Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Certification

Languages

Hobbies and Interests

Courses

Software Proficiency

Timeline

Gowri Krishna Chikkala

Summary

Results-driven manufacturing professional with 15 years of proven experience in upholding exceptional quality standards across product development, delivery, and execution. Skilled in enhancing products and processes through hands-on inspections, advanced testing methods, data analysis, and new product development. Adept at implementing best-in-class practices to drive continuous improvement. Known for strong communication, active listening, and organizational abilities. Physically fit and highly adaptable, with the capability to thrive in diverse work environments. Well-versed in manufacturing sectors including Paint (Enamel Paints), Automotive (Alloy Wheel Rims), and Packaging (Glass Containers).

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Lead Engineer – NPD

Expleo Solutions Limited

04.2023 - Current

Company Overview: Working Onsite @ Stellantis
Scope: Spearheaded the wheel development for premium vehicle lines including the Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler IconX, and Ram ProMaster.
Core Responsibilities
1. Component Design & Development
Lead the design and engineering of alloy wheels from concept through production.
Ensure designs meet performance, durability, weight, cost, and styling targets.
Use CAD tools like NX to develop and validate wheel designs.
2. Supplier Coordination
Collaborate with suppliers to ensure manufacturability and compliance with Stellantis standards.
Review and approve supplier drawings, DFMEAs, and PPAP documentation.
3. Testing & Validation
Define and oversee testing protocols for structural integrity, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life.
Work with testing teams to validate wheel performance under various load and environmental conditions.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Interface with vehicle integration, chassis, brake, and styling teams to ensure compatibility and alignment with vehicle requirements.
Support launch teams during vehicle builds and resolve any fitment or quality issues.
5. Change Management
Manage engineering changes (ECNs) and ensure timely release of updated designs.
Maintain BOMs and ensure accurate documentation in PLM systems like TeamCenter.
6. Regulatory & Safety Compliance
Ensure alloy wheels meet global regulatory standards (e.g., Inmetro, CQC, BIS).
Address NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) and safety concerns related to wheel design.
7. Program Management
Track project milestones, budgets, and deliverables.
Provide regular updates to program management and escalate risks as needed.
Key Achievements in Alloy Wheel Development
Successfully developed and released source packages and defined robust durability and functional targets for alloy wheel components across multiple premium vehicle platforms.
Ensured 100% on-time part availability for DV and PV testing by driving supplier readiness, conducting technical reviews, and managing tooling and timeline deliverables.
Conducted critical supplier plant visits to oversee process validation, sample preparation, and T0/VP sample inspections, ensuring adherence to specifications and quality standards.
Played a pivotal role in supporting vehicle build schedules by aligning part readiness with cost and timing objectives, contributing to seamless program execution.
Enabled cost-effective sourcing by identifying and developing new local suppliers that met stringent functional and quality benchmarks.
Led competitive benchmarking and innovation projects, introducing new design and process improvements that enhanced product performance and differentiation.
Fostered strong cross-functional collaboration with Materials, CAE, Testing, Product CoC, Service, Warranty, and Supplier Quality teams, ensuring integrated development and issue resolution.
Resolved complex part development challenges in partnership with SQEs and suppliers, consistently meeting KPIs for program quality gates.
Provided critical support for engineering and production builds by coordinating with plant teams and ensuring timely part delivery and validation.
Ensured full compliance with Indian and global homologation and regulatory standards for wheels, contributing to successful market launches.
Initiated and implemented multiple TCR (Technical Cost Reduction) and VO (Value Optimization) ideas, delivering measurable cost savings and product enhancements.
Demonstrated global collaboration skills by working with international teams and clients, and applying deep knowledge of global wheel standards.
Applied advanced testing and validation techniques, including lab-based and on-vehicle testing, to ensure product reliability and safety.

AM – Quality Assurance & NPD

Hindustan National Glass and Industries Limited

02.2022 - 03.2023

Key Achievements and Responsibilities
Defined, managed, and reported key performance indicators (KPIs) for cross-functional teams, delivering monthly performance metrics to the leadership team for strategic decision-making.
Conducted in-depth statistical analyses to identify root causes of chronic issues, leading to significant process improvements and enhanced operational efficiency.
Organized regular Supplier and Customer Engagement Programs to gather feedback and bridge communication gaps, fostering stronger partnerships and continuous improvement.
Oversaw both process and product control activities, while driving successful new product development initiatives.
Led the Quality Assurance (QA) team in collaboration with key stakeholders to align on and achieve functional and quality objectives.
Identified skill gaps and implemented targeted training programs to elevate team performance in quality execution.
Conducted plant-wide quality awareness sessions to instill a customer-first mindset and enhance customer satisfaction.
Coordinated ISO 9001 compliance activities at the plant level, ensuring adherence to quality management standards.

Senior Engineer – QA & NPD

Synergies Castings Limited

09.2010 - 01.2022

Key Achievements in Quality Assurance & New Product Development
Developed and executed comprehensive test procedures to validate product specifications, ensuring quality and reliability readiness for production.
Created and implemented Design Validation (DV) and Product Validation (PV) protocols, including detailed data analysis and reporting.
Successfully led New Product Development (NPD) projects, delivering all APQP milestones on time and within quality standards.
Designed and reviewed prototypes, conducted rigorous testing, and finalized product designs to support seamless transition to mass production.
Oversaw final inspection and testing of finished products, ensuring timely sample submissions to customers as per project schedules.
Managed complete PPAP documentation and coordinated cross-functional efforts to ensure on-time submission and approval by customers.
Supported QMS and statutory audits by coordinating with Management Representative (MR) and ensuring audit readiness.
Planned and managed all activities related to incoming and outgoing quality functions, maintaining high standards of compliance and efficiency.
Established and enforced quality standards for testing, inspection, and evaluation processes.
Resolved complex quality control issues through root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
Demonstrated strong knowledge of ISO/IATF 16949 standards, PPAP documentation, TQM, 5S, and customer/warranty complaint analysis.
Monitored process performance using Statistical Process Control (SPC) in machine shops, with hands-on experience in Minitab software.
Maintained and analyzed in-house final quality performance data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
Ensured timely customer communication through periodic validations and part inspection reports.
Troubleshot and resolved paint application and process-related issues, improving First Time Through (FTT) rates and reducing rework.
Conducted product property, performance, and functional testing to validate design intent and customer requirements.
Consistently met daily production targets while maintaining quality standards and minimizing defects.
Handled customer interactions and complaint resolution for major OEMs including FCA, TATA, and FORD.
Reviewed technical documents, drawings, and instructions for compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
Supported product design through benchmarking, concept testing, and prototype validation.

Education

Executive MBA - Quality Assurance

Indian School of Business Management

03.2014

B.Tech - Mechanical Engineering

JNTU Kakinada

03.2009