Mihir Kulkarni
Little Rock,AR
Summary
Forward-thinking Process Engineer with more than 7 years of experience in finishing processes and establishing manufacturing routines. Known for great time management, effective multitasking and detail-oriented planning.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Process Engineer
KOHLER Company
04.2021 - Current
- Lead engineer responsible for three critical projects in PVD department which resulted in 18% increase in efficiency and a total 107K cost savings, upgraded PLC unit for Wash Line system, optimizing Wash Line recipes & implemented Strip Line.
- Responsible for project management, including timeline development, ACT creation, and team accountability for three critical projects for PVD finishing department
- Key contributor to NPI & NPD project launch, seamlessly integrating finishing expertise into high-profile projects like Kohler My Way, Components and Occasion Collections, and the ongoing GCK and Castine Collections
- Collaborated with NPI and NPD departments, conducting print reviews and providing expert feedback on components designs for Organics and PVD processes, ensuring stringent manufacturing standards for these projects
- Effectively lead and mentor a team of three individuals, overseeing the successful completion of PPAP for new components into finishing department. Provide guidance, support, and facilitate understanding of design requirements, ensuring timely and accurate integration into manufacturing processes.
- Lead engineer specializing in industrial laser machinery, with expertise in designing and fabricating fixtures using 3D printing technology for over 50 part variations.
- Proficient in MiniLase software, creating and implementing customized laser annealing programs to optimize efficiency and quality standards for PVD and Organics processes.
Product Engineer
KOHLER Company
06.2015 - 04.2021
- Gained comprehensive knowledge of Kohler Co.'s finishing processes, covering Electrochemical Chrome plating, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), and Powder & Lacquer Organics Finishing
- Implement process controls by developing SOPs, JIs (Job Instruction) and PMs (Preventive Maintenance) for to ensure better performance of production and quality through finishing departments
- Conducted through analysis of part blue prints and samples, utilizing Minitab to assess dimensional tolerance variations resulting from powder coating processes
- Communicate and interact effectively both oral and written with manufacturing personnel, first line supervisors and all levels of plant management, customers, and vendors
- Expertly prepared and submitted PPAP documentation, ensuring compliance with quality standards for both new and existing products
- Led multiple scrap reduction projects that resulted in increase in average yield for Organics department from 73% to 93.2% which resulted in average cost savings of 750K per year
- Designed and collaborated with vendors to fabricate specialized tooling for PVD and Organics finishing processes, including custom masking, strip & powder racks, and spindles
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12.2024
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR05.2015
Skills
- Problem Solving (DOEs, Six Sigma, FMEA, Lean Manufacturing)
- CAD Modeling (AutoCAD (Inventor) & SolidWorks)
- GD&T
- Minitab
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
- SAP systems
- Python
Languages
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Marathi
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- 202 PCI (Powder Coat Institute) Training
- Green Belt (Certified, Kohler Company)
Awards
- NPD Day – 2018 – Supporting Cast – Successful completion of over 100 individual components PPAP for NPI projects.
- NPD Day – 2023 – Greatest Hits – Kohler My Way
Timeline
Process Engineer
KOHLER Company
04.2021 - Current
Product Engineer
KOHLER Company
06.2015 - 04.2021
MASTER OF SCIENCE - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Purdue University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
University of Arkansas
- 202 PCI (Powder Coat Institute) Training
- Green Belt (Certified, Kohler Company)
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