Hari Atkuri
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
A results-oriented electro-optics manager and engineer dedicated to transforming cutting-edge technologies into impactful platforms and products. Boasting a rich background in leading R&D initiatives, I excel in formulating and implementing strategic plans that drive research, product development and service enhancement. My experience encompasses spearheading diverse technical initiatives with end-to-end responsibilities, software, hardware, and integration resulting in profitable outcomes. Known for my adept leadership, I have effectively guided teams of professionals in achieving and surpassing organizational goals, thereby contributing significantly to sustained team growth and success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Smart Glass Labs
2022.09 - Current
- Recruited and assembled a talented and dedicated external team of engineers, designers, and other experts to bring the product to life
- Worked with the team to develop the product, from the initial concept to the demonstrable MVP with final manufacturing process in sight.
- Developed a clear and concise vision for the product, including its target market, and key features
- Acquired a California based Gamai Tech focusing on various electro optics characterization systems, hardware, and software tools in Q4 of 2022 and obtained the necessary initial funding to develop the product
- Developed a marketing plan and found ways to reach potential customers.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
Senior Materials Engineer
Cardinal Glass Industries, R&D Tech Center
2014.05 - 2022.08
- Experienced senior display engineer with a proven track record of success in developing and implementing new technologies
- Accurately wrote operational documents after receiving technical author review and approval.
- Implemented budgeting and expenditure monitoring saving company $1.2M annually while producing quality products.
- Experimented with new materials and experimental hardware for manufacture of switchable smart glass products.
- Applied core engineering principles when working through manufacturing processes.
- Led a team of technicians and test engineers in daily work and long-term strategic training
- Built strong vendor relationships with various management and technical teams in Asia, Europe, and the US
- Developed full-fledged chemicals characterization labs, electronics labs, and electro-optics labs for product testing, research, and development
- Researched and developed new light sources and designs, including modifying vendor designs and UV cure methods
- Successfully reduced the liquid crystal based smart glass product haze below 2% through intense research and process engineering
- Hardware and software experience in computer vision and hardware for manufacturing and yield improvement
- Increased production capacity for smart glass manufacturing by 400% by using novel electronics and waveform designs
- This resulted in a > 75% reduction in production time.
Senior Optics Engineer
Beam Co
2013.01 - 2014.05
- Managed and developed relationships with national and international vendors to source optical components and materials
- Used lean manufacturing principles to develop, evaluate and improve optical lens manufacturing methods.
- Selected manufacturing methods, fabrication and operations to develop and coordinate production.
- Developed optical and display solutions for a variety of applications, including military, medical, and industrial
- Defined the optical requirements for components and systems, developed models and processes for testing and evaluation, and selected the appropriate instruments for the procedures
- Collaborated with systems and software engineers to create and document specifications for optical systems and products
- Designed optical systems and products using knowledge of optical, electronic, and display engineering
- Leveraged experience in optics and full characterization of the various coatings, laser ablation, cutting, several laser technologies, and technical knowledge in LCD, OLED, TFT, optoelectronics testing, and failure modes.
Senior Engineer Manager
Gamma Dynamics
2011.03 - 2012.11
- Supervised an engineering team in developing, electrowetting and electrofluidic products
- Conducted and concluded research and product experiments, including data collection, testing, analysis, and quality control
- Adhered to timelines to meet quality assurance targets.
- Created proper documentation on each process for review
- Developed electrofluidic and electrowetting display (EFD/EWD) technologies and demonstrated device development, lithography, micro-replication, and a class 1000 cleanroom prototyping
- Mentored and coached entry-level and junior engineers to improve talent and boost skill levels.
- Established connections and worked closely with third-party fabrication houses
- Demonstrated extensive experience in electronics and PCB design
- Adapted a variety of material analysis techniques as needed not limited to chromatography, atomic absorption/emission/plasma, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, UHPLC, capillary electrochromatography, capillary electrophoresis, ICP, ICP-MS, infrared (including FT-IR & NIRS), ion chromatography, NMR/MRI/EPR, other laser-source techniques, preparative/process chromatography, Raman, size-exclusion chromatography, solid phase extraction, UV/VIS, and X-ray analysis.
Lead Engineer
Gamma Dynamics
2011.01 - 2011.03
- Led a team of in-state and out of state engineers in developing patented processes, & products
- Assessed scope and requirements to assist with project design determinations.
- Coordinated with systems partners to finalize designs and confirm requirements.
- Executed microelectronic fabrication processes in a cleanroom environment by establishing
- Relationships with third-party fabrication houses and worked closely with them.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemical Physics
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio12.2010
Master of Arts - Physics
Kent State University
Kent, OH07.2006
Skills
Industry Leadership Demonstrated expertise in the hardware, software, display, and construction industries.
Visionary Leadership Skilled in defining and driving company vision and mission.
Product & Project Leadership Mastery in product management, project management, and enterprise software. Proficient in customer discovery, user research, feedback analysis, and prioritization.
Media Relations Secured positive media coverage and maintained a consistent brand presence in key publications.
Design Leadership Expertise in design thinking, UX/UI, and user persona creation. Hands-on with design research, design sprints, and A/B testing.
Culture & People Management Fostered a positive workplace culture and enhanced employee engagement.
Tech Leadership & Expertise Proficient in R&D planning, technical architecture, and system designs. Skilled in Java, MongoDB, MySQL, IoT, electronics, PCB, and more. Experience with platforms such as Google Cloud Platform Big Query and Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Financial Leadership Expertise in capital expenditure planning and budget management.
Software Proficiency Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Mac, and AutoCAD. Collaborative tools: Slack, Trello, Asana, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Evernote. Tech platforms: GitHub, Bitbucket, MATLAB.
Interpersonal Skills Recognized for being approachable and maintaining an outgoing demeanor, facilitating team collaboration.
Strategic Leadership Expertise in KPIs, SWOT analysis, agile methodologies, and innovation. Proficient in product lifecycle management, data analysis, stakeholder management, and release management.
Employee Development Proven track record in motivating employees and optimizing performance metrics.
Accomplishments
- Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices | SPIE Current
- Introduction to Electro-Optical Systems Design | SPIE Current
- Industry 4.0: Advanced Materials and NDE in Smart Factory Systems | SPIE Current
- Structuring Machine Learning Projects | Coursera Current
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning | Coursera Current
- AI For Everyone Current
- Project Management Professional (PMP) | Simplilearn Current
- OTHERS: Patents | Publications | Book Chapters | Book | Memberships | Volunteer Positions
Affiliations
- SPIE
- SID
Quote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Timeline
Founder
Smart Glass Labs
2022.09 - Current
Senior Materials Engineer
Cardinal Glass Industries, R&D Tech Center
2014.05 - 2022.08
Senior Optics Engineer
Beam Co
2013.01 - 2014.05
Senior Engineer Manager
Gamma Dynamics
2011.03 - 2012.11
Lead Engineer
Gamma Dynamics
2011.01 - 2011.03
Ph.D. - Chemical Physics
Kent State University
Master of Arts - Physics
Kent State University
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