Niranjan Karunakaran

A self-starter who is results driven, demonstrating tenacity, drive and perseverance with the ability to deliver operational plans in a complex, highly demanding environment. A Hard working, flexible, dedicated, competitive, well-organized, active learner with strong background in Tooling manufacturing,Vehicle Engineering.

Capability to combine a short term, tactical focus with more strategic, medium/longer term planning integrity. Open to permanent Opportunities for a long-term Career Engagement.

• Critical Project of SK-VW India 2.O 271 RHD/LHD Programs Interiors [Cockpit Module] which gave me a very challenging time to achieve the expected quality level and a Successful Launch.
• Lead the APQP scheduling & management for Entire Project including Tooling/Equipment [Inj Mold, Press Tools, Assembly SPM] sourcing discussions from RFQ,DFM,MFA,TKO in Development to SOP Phases & Process Trouble suiting for critical/complex issues until PSW Sign-off.
• Proven history of Green field, brown field projects developments in a shot span, from New supplier on-board to successful SOP, Launches/Ramp-Up.
• Active Lead in Vehicle Engineering & VA-VE activities.

• Technical Project Management
• Engineering - R & D
• Tooling & Vendor Development
• Supplier Quality,Development & Accessment
• Vehicle Engineering
• APQP Management

• Responsible for new Program Launch and development - APQP Scheduling & Management.
• New /Existing Supplier validation / New Assessment / Audit - Supplier onboarding - IATF , VDA 6.3 Auditing core tools
• Responsible for New Tooling/Equipment's Sourcing/Nomination, Kick-off,Design & Development, Timeline, Buy-off/Validation and final product fitment, Geometrical convergence.
• Leading the Studio/Styling TGSS & OKTG Graining Patterned Approvals from Supplier to OEM Customer.
• Monitoring the internal rejection level and reducing defects with a structured problem solving approach by applying QRQC,8D,PDCA Methodology during Development Phase.
• Responsible for Customer Complaints / Feedbacks - implementing the Corrective / Preventive actions in development Phase.
• Follow Lean Principles & Lean process design methodology.
• Cost/Value Optimization through VA-VE.

• Ensure smooth & successful launch events, PPAP Construction, Program APQP Scheduling & Management for a Successful SOP Ramp-up.
• Define the Risks and identify potential failures.
• Responsible for New Tooling Sourcing, Design & Development, Timeline, Buy-off/Validation and final product fitment, Geometrical convergence.
• Achieving Successful Run @ Rates & Process Audit through preferred Audit Modules.
• New Supplier Assessment / Validation / Audit / Nomination.
• Green Field / Brown Field Supplier Developments & Process Establishment [Certified IATF 16949 , VDA 6.3 Automotive Core Tools for Process & System Audit]

• Sound Technical Knowledge about Plastics & Sheet metal, Foam, Standard Parts, Assembly, SPM, Painting process & Product Development.
• Experience in Periodic AQPQ reviews, change management, Critical Supplier's, critical parts, key Characteristics management & VA-VE.
• Experience in Periodic supplier Audits, Process Audit & Standardization
• Key person to Prepare PFD,PFMEA,CP and implementation of detail operation sequence standards & PPAP Establishment.
• Knowledge in RFQ Pre-study, Optimization, Tooling & Process Trouble suiting.
• Knowledge on Tier 2,3 Supplier Management [Green / Brown field Development]
• Experience in Various Manufacturing Processes, Conceptualization - Design -Manufacturing, Conduct Design Reviews and ECR Meeting with Engineering Teams & Suppliers.
• Review and approval of Method Plans, Tool Design and Assembly Fixtures - DFM,DFA.
• GD & T Interpretation skills to convert as input for Fixtures & Gauges
• Plan & Define Supplier APQP plan with objectives, APQP Scheduling / Management, risk assessment, critical suppliers, Critical Path.
• Change Management - ECN / ECR in Serial/Development Phase.
• Facilitate exchanges between functions and suppliers for Design freeze.
• Escalate Alerts to Program and Management. Support suppliers for 8D completion.
• VA/VE, Benchmarking, Poka-Yoke & Project Management.

• Father's Name: V.T. Karunakaran
• Date of Birth: 03/27/91
• Gender: Male
• Marital Status: Married

• Ford India, FNA, NAO & Few Global Projects [ B515 & MCA,B562 & Europe,C520]
• Renault & Nissan X02A,X02B, X11M,B58,L58, HJD
• ISUZU RT 97 & RT 68
• Stellantis FCA 226,J4U NA Jeep Compass, H6,PSA - CC21
• SKODA-VW 216,271 RHD/LHD
• VOLVO USA P6700,MACK P6720