Akshay Lembhe

Process Development and R&D Engineer with 7+ years of experience in process development, scale-up, pilot plant operations, technology transfer, commissioning, and manufacturing optimization across specialty chemicals, polymers, biochemical, and oleochemical industries. Experienced in translating laboratory processes into pilot and commercial manufacturing while driving process efficiency, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and process safety initiatives. Strong technical and analytical expertise with proven ability to collaborate across global cross-functional teams.

R&D Engineer at Kraton Polymers India Pvt. Ltd. (2024-04 – Present)

Started with Kraton Research & Development- Process Development and Scale Up Team. Feb-2025 transferred to Breakthrough Technologies Team, Notark Corporation, which develops polymer products for energy & electronics sector.

• Led multiple innovative projects on Process Development Pilot Plant at Vizag to optimize the polymer finishing processes & reduce energy consumption in Kraton's manufacturing facilities.
• Conducted process modifications, prepared trial plan, executed trials, prepared mass & energy balance
• Collaborated with pilot plant operations, quality & engineering team to ensure knowledge transfer.
• Prepared the R&D reports with relevant process data & analytical results. Presented findings to US team.
• Worked on Epoxidized HSBC polymer process development at CDMO partner in Bangalore
• Oversaw cationic polymerization trials for production of Notark Resin for CCL application.
• Oversaw ion conducting polymers casting trials for AEM and PEM application.
• Managed technology transfer activities with external manufacturing partners for pilot and commercial trials.
• Collaborated on Capex installations at tollers, plant commissioning, planning & execution of product trials.
• Developed PFD, P&ID, mass balances, SOPs & Checklists, Performed RCA for pilot plant and scale-up trials.
• Ensured product trials conducted as per SOP, quality standards and product specifications are met.
• Developed QMS with customer collaboration for products to ensure traceability.
• Prepared reports with relevant process data from trials for global stakeholders.
• Supported overseas shipments & related compliances.

Shift Officer at Oriental Yeast India Pvt. Ltd. (2019-09 – 2024-03)

Training in Oriental Yeast Corporation (OYC), Tokyo plant, Japan for 6 months as secondment. Involved in the operations from pre-commissioning to fully running Yeast manufacturing plant.

• Conducted in pre-commissioning and commissioning activities for startup of yeast plant.
• Ensured cross-functional collaboration for equipments installation and conducted successful trials.
• Worked closely for commissioning with AYESA, TOYO, Alfa-Laval, Shimizu, Thermax, Atlas Copco
• Monitored, measured and reported production related process performance.
• Performed Process calculations, mass & energy balance. Provided inputs on fermentation recipe.
• Collaborated with other departments to avoid downtime, improved efficiency in the processes.
• Prepared technical documentations, SOPs, Log sheets, Check sheets, Work instructions.
• Responsible for production planning, troubleshooting, effective utilization of manpower & raw material.
• Trained subordinates, technicians and workers in the process. Handled team of engineers and technicians.
• Performed periodic tests on the processes & product to ensure parameters are within specifications.
• Performed quality check of raw materials. Supported successful ERP implementation.
• Ensured product quality and safety in the shift, implemented GMP, GHP guidelines.
• Involved in HACCP implementation. Assisted for certifications FSSC22000, ISO45000, ISO14000.
• Performed RCA, also implemented changes to the process, process parameters & optimization.

R&D Officer at KK Enterprises, Phospholipids Division (2018-09 – 2019-09)

• Performed lab trials for Phosphotydle choline product development from Soya lecithin.
• Led process scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot Plant, Conducted Pilot plant installations.
• Conducted process development, Prepared PFD, P&ID, mass balance, & technical documentation.
• Conducted Pilot Plant trials, collected & analyzed analytical & process data for yield improvement.
• Managed pilot plant activities, troubleshooting, de-bottlenecking for process improvement.
• Developed analytical testing procedure at ICT & TIFR. Ensured product quality and workplace safety.

M. Tech. in Oils, Oleochemical & Surfactant Technology – Institute of Chemical Technology (Formerly UDCT), Mumbai (2016-18)

B. Tech. in Petro-Chemical Engineering – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere (2011-15)

12th std HSC – Subhadra Natha Bhosale Public School & Junior College, Pimpri, Pune (2011)

10th std SSC – Maharaja Sayajirao Vidyalaya, Satara (2009)