Umamaheswara Raju Raju Datla
Waterloo,IA
Summary
Manufacturing professional with strong expertise in process optimization, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles. Proven track record of improving production efficiency and reducing waste while maintaining high standards. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to evolving project requirements, ensuring reliable and efficient operations. Equipped with problem-solving skills, technical proficiency in CAD software, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Gear Machining Manufacturing Engineer
John Deere Drive Train Components
02.2024 - Current
- OFP manufacturing engineer working on various gears for transmission (EV/Hybrid) and drivetrain.
- Developed technical documentation, including standard operating procedures, work instructions, and engineering drawings, to support manufacturing operations such as lathe, drill, broach, hob, and grind.
- Played an active role in the development of new manufacturing facilities, providing input on equipment selection, layout design, and capacity planning.
- Utilized AutoCAD Architecture for facility layouts, Creo for modifying 3D part models, and worked with engineering to improve process charts to better meet manufacturing standards.
- Increased capacity utilization by identifying bottlenecks within the production process, and implementing process improvements to enhance production efficiency and reduce waste.
- Championed the use of data analytics through GMM reports in decision-making processes, leveraging insights to improve part quality by maintaining a Cpk of 1.33 or higher, working alongside the Quality team.
- Conducted root cause analysis, 5 Why analysis, and Pareto analysis on defective parts, leading to targeted improvements in manufacturing processes in order to reduce expenditure and improve overall quality.
- Assisted in implementing digital transformation initiatives, modernizing manufacturing operations with smart technology integrations, such as vision systems and gage stations, across lathe and broach cells by working with factory automation.
- Improved workplace safety by designing and implementing comprehensive risk assessments, along with John Deere safety checks, such as red cards (capital assets), blue tags (material handling), and OSHA guidelines (ergonomics).
- Assisted in the selection and procurement of new tooling equipment based on project requirements and supplier timelines. Maintained documentation for below-the-hook lifting devices and machinery tooling (Liebherr, arthur klink, colonial, gleason and sandvik) and worked with tool room to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Led Kaizen events focused on continuous improvement within the business unit and maintaining an overall output percentage of 140% throughout the fiscal year 2024-2025.
- Supported prototype build, durability build, and limited production build for future tractors such as F10, MY28, and current production runs such as 6R, 8R, and 9R.
- Conducted rigorous quality control checks, ensuring all manufactured parts met internal and external quality standards, with process change requests, capability studies, and full ISIR in both green and finished standards.
CFD engineer - Intern
Simulation Lab - Remote
09.2020 - 11.2020
- Worked with CFD professionals on an aerofoil wing project to achieve the most efficient drag and lift possible for a flight, based on computational wind tunnel studies.
- Developed and optimized computational fluid dynamics simulations to enhance product performance in the Autodesk CFD application.
- Ran close to 200 simulations on various patterns, analyzing simulation data, and providing insights to improve energy efficiency and reliability.
- Maintained detailed documentation of CFD analyses performed, ensuring ease of reference for both internal and external stakeholders.
Rolling Stock Engineer - Intern
L&T Metro Rail - Hyderabad
05.2019 - 07.2019
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication and improve workflow efficiency between maintenance, engineering, and Hyundai Rotem.
- Assisted in coordinating daily operational activities to ensure maintenance schedules were met, and trains were operational during rush hours.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify and resolve HVAC failures caused by industrial waste in and around the depot, leading to holes in copper tubes.
- Assisted in the evaluation of new materials through DOE for the root cause, and implemented preventive maintenance, along with reduced train downtime.
- Performed thorough risk assessments before executing projects, minimizing potential hazards or delays during implementation phases by working with the Quality team.
Product Support Engineer - Intern
L&T Komatsu Ltd
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Provided technical support for product inquiries and troubleshooting to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in diagnosing equipment issues and recommending effective solutions while working on engines and transmissions of heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and excavators.
- Developed user manuals and technical documentation to facilitate user understanding of products.
Education
Master of Science - Manufacturing Engineering
Bradley University
Peoria, IL08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, India05.2020
Skills
- Value stream mapping
- Engineering drawings
- Tooling design
- Risk assessment
- CNC programming
- 2D and 3D modeling (AutoCAD, Creo)
- Statistical process control
- Root-cause analysis
- Industrial automation (Gage station, Vision systems, roboguide)
- Workplace continuous improvements (5S, Lean, Kaizen etc)
Affiliations
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) : Active member since Nov. 2024
- Participated as a chair elect and conducted multiple tours to encourage students and professionals alike to enter the field of manufacturing.
- Conducted 2 student tours to IMTS and fabtech conducted in Chicago (2024/2025). Which encouraged students to select manufacturing as their major in college and also helped students get sponsorship for their future aspirations.
- Currently serving as the chair elect for SME chapter 186 (waterloo), the inaugural chapter of the year awardee in 2025 SME leadership summit.
Timeline
Gear Machining Manufacturing Engineer
John Deere Drive Train Components
02.2024 - Current
CFD engineer - Intern
Simulation Lab - Remote
09.2020 - 11.2020
Rolling Stock Engineer - Intern
L&T Metro Rail - Hyderabad
05.2019 - 07.2019
Product Support Engineer - Intern
L&T Komatsu Ltd
06.2018 - 08.2018
Master of Science - Manufacturing Engineering
Bradley University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Manipal University Jaipur