Deepa Rao
Milpitas,CA
Summary
Experienced systems validation engineer with strong expertise in lab operations, test execution, troubleshooting and data analysis for H2 Fuel Cell Engines as well as validation of Class 8 FCEV semi-trucks. Well versed with Ariba and proven track record of delivering quality and timely results on every project undertaken.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Fuel Cell Engine Powertrain System Validation Specialist
Accelera by Cummins
08.2022 - Current
- Commissioned and single-handedly operated Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engine lab capable of integrating High-voltage battery packs as part of powertrain testing. Power generated from fuel cell engine was fed back to the grid for efficiency.
- Collaborated with GC, multiple subcontractors like AEI, ACS and vendors like AVL, Air Products, Airgas for successful installation and commissioning of lab.
- Self-trained for Ariba software and placed multiple POs. Successfully received and reconciled invoices.
- Worked with finance teams for PR process improvements for site specific approval flows.
- Was trained onsite by AVL trainers using simulator. Successfully operated and edited AVL PUMA2 software for different UUTs (unit under test).
- Collaborated with local, EU and China teams to understand and improve test plans for newly developed fuel cell engines.
- Executed test plans, prepared and presented detailed test report for 120kW and 300kW fuel cell engines with cross-functional teams. This helped truck programs to test various parameters in lab and implement on trucks with confidence, saving time and effort.
- Logged, analyzed and shared engine run data with stakeholders locally, in China and EU.
- Single-handedly managed the HV battery pack integration project in lab ensuring HV cabling, instrumentation, thermal management and LV cabling met requirements to ensure timely completion with AVL engineer's limited onsite availability.
- Troubleshot various issues and worked with electrical, mechanical technicians for resolution. Well versed in understanding site drawings for PID, electrical distribution, PLC and FACP.
- Led validation and supported FTA customer issues for three Class8 semi trucks that were part of the government grant programs with extremely tight deadlines and a small team.
- Coordinated with multiple suppliers for components that failed during truck validation with detailed component specific data analysis for timely replacements.
- Analyzed data for truck programs using tools like CANalyzer, CANape, excel, etc. by self-training. Proficient with tools like PCAN Explorer, Mototune, Calterm for uploading/downloading firmware, updating calibration, logging data, testing, etc.
- Worked on lab and truck programs with safety always as the top priority, escalated unsafe working conditions to ensure right conditions were provided for technicians and myself.
Senior Service Engineer
Cummins, Power Systems
07.2018 - 07.2022
- Supported aftermarket customer issues of Automatic Transfer Switches, circuit breakers, legacy and new genset controls capable of paralleling and non-paralleling.
- Supported aftermarket readiness of new product offerings in the domain of ATS and genset control.
- Improved processes for reviewing new and updated technical service bulletins.
- Actively involved and completed a 6 sigma project to track the source file and revisions of technical service bulletins.
- Actively involved as communications lead for an employee resource group to conduct various events that included leadership talk series and holiday events to boost employee interaction and cultural engagement.
Technical Implementation Engineering Intern
Landis+Gyr
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Created a prototype of a wireless probe using Bluetooth technology to capture task messages on terminal emulator for Gas meters. A low cost and convenient solution compared to the earlier expensive and wired probe.
- Worked on product configuration approval of first batches of electric meters from production.
Verification & Validation Engineer
Schneider Electric, Research & Development
06.2013 - 04.2016
- Verification and Validation engineer for PMP projects of low voltage products that included conducting a variety of electro-mechanical tests.
- Managed an Inter-Laboratory Comparison of India Lab with 4 globally accredited labs: TUV SUD, SETS (Singapore), Intertek (Hong Kong), Schneider Electric (Shenzhen, China) and calculated Z-score.
- Key auditee in ISO17025 and ASTA audits for IEC, BS and IS standards.
- Proficient in equipment and test Uncertainty Measurement, calculated values for all electro-mechanical tests of India Lab. Crucial to the lab accreditation audits.
Education
Master of Engineering - Electrical Engineering; Power Systems & Power Electronics
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas, USA05.2018
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering
Mysore, India06.2013
Skills
- PLC Programming: PLC and HMI programming in Allen Bradley’s RSLogix and Connected Components Workbench, ABB’s Automation Builder, Siemens’s TIA Portal
- Software tools: PCAN Explorer, CANalyzer, CANape, Calterm, Mototune, AVL PUMA2, AVL Navigator, AVL Concerto
- Hardware: AVL's BTEs, Hytron, PDU, Exhaust module, ConSysCool DMMs, hypot testers, IR meters, flowmeters, temperature sensors, pressure sensors
Engineering systems testing
Measurements and analysis
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Time management
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking
Critical thinking
Decision-making
Self motivation
Operations management
Accomplishments
- Commissioned and operated 500kW state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell lab.
- Validated multiple Class8 FCEV semi-trucks while undertaking multiple roles.
- Raised catalog and non-catalog Ariba POs with many being $100,000 each in value.
Extra-curricular
- Treasurer of IGSA (Indian Graduate Students Association), student body organization, at Texas A&M University, 2017-18.
- Editor of Schneider Electric’s Partner Engineering India magazine – Sandesh for its 11th & 12th edition, 2015 & 2016.
- Volunteer-Teacher at M.A.D (Make A Difference), an NGO which serves the under-privileged kids, by teaching them English.
Certification
- Advanced PLC programming (Level 1-5) via PLCDojo, 2025
- McKinsey's Connected Leaders Academy Program: Nominated and completed the Asian Leadership Essentials Program as part of the first cohort, 2024
- C programming via Coursera, 2021
Languages
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Kannada
Full Professional
Timeline
Fuel Cell Engine Powertrain System Validation Specialist
Accelera by Cummins
08.2022 - Current
Senior Service Engineer
Cummins, Power Systems
07.2018 - 07.2022
Technical Implementation Engineering Intern
Landis+Gyr
09.2017 - 12.2017
Verification & Validation Engineer
Schneider Electric, Research & Development
06.2013 - 04.2016
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering
Master of Engineering - Electrical Engineering; Power Systems & Power Electronics
Texas A&M University