Mukesh Kumar
General Manager (R&D)
New Delhi,Delhi
Summary
Materials Scientist and Academic specializing in automotive friction materials, tribology, and advanced materials engineering. Achieved significant research impact through 40+ peer-reviewed publications and international collaborations while leading interdisciplinary teams in R&D and academic settings. Focused on driving operational excellence and enhancing productivity through strategic planning and effective resource management.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager & Head – Friction R&D
Allied Nippon Pvt. Ltd.
01.2024 - Current
- Led a 20+ member team to align R&D missions with corporate growth and technological roadmaps
- Developed OEM/IAM/Export strategies for 2W, 3W, 4W & CV segments
- Delivered multi-million INR cost savings saving through process improvements & recipe optimization
- Engaged with cross-functional team to develop strategies for operations, cost management, budgeting, and joint ventures
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
Senior Manager / DGM – Friction R&D
Brakes India Pvt. Ltd. (TVS Group)
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Led R&D teams and innovation programs to drive product development and technical advancements
- Delivered 75+ new product developments
- Established advanced testing labs and methodologies to enhance research capabilities and support product testing
- Strengthened academia–industry collaboration
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
Assistant Professor
Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET)
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Delivered undergraduate and postgraduate courses in materials science and physical sciences, fostering student engagement and understanding
- Supervised student research projects and provided academic mentoring, enhancing research skills and academic growth
- Supervised student research projects and academic mentoring
- Participated in academic administration and curriculum development, supporting program objectives and student success
- Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
- Enhanced cross-disciplinary collaboration through active participation in departmental meetings and workshops.
Postdoctoral Scientist
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Conducted interdisciplinary research combining computational and experimental methods to advance knowledge in the field
- Published over 10 peer-reviewed articles contributing to scientific discourse and knowledge dissemination
- Collaborated with international research groups to enhance research capabilities and foster global scientific partnerships
- Published multiple peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals, showcasing high-quality research outcomes.
- Assisted faculty members in curriculum development related to postdoctoral programs, ensuring course content remains current and relevant to emerging trends in science.
- Reviewed manuscripts for top-tier scientific journals as a peer reviewer, maintaining high standards of rigorous scholarship in the field.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Conducted research in computational materials science focused on energy applications, contributing to advancements in the field.
- Published research articles in peer-reviewed journals
- Presented research findings at international conferences, enhancing visibility and fostering collaboration within the scientific community.
- Drafted manuscripts and presented findings at major [Number] [Type] conferences.
Project Scientist
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Led government-funded project to develop asbestos-free brake materials for automotive applications, enhancing safety and compliance
- Established advanced tribology and friction testing laboratory at IIT Delhi, fostering research and innovation in material performance
- Developed formulations meeting JASO and ECE-R90 standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and market readiness
Research Intern
École Centrale de Lille
01.2008 - 01.2008
- Examined hot-spot phenomena in brake materials to identify performance issues and enhance reliability
- Completed research, compiled data, and assisted in timely reporting.
- Attended meetings and presentations to learn project details.
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports.
Education
Ph.D. - Materials Engineering
01-2010
Thesis: Influence of Metal Contents in Friction Composites
M.Tech - Materials Science
01-2004
B.Sc. - Natural Sciences
01-2000
Skills
Advanced characterization
Materials formulation
Laboratory establishment
Timeline
General Manager & Head – Friction R&D - Allied Nippon Pvt. Ltd.
01.2024 - Current
Senior Manager / DGM – Friction R&D - Brakes India Pvt. Ltd. (TVS Group)
01.2019 - 01.2024
Assistant Professor - Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET)
01.2017 - 01.2019
Postdoctoral Scientist - National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
01.2013 - 01.2016
Postdoctoral Researcher - Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
01.2010 - 01.2013
Research Intern - École Centrale de Lille
01.2008 - 01.2008
Project Scientist - Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
01.2005 - 01.2010
Himachal Pradesh University - B.Sc., Natural Sciences
Bhopal University - M.Tech, Materials Science
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi - Ph.D., Materials Engineering
11. TEACHING & SUPERVISION
- Courses: Materials Science, Physical Sciences
- Supervised undergraduate and postgraduate student projects
- Mentored students in research and academic development
13. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Training in Six Sigma, IATF, ISO, TPM, PLM
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 and AI applications in materials
- Participation in global academic and industrial workshops
14. INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Japan | Sweden | France | India
- Extensive international research collaborations and conference participation
15. ACADEMIC SERVICE
- Reviewer for many peer-reviewed journals
- Editorial contributions
- Academic committees and curriculum development
9. CONFERENCES & INVITED TALKS
- 20+ international conference presentations
- Participation in SAE, EuroBrake, and tribology conferences
- Delivered invited talks during academic tenure
10. RESEARCH FUNDING & SCHOLARSHIPS
- Swedish Institute Scholarship (Government of Sweden)
- IndiaEU Scholarship (European Union)
- Olle Eriksson Foundation Travel Grant (Sweden)
- CSIR Travel Grant (India)
- EGIDE Scholarship (French Government)
8. PUBLICATIONS & SCHOLARLY OUTPUT
- 40+ peer-reviewed journal publications
- Journals include: Wear, Tribology International, Journal of Engineering Tribology
- Selected Publications:
- Kumar, M. et al. Influence of metallic fillers on hot-spot formation, Wear (2011)
- Kumar, M. et al. Friction sensitivity to load and speed, Tribology International (2010)
- Kumar, M. et al. Role of copper in NAO composites, Wear (2011)
- Kumar, M. et al. Dynamometer evaluation of friction materials, Wear (2010)
- Kumar, M. et al. Binder influence in brake materials, J. Engg. Tribology (2014)
2. RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Automotive materials
- Friction and brake systems
- Tribology and wear mechanisms
- Sustainable materials and recycling technologies
- Computational and experimental materials science