Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Hobbies and Interests
Courses
Software Proficiency
Timeline
Generic

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

15
15
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

Skills

  • Cross-Functional Team (CFT) Leadership
  • Strong Behavioral Competencies
  • Agility & Self-Initiative
  • Decisive and Result-Oriented
  • Technical support
  • Project management
  • Quality assurance controls
  • Manufacturing
  • Product development
  • Process development
  • Quality control
  • Design development
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Process improvement

Certification

  • ISO 9001:2015 Awareness Certification - TUV India
  • FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor Certification - SGS India
  • APQP & PPAP - Stellantis
  • Fundamentals of FEA - Tata Technologies
  • GD&T Foundational Concepts - Tata Technologies
  • Teamcenter 11.x - Tata Technologies
  • Fundamentals of Vehicle Design & Packaging - Tata Technologies

Languages

English
Telugu
Hindi

Hobbies and Interests

Exploring New Places

Courses

  • Diploma in CADD CADD Centre — 2005-06 – 2007-05
  • Diploma in Quality Management Annamalai University — 2011-06 – 2012-05

Software Proficiency

  • Microsoft Office
  • AutoCAD & Siemens NX
  • SAP & Teamcenter
  • Power Bi

Timeline

Associate Lead Engineer – NPD

Expleo Solutions Limited
04.2023 - Current

AM – Quality Assurance & NPD

Hindustan National Glass and Industries Limited
02.2022 - 03.2023

Senior Engineer – QA & NPD

Synergies Castings Limited
09.2010 - 01.2022

Executive MBA - Quality Assurance

Indian School of Business Management

B.Tech - Mechanical Engineering

JNTU Kakinada

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Gowri Krishna Chikkala