Kirubakaran Karunagaran

• Led and managed cross-functional teams across vehicle attributes (Efficiency, Weight Management, Thermal Management, Performance & Drivability) to achieve program objectives.
• Proven expertise in Product Development, target setting, cascade across domains, target balancing, technical analysis, Competitor benchmarking, PALS strategy, CAE, Model Correlation ensuring the most efficient vehicle energy management
• Successfully managed a team of 10+ lead engineers, optimizing resource allocation and driving team efficiency (resulting £500000 worth of saving)
• Hands-on experience in leading attribute engineers from initial concept to final product verification & Validation, meeting internal customer expectations and market standards (WLTP, EPA, NEDC).
• Oversaw competitor benchmarking, identified key targets, and defined/managed DVPs, test properties, and facilities to ensure robust vehicle performance
• Strong foundation in vehicle product development processes, with a focus on optimizing vehicle energy efficiency and range.

Key Technical Learnings:

• Deep understanding of vehicle energy management systems, Advanced vehicle performance analysis, Target setting and cascade methodologies, Competitive benchmarking and technology scouting, Vehicle validation and testing procedures.

Key Leadership Learnings:

• Effective team leadership and mentorship, Resource management and optimization, Conflict resolution and negotiation, Communication and stakeholder management, Accountability and ownership.

• Managed post-processing of EU emissions test data, including CO2MPAS data, ATCT cool-down tests, and RDE test results
• Ensured accurate analysis and validation of test data for compliance with EU and UN emissions regulations
• Managed the delivery of EU/UN test reports and data, coordinating with Technical Service and Lead Certification Engineers
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of EU and UN emissions regulations, tracking changes and updating internal processes accordingly
• Streamlined data management processes, including toolset/document management and data delivery to Technical Service
• Effectively communicated test results and regulatory updates to stakeholders, including weekly status reports and issue tracking

Key Technical Learnings:

• Deep understanding of EU and UN emissions regulations, Proficiency in emissions data analysis and validation, Understanding of vehicle emissions systems, Experience with emissions testing equipment and procedures, Data management and reporting skills.

• Developed and executed fuel economy and performance targets considering key benchmark vehicles and global market trends (Europe, US, China, ROW)
• Monitored competitor activities and identified opportunities to improve vehicle fuel economy and performance
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and delivery of fuel economy and performance targets across the organization
• Cascaded fuel economy and performance targets to relevant attributes and supported their integration into the vehicle development process
• Conducted and supported vehicle-level and virtual tests to track progress towards fuel economy and performance targets
• Maintained attribute metric tracking and provided regular status reports to the wider business, ensuring timely and informed decision-making

Key Technical Learnings:

• Deep understanding of fuel economy and performance engineering, Competitive analysis and benchmarking, Target setting and cascading methodologies, Vehicle testing and data analysis, Cross-functional collaboration and communication.

• Conducted in-depth on-road data analysis to evaluate vehicle fuel economy and identify optimization opportunities
• Utilized AVL Cruise for driveline analysis and selection, optimizing drivetrain configurations for improved fuel efficiency
• Hands-on experience in conducting fuel economy trials across various environments (On-Road, On-Track, Chassis Dyno)
• Analyzed engine fuel maps and performed optimization to enhance fuel economy and vehicle performance
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel and various testing-related software, instruments, and engine diagnostic tools
• Maintained a comprehensive database of fuel economy test reports for data analysis and future reference

Key Technical Learnings:

• Advanced data analysis techniques, Drivetrain optimization using AVL Cruise, Engine calibration and optimization, Fuel economy testing methodologies, Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.

• Predicted fuel economy performance using AVL Cruise, incorporating on-road data analysis and driveline selection
• Developed synthetic drive duty cycles for various platforms and tracked engine calibration releases
• Conducted fuel economy trials across diverse environments (On-Road, On-Track, Chassis Dyno - ARAI, NATRIP)
• Analyzed engine fuel maps and optimized engine performance for improved fuel economy
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel and various testing-related software, instruments, and engine diagnostic tools
• Maintained a comprehensive database of fuel economy test reports for data analysis and future reference

Key Technical Learnings:

• Predictive modelling of fuel economy, Development of synthetic drive cycles, Engine calibration and optimization, Fuel economy testing across diverse environments, Data analysis and reporting.

• Conducted and supported vehicle-level performance and fuel economy testing activities
• Maintained vehicle mileage accumulation and analyzed fuel economy and performance test data
• Represented the department in Design Verification meetings, providing insights into vehicle performance
• Maintained track records of department vehicles, ensuring timely service and maintenance
• Prepared and reported status updates on fuel economy and performance tests to the wider business
• Contributed to the overall improvement of vehicle performance and fuel efficiency

Key Technical Learnings:

• Vehicle testing methodologies, Data acquisition and analysis, Vehicle performance evaluation, Fuel economy measurement and analysis, Vehicle maintenance and diagnostics.

• Conducted performance testing on various prototypes, including hands-on experience in IQA (including Dynamic Cooling trials) and ABS testing
• Successfully handled highway endurance testing of multiple prototypes, including managing certification failures at VRDE, Ahmed Nagar
• Effectively managed prototype maintenance for mileage accumulation, ensuring vehicle readiness for testing
• Proficient in using various testing instruments and demonstrated a strong understanding of IS standards
• Represented the department in program management and monthly status meetings, providing valuable insights
• Implemented 5S in the department store

Key Technical Learnings:

• Vehicle performance testing methodologies, Prototype evaluation and troubleshooting, Vehicle maintenance and diagnostics, Understanding of relevant standards and regulations, Project management and coordination, Continuous improvement methodologies.

• Actively participated in various phases of prototype builds, including root cause analysis and verification of containment actions
• Managed the AIM system (Automated Issues Management System), becoming a team champion within a year, and prepared comprehensive AIM reports for suppliers and the team
• Contributed to Total Value Management initiatives, tracking and managing the supportability of engineering changes to parts
• Prepared program metrics reports (program health summary, part submission warrant status reports) for key program reviews
• Represented the department in program management and cross-functional team meetings for effective issue resolution
• Championed 5S initiatives within the department, promoting a well-organized and efficient work environment