Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Affiliations
PATENTS & INNOVATIONS
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Pankaj Arora

Pankaj Arora

Bangalore

Summary

Experienced technology leader with over 15 years of expertise in global EV/HEV systems, battery management, and high-voltage safety. Demonstrated success in overseeing large engineering teams, fostering industry-academia partnerships, and spearheading innovation within the automotive industry. Proficient in battery cell technology standards, high voltage safety protocols, and EV/HEV systems engineering. Skilled at cultivating research collaborations and propelling business expansion initiatives.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Program Manager – EPowertrain Mechatronics

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI)
04.2022 - Current
  • Managed delivery of sophisticated HV battery controls and BMS software for Daimler's electric trucks and buses with a team of 30+ members.
  • Directed complete V-cycle development, spanning requirements to vehicle testing, adhering to global battery standards.
  • Chief Electrical Specialist in Charge (CESC/VEFK) for 1000V HIL systems, managing functional and diagnostics testing for series production.
  • Managed contract lifecycle, budgeting, appraisals, and quality management for multiple EV projects
  • Established and reviewed research agreements and MoUs; inspired focus on innovation with 11 patent filings in battery management, HV safety and edrivetrain systems
  • Facilitated stakeholder communication, leading to improved alignment between business objectives and program goals.
  • Established clear performance metrics for tracking program success, enabling informed decision-making processes throughout each project''s duration.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with external partners, ensuring effective collaboration on joint projects and initiatives.
  • Delivered engaging presentations to stakeholders at all levels, effectively communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Led cross-functional teams to facilitate collaborative efforts, resulting in successful launch of key initiatives - Research project on LMFP synthesis with IISC
  • Leveraged industry trends to guide strategic planning of future projects, keeping organization ahead of curve - Initiated establishment of incubation center in bangalore for cell fabrication and testing
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.

Technical Expert, EDrive Systems Engineering

Mercedes Benz Research and Development
08.2019 - 03.2022
  • Supervised a 12-member team in the optimization of battery, charging, and ePowertrain systems for Mercedes-Benz and Daimler subsidiaries.
  • Designed predictive models for battery SOH and energy management optimization, bolstering warranty and field reliability.
  • Conducted root cause analysis for critical field issues in electric buses and trucks, collaborating with global teams to enhance product robustness.
  • Developed innovative solutions to complex technical problems, resulting in improved system functionality and user experience.
  • Cultivated a culture of innovation within the team by promoting collaborative problem-solving and encouraging exploration of new ideas, Filed 4 patents in smart recuperation, torque control, and battery capacity estimation.
  • Spearheaded efforts towards digital transformation by leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning within relevant projects.

Lead Systems Engineer – Electrification Embedded Control Systems

General Motors Technical Centre
02.2010 - 07.2019


  • Led the software development of Engine start stop function as part of Hybrid Operating Strategy for Chevy Volt
  • Led the development of behavioral models and controls for next-gen EVs (Chevy Bolt) focusing on regenerative braking and battery SOX functions
  • Developed the SIL (Software in Loop) based System Simulation environment with co-simulation with GT Power Engine and AMESim transmission model
  • Developed the concept of virtual calibration through automated Design of experiments (DOEs)
  • Established process and metrics of system simulation correlation to the vehicle data
  • Pioneered data driven predictive models using machine learning for drive quality and battery health monitoring
  • Delivered engaging presentations to stakeholders at various levels, effectively communicating complex information in a clear and concise manners

Education

M.Tech. - Systems and Control Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology
Bombay
07.2009

Bachelor Of Technology -

Institute of Engineering And Technology, DAVV
Indore
07.2007

Skills

  • EV/HEV Systems Engineering & Product Development
  • Battery Cell Technology (NMC, LFP, LMFP, Solid-State)
  • BMS & HV Battery System Design and Validation
  • Functional Safety (ISO 26262), High Voltage Certification (EFKmF)
  • Cross-functional Team Leadership (30 engineers)
  • Research & University Collaboration (IISc, Incubation Centers)
  • Program & Project Management (Strategic Roadmaps, Budgeting)
  • Innovation, IP Generation & Patent Filing
  • Data Analytics, Machine Learning for Battery Health
  • Stakeholder & Contract Management
  • Agile methodology
  • Software development lifecycle
  • Coaching and mentoring

References

Available upon request.

Affiliations

SAE International, IEEE (Power & Energy Society), Battery Safety Council (Member)

PATENTS & INNOVATIONS

11+ patent filings in battery management, HV safety, and electric powertrain optimization.

SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Delivered production-ready BMS and HV battery systems for Daimler and General Motors EVs globally.
  • Established and scaled research collaborations with premier Indian universities, driving innovation in battery technology.
  • Successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale programs, consistently meeting quality, safety, and business targets.

Certification

Chief Electrical Specialist in Charge (CESC/VEFK)


Design for Six Sigma (Black Belt)

Timeline

Senior Program Manager – EPowertrain Mechatronics

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI)
04.2022 - Current

Technical Expert, EDrive Systems Engineering

Mercedes Benz Research and Development
08.2019 - 03.2022

Lead Systems Engineer – Electrification Embedded Control Systems

General Motors Technical Centre
02.2010 - 07.2019

M.Tech. - Systems and Control Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology

Bachelor Of Technology -

Institute of Engineering And Technology, DAVV

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