Hello! I'm Abhilash Venkat

An Engineering Graduate Student with a robust background in Design and Manufacturing currently pursuing Master's in Mechanical Engineering. I am actively seeking summer internships where I can apply my skills and knowledge to contribute to meaningful projects and make a positive impact through innovative technological solutions. I am particularly interested in roles such as Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer, where I can leverage my expertise to enhance existing systems or develop new solutions.

Learn more about my journey as an engineer below.

BAJA Year One

My journey as a Mechanical Engineer began when I assumed the role of Suspension Lead in my university's BAJA team. After conducting a Failure Analysis of the previous year's vehicle, it was discovered that the vehicle exhibited more roll than expected, thereby reducing cornering speed and tire grip in uneven terrain. Our team was tasked with increasing the track width without exceeding the overall width limit of the vehicle. Through numerous design iterations of the front wheel assembly using SolidWorks, we successfully reduced the overall size of the package by 25%. The redesigned front knuckle helped shift the pivot points toward the wheel center axis, thereby enhancing cornering and grip. Utilizing topology optimization with Ansys, we managed to decrease the weight of the components from 14.5 kg to 8.5 kg. This reduced unsprung mass significantly improved ride quality and made the steering more agile. In the Suspension and Steering events, our team ranked 11th and 15th, respectively, out of 200 teams. This remarkable achievement was a testament to my team's hard work and persistence. My implementation of the Horizontal Structure in the suspension sub-team enhanced individual contributions and accountability.

BAJA Year Two

In my second year with the BAJA team, I was elected as Captain, steering a team of 25 dedicated members towards new heights of innovation and success. Under my captaincy, we embraced a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ingenuity. By implementing the Horizontal Management Structure, we optimized our team dynamics, ensuring seamless communication and effective utilization of each member's expertise. Our significant achievement came through the meticulous optimization of crucial components using cutting-edge techniques like Topology Optimization with Ansys. This rigorous process led to a remarkable 38% reduction in component weight and an impressive 29% cost reduction compared to the previous year's model. These enhancements were pivotal in our success in the competitions. In the Design Event, our team's ingenuity and optimized components earned us a commendable 4th place finish. Additionally, our outstanding performance in the Sales Event secured a coveted 3rd place position. In the fiercely competitive SAE Baja 2020 competition, our collective efforts propelled us to an impressive 18th place out of 200 teams. To ensure the robustness of our vehicle, I implemented rigorous methods such as Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Design Verification Plan (DVP). These meticulous evaluations resulted in a flawless performance record, with zero failures throughout the competition, showcasing our team's dedication to perfection and attention to detail. My tenure as Captain was marked by relentless dedication, innovative thinking, and collaborative spirit, leaving an indelible mark on the BAJA team's legacy.

OTS Astracon

During my tenure as an Operations Associate at OTS Astracon (Freight Forwarding Company), I played a crucial role in shaping the company, working closely with my father, the founder. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we successfully steered the company to an annual revenue of 10 million USD. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I optimized shipping routes, negotiated favorable contracts, and implemented innovative logistics strategies, resulting in an impressive 18% reduction in transportation costs within the initial quarter. Prioritizing customer satisfaction, I enhanced communication strategies, leading to a 25% increase in customer satisfaction scores over six months. Identifying operational inefficiencies, I executed targeted process improvements, reducing errors by 40%, including order discrepancies and documentation inaccuracies. Beyond operations, I contributed to designing our office space, fostering a creative and collaborative environment. This journey reflects our resilience, innovation, and dedication, showcasing our ability to adapt and thrive even in adverse conditions.

Our Home

Drawing upon my academic knowledge and hands-on experience, I undertook the ambitious project of designing and overseeing the construction of my family's dream home. Armed with coursework in strength of materials, mechanics, and finite element analysis (FEA), I applied advanced engineering principles to create a structurally sound and aesthetically appealing three-storied building spanning 7000 sq ft with six bedrooms and a remarkable 16-foot cantilever beam. This endeavor, rooted in my parents' dream of owning a house, transformed into a testament to our family's shared vision and determination. Managing a diverse team of over 100 workers, including construction professionals and contractors, I utilized my expertise in project management and lean practices to streamline operations effectively. Leveraging tools like Autodesk Revit and V-Ray, I meticulously designed and rendered architectural views, ensuring every detail aligned with our vision. Notably, my academic background played a pivotal role, enabling me to optimize the house's design and save a substantial amount. By overseeing the project myself, I cut costs significantly, reducing the total expenditure to a remarkable 300,000 USD compared to the initial 700,000 USD quoted by building contractors. This experience not only reinforced my belief in the power of innovative engineering solutions but also highlighted the transformative impact of combining theoretical knowledge with practical expertise, resulting in the realization of our family's dream home.

My Next Leg

Having played a vital role in supporting my family's needs and business, I am embarking on a personal journey driven by my deep passion for engineering and my dedication to creating a positive impact in society. My focus centers on projects addressing crucial issues, including environmental sustainability, healthcare advancements, education accessibility, poverty alleviation, renewable energy solutions, and providing a better life for humans. With a profound commitment, I aim to contribute meaningfully to these areas, leveraging my skills and knowledge to drive positive change and foster a better, more sustainable future for all.