HARDIK PATEL
Hervey Bay,Australia
Summary
Results-driven Mechanical, Industrial, Method, and Production Engineer/Manager with over 15 years of experience in the Rolling stock industries, Automobile industries, and heavy fabrication industries. Proven track record in engineering and management roles demonstrates strong leadership in process optimization, line balancing, technology transfer, method study, and enhancing manufacturing efficiency. Expertise includes Industrial Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, time studies, capacity planning, and continuous improvement methodologies. Skilled in analyzing workflows and implementing data-driven cost-saving measures to boost productivity while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and meet business objectives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Methods Lead (Methods Engineer)
Downer EDI Rail Pty Limited
11.2024 - Current
- Responsible for QTMP End Block Technology Transfer between Hyundai Rotem (HRC) and Downer, ensuring seamless process integration.
- Conducted takt time evaluation, process studies, and operator workload optimization for End Block manufacturing.
- Performed a method study and SOP optimization to standardize work procedures.
- Managed welding, painting, and blasting special processes, ensuring consistency and quality in production.
- Designed and optimized shop-floor layouts to improve space utilization and material flow.
- Led MBOM and drawing validation for 400+ parts and assemblies, ensuring manufacturing readiness.
- Responsible for converting MBOM to PBOM for production planning and execution.
- Acted as a key technical interface, providing feedback to project planning, production planning, special process teams, and quality teams.
- Developed macro-based Excel tools for Gantt charts, shift planning, and workload distribution.
- Supported industrial robotics integration to enable automation and process efficiency.
- Prepared CAPEX proposals for blasting booths, painting booths, rotators, jigs, and cranes.
Process Manufacturing Engineer (PME)
Alstom Transportation Australia & New Zealand Limited
01.2024 - 10.2024
- Responsible for process implementation on the shop floor, as defined in work instructions (WI) for X'Trapolis 2.0 – Melbourne Metro Project.
- Responsible for the first product development.
- Deployed Industrialization Methodologies: P-FMEA, VSM, Control Plan, QRQC, Task Sequencing.
- Estimated method time and performed preliminary line balancing.
- Drove continuous improvement actions and cost-reduction strategies.
- Applied Industrialization Standards: Method Time, EHS, Ergonomics, and Work Instructions.
- Managed special processes within industrialization activities.
- Maintained strong collaboration between the Engineering and Production teams, Supply Chain team, and Production teams.
- Ensured production readiness with validation of processes, tooling, and equipment.
- Coordinated technical changes across departments.
- Designed and implemented Full Modification Instructions (FMI).
Manager - Technical Services
Shakti Engineering
12.2022 - 06.2023
- Developed Work Instructions (WIs) and SOPs for special processes such as fitting, welding, heat correction, and painting.
- Maintained the Master Industrial Documentation System and documentation control lists.
- Defined method time and eliminated non-value activities to enhance productivity.
- Led new product development (NPD) within the organization.
- Implemented line balancing and lean manufacturing.
- Approved jigs, fixtures, templates, and gauges for rolling stock projects.
- Coordinated with third-party agencies and customers for qualifications as per EN, ISO, and ASME standards.
- Achieved 95% RFT in welding, blasting, and painting processes.
- Initiated continuous improvement strategies through performance monitoring.
- Handled the tendering and bidding of engineering projects.
Manager – Carboy Production
Alstom Transportation India Limited
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Lead person of NAT-SNCF (France Metro) and Vienna Tram projects from the production side.
- Responsible for achieving 85% productivity KPI (direct hours booked vs. Total available hours.
- Responsible for achieving 95% method hours KPI (total method hours vs. Total booked hours.
- Responsible for the development and training of employees, manpower mapping, skill matrix, and mobilization.
- Responsible for the implementation of defined industrial processes on the shop floor.
- Responsible for time management, tracking non-productive and productive hours.
- Created and maintained manpower budget and asset documentation for the project.
- Conducted daily Level-III CFT review meetings for escalation and open-point discussions.
- Responsible for continuous improvement activities (C.I.).
- Good knowledge of APSYS (Alstom Performance System), and responsible for APSYS audits for the car body shop.
- Ensured 3P Lean Methodology and Lean Manufacturing principles were applied.
- Maintained discipline and ensured compliance with safety policy (AZDP – Zero Deviation Policy) on the shop floor.
- Implemented a single-flow production model in the production area.
- Knowledge of WPS, PQR, WPQ, and WOPQ welding qualifications.
- Good knowledge of GTAW, MMAW, GMAW, and SAW welding processes.
- Capable of performing CAPA, KAIZEN, Root Cause Analysis, Vendor Evaluation, and Development.
- Demonstrated initiative and creativity while solving complex tasks.
Senior Engineer – Production
Standard Radiators Private Limited
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Responsible for NPD (New Product Development) in the organization from the production side.
- Production in charge of three production lines: 1) brazing, 2) weld shop, and 3) assembly.
- Responsible for achieving MPS (Monthly Production Schedule) and line balancing.
- Responsible for loading critical machines, like the brazing furnace, bar cutting machine, foil cutting machine, fluxing machine, welding robot, powder coating, etc.
- Team members of the Welder Training Center, OJT team, OPL team, and P-FMEA team.
- Responsible for system upgrades at every stage to achieve good quality, reduce the cost of the product, and minimize rework.
- Responsible for single-digit rework quantities in the weld shop and the brazing shop.
- Responsible for preparing work instructions and ensuring that the control plan and CLIT follow each and every stage of production.
- Good knowledge of aluminum brazing.
- Investigated and proposed corrective actions for quality issues.
- Practiced lean principles, which led to improvements in workflow, quality, and waste reduction.
Senior Engineer – Product Development
Jindal Rail Infrastructure Limited
10.2014 - 11.2019
- Successfully developed 11 different types of wagons for Indian Railways and private industries, covering the full product development lifecycle—from concept design, tooling, and method engineering to manufacturing readiness.
- Led prototype development of new wagon models, including design validation, process trial, troubleshooting, and performance testing.
- Spearheaded tooling and jig development, ensuring accurate fitment, weld accessibility, and manufacturability across all wagon assemblies.
- Created method models, special process documents for bending forming, and fabrication processes to ensure dimensional accuracy during production.
- Review and update 3D models, 2D drawings, MBOM, EBOM, and assembly sequences for the wagon structure and subassemblies.
- Conduct process study, method engineering, and cycle time estimation, optimizing fabrication and assembly activities.
- Worked closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and vendors for technology transfer and cost reduction initiatives.
- Support shop floor execution with weld sequence planning, work instruction, tooling selection, and fixture validation.
- Improve productivity through layout optimization, workstation balancing, and takt time analysis for wagon assembly lines.
Engineer – (Production and Planning)
Swiss Glass Coat Equipment Limited
09.2011 - 10.2014
- Responsible for monitoring and maintaining monthly production targets.
- Responsible for giving daily work scheduling of manpower as per work required as well as productivity of manpower.
- Responsible for preparing cutting layout of plates, pipes, and forging material.
- Responsible for checking the loading of key machines like plasma machines and hydraulic presses.
- Good ability to read fabrication drawings and fabricated jobs as per drawing.
- Good ability to mark and check jobs as per given drawings.
- Welder qualification of newly appointed welders as per ASME SEC IX.
- Conducted welding rework evaluation and implemented preventive actions to reduce defects.
- Ensured non-conforming products were identified and placed on restriction.
- Provided weekly and monthly performance reports to senior managers.
- Formulated manufacturing sequences and developed new production processes.
- Supported manufacturing and quality assurance departments by interpreting manufacturing data.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Geetanjali Institute of Technical Studies
Udaipur, India01.2011
Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
N.G. Patel Polytechnic
Surat, India01.2007
Senior Secondary Education (SSC - 10th Grade) - undefined
Jeevan Sadhna
Vadodara, India01.2003
Skills
- Process Optimization & Lean Manufacturing
- Line Balancing & Capacity Planning
- Continuous Improvement
- Industrial Robotics & Automation
- Costing & Financial Analysis
- KPI Management
- Welding & Brazing Techniques
- P-FMEA, VSM, QRQC, CAPA, KAIZEN
- AutoCAD, Solid Edge, SAP GUI
- Process Improvement and Method Study
- Takt Time Analysis and Manufacturing Optimisation
- Gantt Chart Planning
- Shift & Operator Workload Allocation
Accomplishments
- BFNV (Coil Carrying Wagon) – 8 racks for Jindal Steel and Power Limited.
- BLC (Container Wagon) – 2 racks for Adani Limited.
- SNCF NAT Project (France Metro) – 2,282 Side Walls, 1,038 End Walls, 118 Under Frames.
- Vienna Tram Project.
- Indian Railway Projects - 1,025 BOXNHL Wagons (Coal Carrying Wagon), 300 BCNHL wagons (Goods Carrying Wagon), 180 BLC Wagons, 192 BFNS Coil Wagons.
- BCACBM - 135 Wagons (Car Carrying Wagon)
- KMT Kimiyasu (UAE) – 21,000L Monoblock Glass Lined Reactor (ASME Sec VIII Div. 1, LRQA Inspection).
- MKS DEVO (Germany) – 21,000L Monoblock Glass Lined Reactor (CE Marking, TUV India Inspection).
Languages
English – Fluent
Hindi – Fluent
Gujarati – Fluent
Timeline
Methods Lead (Methods Engineer)
Downer EDI Rail Pty Limited
11.2024 - Current
Process Manufacturing Engineer (PME)
Alstom Transportation Australia & New Zealand Limited
01.2024 - 10.2024
Manager - Technical Services
Shakti Engineering
12.2022 - 06.2023
Manager – Carboy Production
Alstom Transportation India Limited
01.2021 - 10.2022
Senior Engineer – Production
Standard Radiators Private Limited
11.2019 - 01.2021
Senior Engineer – Product Development
Jindal Rail Infrastructure Limited
10.2014 - 11.2019
Engineer – (Production and Planning)
Swiss Glass Coat Equipment Limited
09.2011 - 10.2014
Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
N.G. Patel Polytechnic
Senior Secondary Education (SSC - 10th Grade) - undefined
Jeevan Sadhna
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Geetanjali Institute of Technical Studies