Ashish Bhardwaj
Associate General Manager (Maruti Suzuki)
Gurgaon
Summary
Experienced R&D professional transitioning into data science with a solid foundation in automotive engineering, product development, and predictive analytics. Over 12+ years of experience applying engineering expertise to optimize vehicle performance and quality. Skilled in machine learning, data storytelling, and statistical modeling, with a passion for solving real-world problems through data. Known for bridging the gap between engineering teams and data science, with a proven ability to translate technical insights into actionable business outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Associate General Manager (R&D Department)
Maruti Suzuki
04.2023 - Current
Predictive Warranty Analysis (Data Science Projects)
- Built logistic regression models to predict failure rates of suspension components based on warranty and field data.
- Designed and implemented structured data pipelines to proactively detect defect patterns, enabling 20% early corrective actions and achieving up to a 90% reduction in warranty costs, resulting in annual savings of ₹40 lakhs
Engineering Resource Optimization
- Increased Designed a regression-based model to estimate engineering man-hours for projects using historical data and design complexity.
- Helped optimize resource allocation across multiple concurrent vehicle projects.
Root Cause Analysis with ML
- Applied clustering and classification algorithms on customer feedback and component testing data to uncover root causes of common failure.
Data-Driven Design Decisioning
- Integrated data insights into the new product development cycle for shock absorbers and drive shafts, improving durability KPIs by 15%.
Model Deployment & Visualization
- Built internal dashboards using Python & Excel to make model outputs understandable for non-technical stakeholders.
Manager (R&D Department)
Suzuki Motor Corporation
04.2021 - 04.2023
Worked with global R&D teams to standardize data analytics processes across international design hubs. Contributed to the development of predictive reliability metrics for new vehicle components.
Deputy Manager (R&D Department)
Maruti Suzuki
04.2017 - 04.2021
- Optimized suspension kinematics, improving handling metrics by 12% through parametric modeling.
- Reduced component weight by 18% via topology optimization while maintaining 95% durability compliance.
- Led 5 production programs with 100% on-time delivery and 20% cost savings.
- Resolved 10+ field issues using FTA analysis.
- Mentored junior engineers in advanced simulation techniques.
Assistant Manager (R&D Department)
Maruti Suzuki
07.2013 - 04.2017
- Designed suspension components NX, performed kinematic analysis, and supported prototype testing.
- Analyzed test data, contributed to DFMEAs
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize designs.
- My work ensured compliance with performance and manufacturing requirements while developing my expertise in vehicle dynamics.
Education
Master of Science - Machine Learning & AI
IIIT Bangalore & Liverpool University (LJMU)
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
National Institute of Technology (NIT)
Durgapur 04.2001 -
Skills
Machine Learning: Logistic Regression, Classification, Clustering, Time Series Forecasting, Predictive Modeling
Programming & Tools: Python, R, SQL, Jupyter, Git, Excel, Bash
Data Visualization: Seaborn, Matplotlib, Plotly, Tableau (basic), Power BI
Data Handling: Feature Engineering, Data Cleaning, Telematics Analysis, Segmentation
Domain Expertise: Automotive Engineering, Warranty Analytics, Resource Optimization, Component Testing
Soft Skills: Cross-functional Collaboration, Agile Execution, Strategic Problem Solving, Stakeholder Communication
Accomplishments
- Recognized as a “Data-First Engineer” by Maruti Suzuki leadership for pioneering the integration of machine learning into R&D decision-making processes.
- "Innovator of the Year" Award recipient for leveraging predictive analytics to resolve a high-frequency suspension failure—significantly enhancing product reliability.
- 11-time “Employee of the Quarter” Awardee, recognized for excellence in vehicle design and consistent delivery of high-impact engineering innovations across major automotive projects.
- Achieved up to 90% reduction in warranty costs by developing structured data pipelines for early defect detection, driving ₹40 lakhs in annual savings.
- Patent Holder for the design of an advanced rear suspension component that improved NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) performance, directly boosting ride quality.
Certification
Machine Learning (Coursera, Andrew Ng)
Timeline
Statistics for Data Science – IIIT-B
07-2024
Data Visualization in Python – Udemy
06-2024
Machine Learning (Coursera, Andrew Ng)
03-2024
Python for Data Science – IBM
12-2023
Associate General Manager (R&D Department)
Maruti Suzuki
04.2023 - Current
Manager (R&D Department)
Suzuki Motor Corporation
04.2021 - 04.2023
Deputy Manager (R&D Department)
Maruti Suzuki
04.2017 - 04.2021
Assistant Manager (R&D Department)
Maruti Suzuki
07.2013 - 04.2017
Master of Science - Machine Learning & AI
IIIT Bangalore & Liverpool University (LJMU)
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
National Institute of Technology (NIT)
04.2001 -