DEV PATEL
Lowell,MA
Summary
Plastics Engineering M.S. candidate with hands-on injection molding and extrusion experience plus polymer testing. Strong process troubleshooting, DOE/scientific molding, changeovers, and documentation; CAD Creo, SolidWorks, Moldflow.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Lowell
12.2024 - Current
- With PI Stephen Johnston: Led injection-molding product development from part design and prototyping through tool/cavity design and production ramp-up; served as the lab’s sheet-extrusion SME on the ACRC line, optimizing process window to improve throughput by ~20%; supported Army-funded bicomponent flame-retardant fiber trials and provided molding production support, including preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and bench repairs for molds and press hardware.
- With PI Carol Barry: Supported injection molding trials and testing; served as the primary blown-film operator; operated single-screw extrusion lines; coordinated sample tracking, process documentation, and in-process quality checks.
Teaching Assistant
University of Massachusetts Lowell
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Taught injection molding (ops + mold teardowns), scientific molding and DOE, covered sheet-extrusion throughput fundamentals, QA signoffs.
- Led labs on fiber, tubing lines, MFI and executed Instron flex tests (ASTM D790) to explain polymer properties.
Laboratory Assistant
University of Massachusetts Lowell
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Supported polymer testing, maintained/calibrated lab equipment, and coordinated researcher appointments to keep lab operations running smoothly.
Process/Production Intern
Elite Poly Valves
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Led injection molding, completing mold changeovers and short-shot studies; resolved process deviations to maintain quality, achieving 5% higher output and quicker changeovers.
Manufacturing Intern
Milacron Pvt. Ltd.
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Built and assembled injection molding, extrusion, and blown-film machines, and runoff/functional acceptance testing while managing machine-shop operations.
Junior Mold Designer Intern
Real Mould
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Designed plastic components/tooling in Creo & Solid Edge; machined inserts on lathe; assembled molds and supported T0/T1 trials from design through validation.
Education
Master of Science - Plastic Engineering
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA, USA05.2026
Bachelor of Technology - Plastic Technology
Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET)
Ahmedabad, India05.2024
Diploma - Plastic Technology
Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET)
Ahmedabad, India05.2021
Skills
- Scientific molding
- CAD software proficiency
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Problem-solving
- Production planning
- Process development
- Process mapping
- Six sigma methodologies
- Design of experiments
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Six Sigma White Belt
- PTC CREO
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Gujarati
Native or Bilingual