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Jithin Vadakel

734.773.6125

Boston, MA

linkedin.com/in/jithinvadakel

Summary

A skilled mechanical engineer, maker, and handyman with 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry. I am inquisitive, motivated, resourceful, and devoted to lifelong learning. I have extensive experience in the full product development cycle while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. I learningnew topics and adapt quickly to faced paced projects.

Education

Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY | ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN                                          AUGUST 2022

Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER | DENVER, COLORADO                                DECEMBER 2016

Technical Experience

● Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing (CAD/CAM): Solidworks, AutoCAD, Revit, Pro/ENGINEER

● Fabrication: utilizing machining, welding, and 3D printing for multi-axis test fixture fabrication

● Fabrication: Carbon fiber composite via vacuum infusion, wet-layup, autoclave cured pre-pregs

● Electrical wiring manufacturing and repairs: production crimping, soldering, welding, and stamping

● Vehicle Testing Methodology and Race Telemetry / DAQ: MoTeC C125 & TunerStudio

● TIG/MIG Welding, Machining, G-Code for CNC: Edgecam & Mastercam

● Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): ANSYS Fluent & Star CCM+

● Finite Element Analysis (FEA): LS Dyna & Abaqus

● Programming: C++, MATLAB, MathCAD, NI LabVIEW

● Expert OS Proficiency: GNU/Linux, Ubuntu, and Debian Work Experience 

Work Experience

E-SYSTEMS DESIGN VALIDATION ENGINEER: LEAR CORPORATION | SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN              JULY 2017 - PRESENT ● OEM-supplier-manufacturing liaison; create timing plans & execute tests on schedule

        ○ Design/Product validation responsibility to satisfy all customer requirements

        ○ Global collaboration to create & follow DVP&R for Ford projects

        ○ System architecture test and report for China and Europe

        ○ Specifications: USCAR, SAE, ASME, Ford, GM, Stellantis

● FEA on wire harness cycling, routing prediction, component durability, and test automation

● Rapid prototyping components using Carbon3D CLIP, Raise FDM, and Formlabs SLA

● On- site -troubleshooting, warranty analysis, electrical and mechanical design validation tests

MECHANICAL ENGINEER: DCS CORPORATION | WARREN, MICHIGAN                                                         MAY 2017 - JULY 2017 ● MIL Spec prototype design on U.S. Military vehicles: Cockpit interface features for Stryker & Humvee

       ○ Received government security clearance level: 1 Secret

ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN: OEM SERVICES | DEARBORN, MICHIGAN                                                  JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 ● Troubleshoot, test, update electrical distribution systems, test equipment calibration

      ○ Ford Escape / Lincoln MKC vehicles built for China, Europe, North & South America

Memberships & Projects

SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS (SAE)                                                                                              JUNE 2013 - PRESENT

● 2015-16 Formula SAE Team: Aerodynamics Lead / Business Manager

● 2016 Formula SAE Competition: Car #40

      ○ 1 out of 21 cars to complete the endurance event out of 70 vehicles that started

● CFD performed on side-pods, nose-cone, and undertray for 3 design iterations

● Component failure analysis, system/subsystem integration, quality assurance, process design and management

● Fabrication of aero-package: Carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CRFTP) composites

SOCIETY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS (SME)                                                                                 AUGUST 2013 - PRESENT

● CU Denver student chapter S324 – Chair

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