Pratik Wagh
17 Year Experience in Chassis Automotive
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About
Engineering Lead with 17+ years of experience delivering steering systems for global commercial vehicle platforms across ICE and BEV architectures. Proven expertise in systems engineering, cross-functional integration, and end-to-end program execution from concept to SOP. Strong track record in meeting cost, quality, and delivery targets, with experience collaborating with global OEM stakeholders.
Skilled in risk management, validation strategy, and production readiness, delivering robust and compliant solutions aligned with customer and regulatory requirements.
Experience
Mechanical Team Lead – Chassis – Steering Systems (Traton R&D) at Tech Mahindra Ltd. (2010-08 – Present)
Led end-to-end development of multi-variant steering systems for Class 6–8 commercial vehicle platforms, delivering design, validation, and production release for North American OEMs with improved first-time validation success.
- Led end-to-end development of multi-variant steering systems for Class 6–8 commercial vehicle platforms, delivering design, validation, and production release for North American OEMs with improved first-time validation success
- Managed steering system program execution including scope, schedule, resource planning and allocation, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with cost, quality, and delivery targets
- Managed technical risks, issues, and dependencies, driving timely mitigation and ensuring milestone adherence
- Aligned global stakeholders including OEM customers and cross-functional teams across USA, Mexico, Sweden, and India, ensuring seamless program execution and issue resolution
- Directed prototype builds and validation trials, resolving field and durability issues, reducing late-stage design changes by 30% and enhancing system robustness
- Applied systems engineering principles for requirements management, interface definition, and cross-domain integration across chassis, powertrain, and thermal systems
- Drove cross-functional system integration across chassis, powertrain, and thermal domains, eliminating interface conflicts and preventing downstream rework
- Optimized hydraulic system layouts (pump porting, hose routing), improving serviceability, reducing complexity, and achieving 15% reduction in assembly time
- Managed engineering change control and configuration management within PLM systems, assessing change impact on cost, quality, and schedule
- Provided technical leadership and mentoring, strengthening team capability in system integration and problem-solving, reducing onboarding time by 20%
- Developed structured knowledge packs forming the foundation for project assessments, ensuring consistent evaluation of engineering deliverables across programs
- Developed and tracked project schedules and milestones using structured planning tools (Agile/Jira), ensuring on-time delivery across 5+ global programs
Engineer – R&D (Cold Forge Division) at Bharat Forge Ltd. (2008-02 – 2010-08)
Worked on forging processes, CAD modeling, and manufacturing feasibility analysis.
- Solid and surface modeling using UG NX and CATIA
- Forging feasibility studies, material flow, and die parting line finalization
- Machining allowance definition and die design support
- Hands-on exposure to forging processes and manufacturability analysis
- Supplier interface for RFQ
Education
MBA in Project Management – Sikkim Manipal University
B.E. in Mechanical Engineering – Shivaji University, Maharashtra
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – MSBTE, Maharashtra
