Palkie Matharu
Software Engineer (Project Manager)
Troy,MI
Summary
PMP and ITIL V3 Certified Professional with 14 years of experience leading large-scale, complex IT projects in the Automotive Industry. Consistently delivered projects on time and within budget by refining and institutionalizing processes for project scope management, risk mitigation, and tracking through earned value analysis. Developed and implemented robust financial management processes, establishing sound budgets and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Masterfully navigated all aspects of new product launches, from purchase orders to production. Excelled in distilling complex business strategies into clear, actionable plans, fostering understanding and alignment among diverse stakeholders. Proficient in Agile methodologies and product development life cycles, adept at navigating dynamic environments to deliver innovative solutions efficiently and effectively.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Software Engineering Manager
Ford Motor Company
Dearborn, MICHIGAN
5 2018 - Current
- Full-stack software engineer duties, responsible for project managing all elements of software creation process in Global Integrator tool (30% reduction in processing time in critical workflows)
- Learning and developing software with paired partner to deliver user stories in Rally that contribute to valuable working software product (improved team velocity by 25%)
- Lead Regression testing effort for entire application, during every iteration of Global Integrator PROD deployment-ensuring 99.9% uptime and zero critical post-deployment issues.
- Develop automated tests with working software, to confirm software functionality, user story acceptance, and to detect regression defects- reducing manual testing time by 40% and increasing defect detection rate by 30%.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Perform exploratory testing to confirm application execution and to identify software deficiencies not covered by automated testing-improving application reliability by 20%
- Monitored and resolved over 100 CI build failures, maintaining 95% success rate for continuous integration builds.
- Improves continuous integration tooling by automating manual processes within delivery pipeline and improving quality gates based on past learnings
- Work towards ISP Modernization to verify new Secret data in QA environment and update Global Integrator Controls
- Integrated third-party services and APIs to extend application functionality, such as payment gateways, social media platforms, and cloud services
- Optimized application performance through code refactoring, caching strategies, and database query optimization techniques
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, identify technical constraints, and deliver scalable solutions that meet business objectives.
- Optimized application performance through rigorous profiling, benchmarking, and refactoring of critical code components
- Implemented robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations
- Championed best practices in software architecture, code quality, and testing within engineering organization to maintain high standards of excellence
Portfolio Manager
Ford Motor Company
Dearborn, MI
10.2016 - 04.2019
- Working in Vehicle Programs Domain team to manage portfolios for all the Business IT Application under the domain
- Worked in ITMS to keep the Applications and Projects updated in the Vehicle Program domain
- Performed cost management and proposals for all projects under Vehicle Programs by going through PMTI process and creating BVFs for all projects under VP Domain
- Managed Data Load Prevention project for SharePoint sites in Product Development Business IT
- DLP was meant to review upload/download of the secret or confidential documents on PD Business IT SharePoint sites and help securely manage the secret and confidential information
- Organized weekly meetings for Forefront Identity Manager (FIM) to manage the timeline and work towards creating a Product Creation Security Group Portal
- Helped the Enterprise Management teamwork with PD core Program Management team to help identify the Security Groups for further reference to FIM Project
- Helped with SharePoint migration from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2016 in the Product Development department
- Organized sessions to work with the PSCAs to complete the internal/external migration tasks in different regions
- Manage the Ideas in SharePoint Idea manager and help migrate the ideas to Ford Idea Place
- Reviewed meeting management tools, FRS, VPAT and VCSE and held sessions with the SME’s and created a matrix to analyze which tool has the most capabilities
- Furthermore, created a plan to review with management for a proposal to create a tool with the best of capabilities for meeting management software
- Organized end to end testing for all applications in the Business IT and Product Development departments for a smooth transition from IE to MS Edge
- Working as Product Manager for the merger of Global Integrator and Technology Integrator from v5 separately to one v6 for both applications
- Testing the applications with the business in both DEV and QA environments and making sure the defects are logged in HP ALM on a regular basis
- Organizing regular stand ups in the Agile Ford GI/TI v6 team to work towards the successful migration and merger of the GI/TI v6 tools
- Proactively communicated changes in market conditions that warranted adjustments within portfolios, minimizing potential losses or missed opportunities
- Implemented robust compliance measures to adhere to regulatory requirements while managing client assets effectively
- Enhanced portfolio performance by implementing effective investment strategies and risk management techniques
- Strengthened client relationships, conducting regular meetings to review portfolio performance and address concerns
Business Analyst
Ford Motor Company
Dearborn, MI
08.2015 - 10.2016
- Worked with both SMW (Systems Maintenance Works) and PTO (Power Train Operations) in order deploy functionalities team is working on related to Kinaxis tool
- In SMW team, worked in Rally to ensure Kankan Board was prioritized with appropriate user stories by working with BPO’s on weekly basis
- Worked in Rally to make sure tasks are appropriately updated with number of hours worked
- Worked on Deployment checklist document to help deploy User stories/work team worked on two weeks of iteration
- Work with multiple functional teams (PTO and SMW) to coordinate end to end integration testing efforts
- Presented approved solution of requirement to regions and get confirmation from users for requirements acceptance
- Created UAT test scripts by working with developers for newly finalized requirements/enhancements after development was complete
- Worked with development team continuously to make sure functionality/enhancement is understood and interpreted in correct manner in UATs
- Performed regression testing to ensure delivery of most accurate UATs
- Continually monitor team activities to ensure requirements are correctly interpreted and implemented
- Reduced operational costs through thorough data analysis and implementing cost-effective solutions
- Performed gap analysis between existing systems or processes and desired state, identifying areas for improvement or enhancement
- Implemented best-practice methodologies that improved overall project delivery timelines while maintaining quality standards
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels by identifying areas of improvement and proposing actionable solutions
Program Manager
IHRone, MI
Dearborn, MICHIGAN
01.2014 - 07.2015
- Led Project Management for 20+ member teams across 5 global program launches of Critical Safety components, steering process from purchase order to production using MS Project
- Ensured adherence to key milestones, quality standards, and client expectations, while coordinating tasks among engineering, quality, design, tooling, manufacturing, and purchasing teams
- Promptly escalated issues, collaborating with finance to assess impacts
- Developed and maintained resource matrixes, fostering strong relationships within functional areas
- Coordinated Engineering Change Requests, negotiating associated costs with customers
- Demonstrated robust understanding of product lifecycle development, particularly in Chassis and Powertrain components
- Ensured successful project delivery by creating dashboards of critical launch metrics, enabling timely and budget-compliant project completion
- Institutionalized processes for project scope management, risk mitigation, and tracking through earned value analysis, resulting in consistently on-time and on-budget project outcomes.
- Increased customer satisfaction through effective communication of program goals and expectations
- Streamlined communication channels to facilitate efficient collaboration among team members and stakeholders
Project Manager
Sakthi Automotive Group USA, Inc., MI
Dearborn, MICHIGAN
06.2011 - 12.2013
- Managed implementation of 2 GM and 3 Volvo Program Launches, overseeing project management responsibilities including directing and managing cross-functional launch teams comprising members from Product Engineering, Advance Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Material Management departments
- Provided accurate and timely support for business financial analysis across all geographic regions
- Directed various project management tasks including resource loading, resourcing leveling, team building, consensus-building, budget management, project scope development, scheduling, customer deliverables, cost avoidance, continuous design improvements, conducting status meetings, customer reviews, and coordinating new product launch activities across three different geographical manufacturing footprints
- Led initiatives such as performance evaluation, appraisal, and planning, recruitment and training programs, and client relationship management for US, European, and Asian Engineering Home Offices
- Additionally, defined and identified project objectives including Statement of Work (SOW) and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and maintained cost books for program implementation throughout product lifecycle, utilizing Earned Value Analysis, Cost Benefit Ratio, and Cost Revenue Analysis extensively
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout engagement process.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
Education
Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning -
Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar 01.2002 - 12.2006
Master’s in Urban Planning and Community Development -
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI 08.2007 - 04.2010
Master’s in Project Management -
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 09.2010 - 04.2013
Skills
SharePoint
JavaScript - L1 config
MS Project
MS Word/excel
MS Visio/access
Strategic Planning
Requirements Analysis
Scrum Framework
Presentation Skills
Client Relationship Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Certification
PMP Certification, Project Management Institute, 08/2021
Timeline
Portfolio Manager
Ford Motor Company
10.2016 - 04.2019
Business Analyst
Ford Motor Company
08.2015 - 10.2016
Program Manager
IHRone, MI
01.2014 - 07.2015
Project Manager
Sakthi Automotive Group USA, Inc., MI
06.2011 - 12.2013
Master’s in Project Management -
Eastern Michigan University
09.2010 - 04.2013
Master’s in Urban Planning and Community Development -
Wayne State University
08.2007 - 04.2010
Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning -
Guru Nanak Dev University
01.2002 - 12.2006
Software Engineering Manager
Ford Motor Company
5 2018 - Current
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