Aabid Ahmed

Automotive NPD Engineer with 3 years of progressive experience at Sundram Fasteners, rapidly promoted to Assistant Manager within 12 months of joining full-time. Combining deep expertise in automotive quality frameworks (APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, IATF 16949) with active specialization in EV Powertrain Systems via an ePGD at IIT Bombay. Track record of leading cost-reduction initiatives, managing cross-functional NPD projects from concept to launch, and independently proposing and driving marketing initiatives that have gained management endorsement.

Seeking to leverage dual expertise in automotive quality and EV technology in a high-impact product or engineering role.

Assistant Manager – NPD & Quality - Sundram Fasteners Limited - Chennai

(2024-08)

Led end-to-end APQP for high-value NPD programs and delivered significant cost reductions through process optimization. Served as primary technical interface for North American OEM customers and implemented quality improvements across design and manufacturing stages.

• Led end-to-end APQP for 3 high-value Radiator Cap NPD programs simultaneously, achieving on-time PPAP submission for 2 programs within compressed 8-month timelines.
• Delivered 50% cost reduction (₹12L annualised savings) through a structured Kaizen/TQM initiative targeting non-value-added machining steps in Radiator Cap assembly.
• Served as sole technical interface for North American OEM customer accounts; resolved 6 critical quality escalations in <48 hrs, maintaining zero line-stoppage incidents.
• Implemented DFMEA and GD&T reviews in design stage, reducing design rework loops by 30% and improving first-time approval rate on IATF 16949 documentation audits.
• Managed cross-functional teams of 8–12 members (Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain) using SAP MM/QM for material workflows and production planning.
• Proposed and designed a Technical Customer Value Pack for Radiator Cap product range — a first-of-its-kind internal initiative presenting performance benchmarks, material certifications, and test reports in a client-ready format; adopted by management and now used in 3 ongoing OEM pitches.
• Initiated and led a Voice-of-Customer (VoC) mapping exercise for North American accounts, identifying 2 unmet specification requirements; proposals submitted to management and approved for inclusion in the next-gen product roadmap.
• Proposed a tiered pricing and lead-time communication framework for NPD customers to reduce back-and-forth during commercial negotiations; framework endorsed by management and currently being formalised for SOP adoption.

Graduate Engineer Trainee - Sundram Fasteners Limited - Chennai

(2023-08 - 2024-08)

Optimized CNC manufacturing processes and led tooling validation initiatives. Conducted root-cause analysis for production failures and prepared PPAP documentation packages.

• Reduced CNC cycle time by 15% on High-Volume, High-Value Engine Bolt machining through optimised process parameters — contribution recognised as best GET project output for FY2023-24.
• Led tooling procurement and validation for 4 new production tools, cutting tool lead time by 3 weeks through parallel vendor qualification and in-house gauge development.
• Conducted failure root-cause analysis across 7 production lots; findings directly fed into 2 design changes that eliminated recurring rejection patterns.
• Prepared full PPAP documentation packages and contributed to zero-finding IATF 16949 audit preparation across assigned product lines.

Project Intern - EQuad Engineering Services Pvt. - Chennai

(2021-12 - 2022-01)

• Designed a 180° planetary-drive gripper assembly in SolidWorks; delivered prototype design within a 6-week engagement.

Intern – Air Handling Systems - Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BAP Unit) - Ranipet

(2022-05 - 2022-08)

• Developed ASME QW-422 compliant spreadsheets for nickel-based filler metals; findings adopted into welding bay documentation process.

ePGD - Electric Mobility - Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay (2025-07)

B.Tech - Mechanical Engineering - B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute (2019-07 - 2023-05)