Vinayak Chettier

Troy MI 48083 · (563)400-2844 · vinayakchettier@gmail.com

Dynamic and innovative Mechanical Engineer with experience in advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology. Proven track record of enhancing battery pack efficiency, compactness, and safety, leading to significant improvements in EV performance and homologation.


Experience

Battery Pack Design Engineer

Stellantis

Contributed to system architecture, focusing on structural integration between HVB Packs and different EV platforms (Coupe, Sedan, SUVs, Trucks). Ensured design conformance and safety homologation (based on FMVSS305) of battery packs to established requirements and standards leading to 25% safety performance enhancement. Developed external design specifications for EV battery components, collaborating closely with various mechanical engineering teams. Integrated energy storage components into vehicle platforms, working in tandem with electrical, mechanical, and virtual engineering teams. Performed DFMEA to identify and mitigate potential failure modes in battery systems. Maintained detailed documentation, reporting on design decisions, changes in architecture, and specifications.

February 2023 - November 2023

EV Product Development Engineer

ITW

Pioneered an advanced concept 'Integrated Cooling Cell Enclosure', achieving a remarkable 33% improvement (virtual thermal simulations) in cooling efficiency for individual battery cells, thereby enhancing overall battery performance and lifespan in electric vehicles. Designed and implemented the concept resulting in substantial coolant cost savings for customers, optimizing the cooling process in Battery Modules/Packs and reducing operational expenses in battery system management. Authored comprehensive specifications for battery cell components, aligning with industry standards (ISO, NHTSA). Developed structural components of 21700 battery cells, from initial concepts to production intent parts, collaborating with quality engineers, manufacturing engineers, and product manager.

May 2022 - February 2023

Project Experience

Composite Simulations Engineer

WMU Formula SAE Team

Spearheaded the design and development of a monocoque carbon-fiber chassis, ensuring alignment with systems requirements and vehicle dynamics. Played a key role in ensuring chassis design compliance with SAE standards and specifications, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, enhancing structural integrity and performance.

September 2021 - May 2022

Project Lead

Senior Design Project (Ref: Published Paper) at Savitribai Phule Pune University

Led the development of an innovative mechanical system designed to extend the lifespan of brake liners by modulating the interaction between the clutch and flywheel in response to handbrake usage. This system, which disengages the clutch when the handbrake is applied and re-engages it upon release, reduces wear on the brake liners and improves vehicle safety and efficiency.

August 2018 - June 2019

Education

Western Michigan University

Master of Science
Mechanical Engineering

GPA: 3.6

September 2021 - April 2023

Savitribai Phule Pune University

Bachelor of Engineering

GPA: 3.0

July 2016 - June 2019

Core Competencies

  • Automotive Product Design and Development
  • Mechanical Engineering Analysis
  • Cross Functional Collaboration
  • 3D/2D Computer-Aided Design (Teamcenter, NX, SolidWorks ProE, AutoCAD)
  • Virtual Finite Element Analysis (Hyperworks Optistruct, Hyperworks Radioss, Ansys Workbench)

Interests

Apart from being a Battery Engineer, I enjoy most of my time being outdoors. In summers, I am an avid swimmer and hiker. During the winter months here in Michigan, I enjoy my time hanging out with friends and family

When forced indoors, I follow a number of sci-fi, anime and television shows. I like to cook for my loved ones and try out different recipes of my favorite cuisines, and I spend a large amount of my free time exploring the latest technology advancements in the Battery Engineering world