450 units deployed. Tags: Hydraulics, Operator Safety, Flow Control, Pre-Delivery Inspection
· Validated engineering models by correlating analytical calculations and simulation outputs with field test data from pressure sensors, load measurements, and operational testing under real-world agricultural conditions. Tags: Model Validation, Field Test Correlation, Pressure Sensors, V&V
· Developed and implemented engineering standards including a Revision Control Standard and a Manufacturing Limitation Standard reducing production documentation errors by ~8% and NCRs by ~4%, and standardizing engineering change communication across departments.
· Served on the internal Engineering Standards Committee (7 engineers) and Global Methodology Group, contributing to development and review of 28 engineering standards personally authored 3.
· Applied CSA, ISO, ASME, and ASTM standards (including CSA G40.21, ISO 8062, ASME Y14.5, CSA Z299) to ensure regulatory compliance, dimensional control, material selection, and inspection validation across agricultural equipment designs. Tags: Standards Application, Regulatory Compliance, Material Selection, Dimensional Control
· Initiated and defined engineering change processes (ECR/ECO), documentation workflows, and design governance practices to improve traceability, approval control, and engineering standardization across teams. Tags: ECR/ECO, Documentation Governance, Traceability
· Promoted dematerialization principles within the Internal Standards Committee and Global Methodology Group, advocating the transition from welded multi-plate castor assembly to single cast housing to reduce raw material consumption, welding energy, and fabrication waste; influenced adoption of cast castor designs within internal standards discussions. Tags: Sustainability, Dematerialization, Standards Committee, Cast Conversion
· Developed engineering standards, technical reference documents, and Design for Assembly (DFA) guidelines to improve manufacturability, tooling accessibility, and production consistency across product platforms. Tags: DFA, Standards Documentation, Tooling Accessibility
· Led DFM reviews ensuring designs met producibility, tooling, assembly, and safety requirements prior to production release directly reducing rework on the shop floor. Tags: DFM, Producibility, Rework Reduction
· Supported annual model-year product introductions through manufacturing readiness reviews, production ramp-up planning, and cross-functional coordination with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams. Tags: NPI, Manufacturing Readiness, Ramp-Up Planning
· Collaborated with production teams to identify assembly constraints, tooling limitations, and process inefficiencies, implementing design improvements that enhanced manufacturability and production readiness. Tags: Assembly Constraints, Tooling, Manufacturability
· Implemented material reduction and design optimization initiatives that reduced component weight, manufacturing resource consumption, and overall product lifecycle costs. Tags: Material Reduction, Weight Optimization, Lifecycle Cost
· Exercised professional accountability by halting hydraulic brake installation upon discovering caliper-axlebox fitment interference performed liability assessment (injury, APEGS disciplinary action, legal claims, financial damages), developed an interim rework procedure, redesigned the mounting bracket geometry, briefed senior management on liability implications, and updated QC processes with manual clearance verification for every unit.
Tags: Safety-Critical, Liability Assessment, Brake Components, QC Process, Professional Accountability
· Resolved a packer wheel hub loosening issue by redesigning the hub-to-arm contact interface increasing contact surface area by 38% at equivalent cost, reducing failure rate from 2 to fewer occurrences per 96 openers, and saving customers approximately 8 hours per week in field maintenance. Mediated a technical disagreement between field service (recommended torque increase) and engineering (bolt fatigue concern) regarding a packer wheel hub loosening issue used contact marking film to identify root cause (insufficient clamp load distribution), proposed a dual-path solution (controlled temporary torque increase plus permanent redesign of hub-to-arm contact area), and coordinated joint validation testing.
Tags: Conflict Resolution, Root Cause Analysis, Fatigue vs Torque, Joint Validation
· Managed a CAD migration project after a third-party supplier failed to meet contractual timelines performed a gap assessment to quantify missing deliverables, reprioritized internal ECO workload to maintain production continuity, and communicated supplier delay impact to stakeholders. Tags: Supplier Management, Gap Assessment, CAD Migration, Workload Reprioritization
· Supported verification, validation, durability, and field-testing activities by analyzing results and implementing design improvements. Tags: V&V, Durability Testing, Field Testing
· Engineered a removable heavy-duty safety chain (890N/200lb rated) for high-clearance machine operator platforms, deployed across 300 units with zero incidents reported post-implementation. integrated a self-closing snap hook and high-visibility sleeves, and ensured compliance with OSHA 1910.28, ASABE S441, and CSA Z797/Z259.1 fall protection standards. Tags: Safety Chain, Pull Test, Fall Protection Standards, Operator Platform
· Conducted formal hazard identification and risk assessments for agricultural equipment systems, implementing engineered safety controls compliant with ISO 4254-1, CSA Z259, and provincial OHS regulations to eliminate fall, motion, and operational hazards. Tags: HIRA, Safety Controls, ISO 4254-1, OHS
· Applied the APEGS Code of Ethics by halting a pre-production build when handrail height and structural stability failed ASABE S441 and CSA Z267.1 fall protection standards logged the NCR, redesigned an accessible gate with reinforced chain and mid rail, and presented technical justification and ethical rationale to the cross-functional team. Tags: Ethics, Fall Protection, NCR, Production Halt, Pre-Production Build
· Managed ECR/ECO engineering change processes, configuration control, drawing release approvals, and lifecycle maintenance of production equipment in Windchill PLM.
· Led a Creo and Windchill PLM migration project involving ~735 CAD models and drawings across 15 engineers, improving configuration management efficiency and reducing future drawing workload by ~30%. Tags: PLM Migration, Configuration Management, Large-Scale Data Migration
· Prepared CAD models, structural analyses, and detailed drawings for caliper mounting plates (safety-critical brake components) for supervising P.Eng. review, ensuring final authentication required a licensed engineer's stamp; ensured only verified documents were released to the assembly line and maintained permanent records in the engineering documentation system. Tags: Brake Components, P.Eng. Review, Document Control, Safety-Critical Release
· Collaborated with supervising P.Eng.s during design reviews, technical verification, and controlled release processes, ensuring compliance with engineering governance, regulatory requirements, and professional accountability expectations. Tags: P.Eng. Collaboration, Design Review, Controlled Release, Governance
· Designed and implemented a cast caster assembly replacing a welded fabrication generating over $700,000 in annual cost savings, reducing assembly time by ~8.1 hours per machine, decreasing component weight by 120 kg, and improving field performance by ~20%.
· Developed a financial justification for the cast caster conversion performed cost comparison (material/labor/overhead), total cost of ownership analysis (mold capital plus maintenance), break-even calculation based on production volume, and ROI/payback presentation to senior management; achieved a 20% per-unit manufacturing cost reduction and lower warranty expenses, with verified savings after the first production run. Tags: TCO Analysis, Break-Even, ROI, Capital Investment, Warranty Savings
· Applied APEGS sustainability guidelines by eliminating a redundant third bullhorn from the Aircart hitch and hose system after field observations confirmed it was non-functional, reducing material consumption, welding energy, and manufacturing costs; documented environmental impact in ECO records and presented findings to the R&D team. Tags: Bullhorn Redesign, Sustainability, ECO Documentation, Material Reduction
· Developed business cases and cost-benefit analyses for engineering solutions, evaluating ROI, lifecycle cost impacts, and operational risk to support capital investment decisions.
· Applied understanding of the APEGS regulatory role (public protection through licensed engineering oversight) during the 1350 Aircart hitch redesign for increased load conditions collaborated with a supervising P.Eng. to validate safety factors and ensured design changes were formally documented through controlled change processes. Tags: APEGS Role, Hitch Redesign, Load Conditions, P.Eng. Collaboration
· Recognized the limits of mechanical expertise during an in-cab hub electrical failure investigation ruled out mechanical causes, then escalated to an electrical specialist with a detailed failure report and coordinated handover; participated in joint diagnostic testing to improve cross-disciplinary understanding and supported reinstallation after replacement. Tags: Professional Judgment, Escalation, Cross-Disciplinary, Electrical Failure
· Conducted engineering risk assessments and failure investigations to identify potential safety, quality, and reliability concerns and implement mitigation strategies. Tags: Risk Assessment, Failure Investigation, Mitigation
· Prepared technical reports, engineering recommendations, business justifications, and project documentation to support design decisions, standards implementation, and operational improvements. Tags: Technical Reporting, Business Justification, Documentation
· Developed retrofit solutions and implementation packages including design documentation, installation instructions, BOMs, and validation plans to support field upgrades and product improvements. Tags: Retrofit Packages, Installation Instructions, Field Upgrades
· Developed inspection plans and verification methods utilizing GD&T principles, dimensional inspection practices, and supplier quality processes to ensure compliance with engineering requirements. Tags: Inspection Plans, GD&T, Supplier Quality
· Drafted an ECR documenting the transition from legacy to reinforced lug plates, including risk mitigation, design justification, and procedural updates; collaborated with the fabrication team to define weld quality standards and conducted fit-up trials on the production floor with iterative adjustments based on assembly feedback. Tags: ECR Drafting, Weld Standards, Fit-Up Trials, Lug Plate Redesign
· Coordinated with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, supply chain, quality, commercial, suppliers, and engineering disciplines to deliver integrated engineering solutions. Tags: Cross-Functional Coordination, Integrated Solutions
· Conducted root-cause analysis, technical investigations, and corrective implementation for production, warranty, and quality-related engineering issues. Tags: Root Cause Analysis, Corrective Action, Warranty
· Provided technical support for production, service, commissioning, and customer support initiatives throughout the product lifecycle. Tags: Technical Support, Customer Support, Commissioning
· Performed technical analysis and requirements evaluation to develop engineering solutions balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, cost, and operational requirements. Tags: Trade-Off Analysis, Requirements Evaluation
· Evaluated engineering trade-offs between cost, safety, manufacturability, and reliability to select optimal design solutions under production and lifecycle constraints.
· Facilitated design reviews with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier stakeholders to validate technical solutions, ensure compliance with design standards, and support successful implementation. Tags: Design Review Facilitation, Stakeholder Validation
· Managed an over-analysis weakness during an in-cab hub diagnostic by delegating detailed data sorting to junior team members, shifting focus to coordination and decision-making, and prioritizing field validation over extended analysis when results were inconclusive; practiced active listening to incorporate assembly and service personnel input on mounting and harness strain issues. Tags: Delegation, Self-Awareness, Active Listening, Field Validation Priority
· Led Product Quality Correction (PQC) initiatives to investigate field failures, coordinate corrective actions, and implement validated engineering solutions to improve product reliability. Tags: PQC, Field Failures, Corrective Actions
· Championed sustainable design initiatives by reducing material usage, fabrication waste, and manufacturing energy consumption through component consolidation, casting conversions, and design optimization activities. Tags: Sustainable Design, Material Usage, Casting Conversion
· Incorporated operator, assembly, and field-service feedback into engineering validation activities, resolving manufacturability and installation issues through iterative design improvements and production support. Tags: Feedback Integration, Iterative Design, Field Service
· Participated in engineering governance activities including standards development, methodology reviews, design audits, and continuous improvement initiatives supporting enterprise-wide engineering practices. Tags: Governance, Design Audits, Continuous Improvement
· Applied professional engineering judgment and ethical decision-making principles to ensure designs prioritized public safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational reliability. Tags: Professional Judgment, Public Safety, Regulatory Compliance
· Developed a structured Professional Development Plan targeting mechatronic system competency across three focus areas: electrical fault tracing, electrohydraulic control logic, and machine communication systems; identified technical gaps in electrical diagnostics, electrohydraulic integration, and CAN/ISOBUS communication protocols through in-cab hub and folding system failures. Tags: Professional Development, Mechatronics, CAN/ISOBUS, Self-Directed Learning
· Completed formal certifications including GD&T (Basic & Advanced), Automation Studio hydraulic simulation, OHS Levels 1, 2 & Supervisor, and Lean Manufacturing White/Yellow Belt; directly applied GD&T training to hitch and castor drawings and Automation Studio to wing folding system validation. Tags: Certifications, Applied Training, GD&T, Automation Studio
· Led the development of AirGuard fan system Version 3 to replace the existing Version 1 platform. Identified that back pressure was the root cause of fan performance degradation and blade/impeller failures. Resolved the issue by integrating a check valve and accumulator into the system, which improved back pressure management and enabled reliable operation. Version 3 delivered measurably improved fan performance over the original platform.
Tags: Fan Systems, Back Pressure, Check Valve, Accumulator, HVAC-Adjacent, AirGuard, Fan Redesign
· Collaborated with AirGuard on heat exchanger unit integration, developing engineering understanding of thermal management, heat dissipation principles, and HVAC-adjacent system design within an agricultural equipment context. Tags: Heat Exchanger, Thermal Management, HVAC, AirGuard, Thermal Systems
· Worked with Crary fans and S3 fans to understand fan performance curves, optimum RPM selection, and best efficiency point (BEP) operation. Applied fan affinity laws and performance curve analysis to select and specify fans for optimal efficiency within system constraints. Tags: Fan Performance Curves, RPM Optimization, Best Efficiency Point, Crary Fans, S3 Fans, Fan Selection, Fan Affinity Laws
· Investigated recurring fan blade and impeller failures. Root cause analysis identified that excessive back pressure was creating abnormal loading on impeller blades, combined with insufficient structural rigidity in the impeller design. Implemented corrective design changes addressing both the back pressure source and impeller rigidity to eliminate the failure mode. Tags: Fan Failure Analysis, Impeller Design, Back Pressure, Root Cause Analysis, Fatigue, Structural Rigidity
· Collaborated with an FEA/CFD engineer in Sweden to investigate premature damage to 2.5-inch air hoses used to convey seed and fertilizer. Identified that abrupt flow path transitions were causing particle velocity and pressure spikes that abraded hose walls. Used CFD simulation to model particle flow paths at varying speeds, pressures, and velocities to identify the critical damage zones and inform corrective design changes to the flow path geometry.
Tags: CFD Collaboration, Particle Flow Simulation, Air Hose Design, Abrasive Flow, Seed and Fertilizer Conveyance, Flow Path Optimization, Sweden Engineering Collaboration
· Investigated a self-applying brake issue caused by thermal expansion under heat buildup. Identified that heat generated during operation was causing brake components to expand and self-apply, creating a safety and operational reliability concern. Resolved the issue by designing in a self-relieving 10 psi pressure release valve that allowed thermal expansion pressure to vent safely without triggering brake engagement.
Tags: Brake System Design, Thermal Expansion, Self-Relieving Valve, Heat Dissipation, Safety Engineering, Pressure Relief
· Designed and developed a disc brake system using an electric actuator to engage and disengage brakes, isolating the brake circuit from the tractor hydraulic system. Work included engineering understanding of disc brake heat dissipation, thermal management of braking energy, actuator sizing, and hydraulic isolation design. Tags: Disc Brakes, Electric Actuator, Hydraulic Isolation, Heat Dissipation, Thermal Management, Brake System Engineering, Tractor Systems
R&D Design Engineer (Co-op) | Väderstad Industries Inc. | Saskatchewan, Canada May’22 – Dec’22
· Delivered mechanical design, technical analysis, and documentation work on agricultural equipment platforms using Creo and Windchill PLM.
· Supported ECR/ECO change management, BOM maintenance, and engineering documentation; performed hydraulic simulations and structural evaluations.
Mechanical Engineering Instructor | TFT Education Pvt. Ltd. | Gujarat, India Feb’19 – May’21
· Delivered undergraduate instruction in core mechanical engineering subjects including Machine Design, Kinematics of Machines, Automobile Engines, and Engineering Drawing & Drafting.
· Delivered technical instruction on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid systems building strong ability to communicate complex engineering concepts clearly to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
Graduate Engineering Trainee | Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) | India Jan’18 – Feb’19
· Supported manufacturing-side product engineering and lifecycle activities for high-volume two-wheeler components in a structured OEM environment.
· Maintained BOM accuracy and coordinated engineering changes; analyzed production and material flow data to identify efficiency and manufacturability improvements.
Mechanical Design Lead (SAE BAJA University Project) Mar’16 – May’18
· Led structural analysis using ANSYS across frontal, side, torsional, and rollover load cases informing design decisions on geometry, wall thickness, and joint configurations. Achieved 43rd place out of 150 teams internationally.
M.Eng. (Co-op) | Industrial Systems Engineering May’21 – Sep’22
University of Regina, Canada | Graduate GPA: 84.85%
Relevant Coursework: Computer-Aided Processes, Contemporary Project Management, MSM for Materials Design, Engineering Safety Systems & Management, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Advanced Topics in CO2 Capture
B.Eng. | Automobile Engineering Aug’14 – May’18
Gujarat Technological University, India | CGPA: 8.84 / 10
Relevant Coursework: Engineering Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Machine Design & Industrial Drafting, Dynamics of Machinery, Design Engineering
