SURAJ SRIDHAR
Mechanical Design Engineer
Summary
Solutions-oriented engineering professional with strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and product development process. Brings excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with colleagues, management and vendors. Proactive in identifying areas of improvement and taking steps to drive successful completion of projects.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical Design Engineer I
Thorlabs Inc
Newton, NJ
04.2021 - Current
- Design and optimize mechanical components and structures that support and interact with optical elements by combining knowledge of optics, mechanics and engineering principles
- Conceptualize and develop mechanical designs using Solidworks and Solidworks simulation while considering factors like stability, alignment, stress-strain, thermal management and vibration damping to ensure optimal performance
- Collaborate closely with the team, manufacturing engineers and machinists to ensure that the optical and mechanical aspects of the system such as tolerances and material selections are thought through, well-integrated and function together seamlessly
- Fabrication and assembly of prototypes, conduct thorough testing and verify the performance and functionality of the design
- This involves the development of a test plan and setup, use of Labview to establish communication between test hardware and the lab computer, use of proprietary softwares such as Thorlabs Beam and Zygo MX for testing
- Document all aspects of the product in Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP system according to ISO standards including design process, Solid models, manufacturing drawings (as per ASME Y14.5) and vendor quotes
- Provide support during the transition to production
- Collaborate with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that the designed components are fabricated to the required specifications and quality standards
- Develop assembly instructions and train assemblers to ensure quick assembly time thereby enabling on-time deliveries to customers
- Current contribution in revenue through new product development is 80,000 USD and counting.
Mechanical Design Engineer
DiFacto Robotics America LLC
Troy, Michigan
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Collaborate with clients, team members and multidisciplinary teams to understand the requirements and objectives of the project in hand
- Responsible for designing the mechanical components of an automation solution, including type of robot required, actuators, sensors, manipulators, and other physical elements considering factors such as space constraints, achievable cycle time and budget ensuring that the design supports the intended functionality and performance expected by the client
- Build prototypes of the automation solution to validate the design and functionality
- Conduct tests to assess the performance, accuracy, speed, and safety of the solution
- Iterate the design based on testing results, making improvements and refinements to optimize the performance
- Analyzing onsite project requirements and performing system integration following necessary safety guidelines
- Solving technical problems using root cause analysis, manufacturing and mechanical engineering principles
- Validating designs, formulating schedules and budgets during project planning, performing system inspections and reporting costs.
Tool Design Engineering Intern
Federal Mogul Motorparts
Skokie, IL
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Summer internship, responsible for mechanical design, CAD model development with Siemens NX and drafting engineering drawings of tools, dies, jigs and fixtures required for manufacturing processes
- Analyze production requirements to create tooling solutions that improve efficiency and quality of parts
- Develop preventive maintenance schedules, troubleshoot issues and coordinate repairs to minimize downtime and ensure optimal tool performance
- Create detailed documentation, including technical specifications, drawings, and standard operating procedures for tooling
- Maintain up to date records of documents in Siemens Teamcenter PLM software
- Develop work instructions and training materials for operators in the manufacturing floor.
Solution Design Engineering Intern
DiFacto Robotics and Automation Pvt. Ltd
Bangalore, India
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Obtained training and was handed the responsibility for designing automation solutions and conceptualizing the automation cell including assemblies such as robot manipulators, components and hardware on Solidworks
- Present solutions to technical members such as team leaders and non technical members such as clients and managers to obtain feedback and re-iterate on the solution if necessary
- Utilize Solidworks simulation to verify optimal performance of materials under pre-specified environmental conditions
- Develop schedules, budgets for the team and quotes for clients using the collective data in hand
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Illinois At Chicago
08.2018 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology
08.2013 - 08.2017
Skills
New Product Development/ New Product Introduction (NPD/NPI)
GD&T per ASME Y145
Finite Element Analysis
Technical Writing
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & Design for Assembly (DFA)
Design of Experiments
Accomplishments
- Secure 1 mm thick, 25 mm x 36 mm Optic with spring clips on the back of the front plate.
- ±3° Tip/Tilt Adjustment Range.
- Features a reliable mounting solution for rectangular optics with adjustment capability using kinematics.
- Sold 110% more numbers in quantity than any other new product released by Thorlabs in the year 2022.
- Designed robot gripper/manipulator assembly and screwing station as part of a bigger automation line for a tier 1 automotive supplier.
- Design involved conceptualization of gripper assembly for a FANUC M710iC handling light to medium loads and an automatic screw feeding machine assembly using WEBER screwdriving systems.
- Project involved 8 months of extensive technical and managerial work ranging from design, simulation, prototyping, testing and integrating the automation line in the clients manufacturing plant.
- Project was responsible for cutting down assembly time of the part from ~4 minutes by plant workers down to ~1 minute 40 seconds once the automation line opened.
Kinematic Mount for Rectangular Dichroic Optics
Automated Cell for Radiator Fan Assembly for Tier 1 Automotive Supplier
Timeline
Mechanical Design Engineer I
Thorlabs Inc
04.2021 - Current
Mechanical Design Engineer
DiFacto Robotics America LLC
06.2020 - 03.2021
Tool Design Engineering Intern
Federal Mogul Motorparts
06.2019 - 09.2019
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Illinois At Chicago
08.2018 - 05.2020
Solution Design Engineering Intern
DiFacto Robotics and Automation Pvt. Ltd
10.2017 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology
08.2013 - 08.2017