Rajesh Mani

Assistant manager @ ZF Group | Product Development

Tamil Nadu, India

About

With over 11 years of experience in mechanical design and product engineering, I currently contribute to ZF Group as a Senior Design Engineer, specializing in off-highway hydraulic products. My work focuses on developing mechanical components using advanced 3D modeling tools like CREO and managing the product development lifecycle, including design, testing, validation, and cost optimization. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I ensure seamless execution of projects while maintaining a keen focus on technical requirements and delivering high-quality solutions. Previously, I played a pivotal role at WABCO TVS in managing technical requirements and coordinating engineering content across teams to drive product innovation. My expertise spans analytical problem-solving, mechanical drawings, and customer-focused product design. Passionate about fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement, I remain dedicated to creating cost-efficient, high-performing solutions that align with industry needs.

Experience

  • Assistant Manager at ZF Group
    Jan 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

    Lead Engineer for brake valves, driving design and development of new products. Implemented design-to-cost strategies and value engineering initiatives to reduce product cost and enhance competitiveness. Conducted root cause analysis for design and field issues, recommending corrective actions to improve reliability. Prepared technical reports, product specifications, and presentations to support project reviews and decision‑ making. Allocated resources and managed work load across the design team to ensure balanced execution. Conducted phase reviews and ensured timely delivery of engineering milestones and project outputs. Organized daily/weekly review meetings to monitor design activities, resource utilization, and project progress. Aligned design activities with business objectives and KPIs, ensuring engineering deliverables met organizational goals. Promoted structured work methodology and effective time management practices within the team. Tracking and fulfilling PFR and MFR requirements from cross functions Ensured compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards throughout product development.

  • Design Engineer at WABCO TVS (INDIA) Limited
    Sep 2015 - Dec 2021 · 6 yrs 4 mos

    Developed castings, plastic parts, rubber components, 3D-printed prototypes, and machined parts with strong DFM/DFA knowledge. Applied GD&T and performed tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure dimensional accuracy and manufacturability. Collaborated with MBE Analysis teams for simulation and validation of designs, ensuring product function, performance, and durability requirements were met. Supported DFMEA preparation and updates for product risk assessment. Managed CAD/CAE data within PLM Windchill, ensuring version control and structured documentation. Supported ECN processes for design modifications and traceability. Participated in benchmarking activities to compare competitor designs and identify improvement opportunities. Facilitated CAD data exchange (DMU, IGES, STEP files) with customers for vehicle fitment studies. Released repair kits in customer centre portals, creating exploded view drawings and BOM data. Worked closely with cross functional teams to align designs with requirements and project goals.

  • Design Engineer at eDES Engineering Solutions
    Jun 2013 - Aug 2015 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Assisted the design team in creating and modifying 3D models and 2D drawings using Pro-E design software for various mechanical components. Designed fixtures and provided support for test rig development. Maintained CAD libraries, file naming and templates to ensure standard modeling practices. Assisted in preparing Bills of Materials (BOM) and linking CAD data to product structures. Providing training and guidance to new engineers on CAD tools and processes.