SARAVANAN S
Chennai
Summary
Senior Engineer with expertise in failure analysis and material characterization within automotive systems. Leverages advanced techniques in root cause analysis and metallographic evaluation to improve product reliability, while effectively coordinating cross-functional teams to address complex engineering challenges.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Discipline Engineer (R&D) - GTC
Valeo India Private Limited
Chennai
2021.09 - Current
- Lead Technological Failure Analysis (TFA) of power electronic components used in ICE and EV systems including inverters, onboard chargers, motors, starters, and compressors following design and validation testing.
- Investigate field and validation failures to determine root causes and failure mechanisms, enabling improvements in product reliability and system performance.
- Coordinate Industrial CT (Computed Tomography) scanning with external laboratories and interpret 3D scan data to detect internal defects and structural anomalies in components.
- Utilize CT scan analysis for non-destructive defect identification, failure localization, and validation of suspected failure modes.
- Perform systematic dismantling and teardown of electronic assemblies after mechanical, thermal, and environmental validation tests to identify failure locations and damage mechanisms.
- Perform metallographic sample preparation of electronic components, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching for microstructural evaluation.
- Carry out PCB cross-section analysis to assess plating thickness, layer integrity, solder joint quality, and internal structural defects.
- Apply metallurgical analysis, optical microscopy, stereo microscopy, and SEM techniques to investigate material defects and microstructural abnormalities in electronic assemblies.
- Perform solder joint reliability evaluation in accordance with IPC-A-610 standards.
- Drive Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports and failure analysis documentation to support engineering, validation, and quality teams.
- Ensure laboratory testing activities comply with automotive quality standards and internal validation procedures.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product reliability and material performance.
Lead Engineer - Failure Analysis
Turbo Energy Limited
2019.07 - 2021.08
- Led metallurgical laboratory activities, coordinating testing, analysis, and reporting to support R&D and production teams.
- Performed root cause failure analysis of automotive components using metallography, microstructural analysis, and mechanical testing techniques.
- Supported new product development and design modifications by conducting material characterization and validation testing.
- Prepared metallographic samples using cutting, grinding, mounting, and polishing techniques for detailed microstructural evaluation.
- Documented and maintained comprehensive metallurgical reports, including metallographic images and test results for engineering review.
- Collaborated with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate material performance and product reliability.
- Provided technical support to production teams in troubleshooting material and process related issues.
- Performed comparative analysis of components from multiple suppliers to support supplier quality evaluation and product improvement.
- Investigated internal and external customer complaints, ensuring timely closure through detailed metallurgical investigations and corrective actions.
- Assisted in training and mentoring new lab personnel on metallurgical testing and laboratory practices.
Engineer - Metallurgist
L.G.Balakrishnan and bro's Private Limited
2018.05 - 2019.07
- Performed metallurgical inspection and quality evaluation of heat-treated chain components to ensure compliance with material specifications.
- Conducted supplier quality assurance activities, including raw material inspection for microstructure, macrostructure, grain size, inclusions, and hardness testing.
- Calibrated and maintained hardness testing equipment such as Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, and Micro-Vickers machines to ensure measurement accuracy.
- Executed benchmarking studies of competitor components to identify material grades, heat treatment processes, and potential performance improvements.
- Performed routine metallographic analysis and failure investigations to determine root causes of material defects and component failures.
- Prepared metallographic samples and documented analysis results to support R&D and quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintained a 5S-compliant laboratory environment, ensuring safe, organized, and efficient operations.
Education
B.E. - Metallurgical Engineering
Government College of Engineering
Salem2018-01
Higher Secondary Education -
Vedhha Vikass Higher Secondary School
Salem2014-01
High School Education -
S.R.K Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Salem2012-01
M. Tech. Automotive Engineering (ADAS Specialization) -
BITS Pilani (WILP)
2026-03
Skills
- Failure analysis
- Electronic teardown / dismantling
- Metallographic sample preparation
- Material characterization
- PCB cross section analysis
- Solder joint reliability analysis
- Process and product validation
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Manufacturing process evaluation
- Metallographic evaluation
Equipment Handling
- Metallurgical microscope
- Stereo microscope
- Digital Microscope (Keyence)
- Manual and automatic polishing machines
- Large cutting machine
- Precision cutting equipment
- Scanning electron Microscope (SEM-EDS)
- Hardness testing equipments (Rockwell, Vickers and Brinell)
- Fully automatic and semi automatic micro vickers hardness tester
Language Proficiency
- English - Proficient
- Tamil - Native
Personal Information
- Father's Name: T.Sivagananam
- Date of Birth: 21/01/1997
- Nationality: Indian
- Marital Status: Single
Disclaimer
I, Saravanan S, do hereby confirm that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge and also, I assure you that I will do my best of services to the organization if I am given an opportunity.
Timeline
Senior Discipline Engineer (R&D) - GTC
Valeo India Private Limited
2021.09 - Current
Lead Engineer - Failure Analysis
Turbo Energy Limited
2019.07 - 2021.08
Engineer - Metallurgist
L.G.Balakrishnan and bro's Private Limited
2018.05 - 2019.07
B.E. - Metallurgical Engineering
Government College of Engineering
Higher Secondary Education -
Vedhha Vikass Higher Secondary School
High School Education -
S.R.K Matriculation Higher Secondary School
M. Tech. Automotive Engineering (ADAS Specialization) -
BITS Pilani (WILP)