Shrinath Manoharan
Production Engineer, EIT | Founder of IgniteGeek | Mechanical Design & Lean Strategist
🚀 Professional Mission
To empower manufacturers, startups, and industrial innovators by designing smarter, faster, and more reliable engineering systems. My goal is to deliver data-driven, simulation-verified design strategies that reduce costs and accelerate time to market through systematic PLM implementation and advanced CAD/FEA methodologies.
As a Production Engineer, EIT at Slimline Manufacturing and former R&D Design Engineer at Vaderstad Industries, I specialize in bridging the gap between innovative design concepts and manufacturable products, with a proven track record of managing multi-million dollar agricultural and mining equipment projects.
🎓 Educational Foundation & Credentials
I hold a Master of Engineering in Industrial Systems Engineering from the University of Regina (GPA: 4.0/4.0) and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from G.R.I.E.T, India (GPA: 4.0/4.0).
Currently on pursuit of Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation with APEGS and EGBC, having successfully passed the PEng exam in 2025. I am an Engineer in Training (EIT) with comprehensive certifications in:
Professional Certifications
• Engineer in Training (EIT) - APEGS and EGBC
• P.Eng Exam 2025 - Successfully Passed
• PTC Creo Certification - Advanced CAD Modeling
• Autodesk Certification - Design and Manufacturing
• SolidWorks PDM - Data Management Systems
• GD&T Fundamentals - Geometric Dimensioning
• Lean Manufacturing Yellow Belt - Process Optimization
Ongoing Development
• Project Management Professional (PMP) - In Progress
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng) - Under Review
• Advanced FEA/CFD - Continuous Learning
• PLM Integration - Industry 4.0 Focus
• Digital Twin Modeling - Emerging Technologies
• Lean Six Sigma - Process Excellence
• Python & SQL - Automation & Analytics
💼 Professional Experience Journey
My career spans across major industrial players in Canada, specializing in agricultural and mining equipment manufacturing with progressive responsibilities from research intern to senior production engineer.
Production Engineer, EIT | Slimline Manufacturing
Leadership & PLM Implementation: Spearheading comprehensive PLM standards and workflows for enhanced engineering data management across multi-million dollar mining and agricultural machinery manufacturing operations.
Key Achievements:
• Developed custom BOM material estimator streamlining procurement for large agricultural sprayers and mining machinery
• Regeneration or Reverse Engineering of CAD Models
• Led process mapping initiatives identifying and resolving critical manufacturing bottlenecks
• Standardized engineering change management protocols improving approval efficiency by 20%
• Integrated cloud-based sharepoint systems ensuring consistent product information across departments and developed MS applications
• Collaborated with cross functional team to develop Engineering Trackers to identify the issues with the product and analyze it
Research and Development Design Engineer, EIT | Vaderstad Industries Inc.
Innovation Leadership: Led R&D projects for agricultural equipment valued at $500,000, focusing on next-generation seeding, tillage, and planting equipment design and field performance optimization.
Technical Excellence:
• Executed complex Finite Element Analysis and CFD simulations validating structural integrity of heavy-duty machinery
• Designed innovative agricultural equipment using advanced CAD tools (Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, NX)
• Developed comprehensive test plans including lab testing, field trials, and durability assessments
• Implemented sensor-based monitoring systems for real-time performance data collection
• Applied Design for Manufacturability principles reducing production complexity by 25%
• Conducted FMEA analysis proactively identifying design weaknesses before production
Production Engineer & Tool/Fixture Design Engineer, EIT | Vaderstad Industries Inc.
Operations Excellence: Managed daily production operations for high-precision agricultural equipment with $500,000 daily production value, ensuring quality consistency and operational efficiency.
Process Innovation:
• Designed specialized tooling and fixtures improving manufacturing consistency and quality control
• Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies significantly increasing production throughput
• Integrated PLM system workflows enhancing data traceability and engineering-manufacturing collaboration
• Conducted comprehensive safety assessments ensuring ISO standards compliance
• Performed time studies and workflow analysis identifying automation opportunities
• Coordinated manufacturing launch of new products with goal establishment and training
Research Intern | University of Regina & Vaderstad Industries
Academic-Industry Collaboration: Led strategic research project on automation of seeders assembly line, bridging academic theory with industrial application through innovative automation solutions.
Research Impact:
• Conducted comprehensive process analysis using Lean Manufacturing tools (VSM, 5 Why's, Root Cause Analysis)
• Designed sophisticated automation concepts using SolidWorks and FlexSim modeling robot-assisted assembly workflows
• Developed cost-effective automation solutions including AGVs and modular fixture designs
• Performed detailed time studies and ergonomic assessments improving worker safety while reducing cycle times
• Created strategic phased implementation roadmap with ROI analysis and risk mitigation strategies
• Authored comprehensive technical documentation including SOPs and system layouts
🛠️ Technical Competencies & Software Mastery
My technical expertise spans the complete product development lifecycle, from conceptual design through manufacturing implementation, with deep proficiency in industry-leading software platforms and methodologies.
Design & Analysis Excellence
Advanced Engineering Analysis
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - Structural validation and optimization
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - Thermal and flow analysis
• Stress Analysis & Durability Testing - Component reliability
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) - Precision manufacturing
• Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) - Production optimization
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Risk assessment
CAD & Design Software
• SolidWorks - Advanced 3D modeling and simulation
• PTC Creo - Parametric design and manufacturing
• Siemens NX - Integrated CAD/CAM/CAE
• Autodesk Inventor - Mechanical design and documentation
• CATIA V5 - Complex surface modeling
• AutoCAD & CADLink - 2D drafting and integration
PLM & Data Management
• Autodesk Cloud PLM - Cloud-based product lifecycle management
• PTC Windchill - Enterprise PLM and change management
• Siemens Teamcenter - Digital lifecycle management
• SolidWorks PDM - Design data management
• PDM Link - Product data integration
• BOM Management & Change Control - Configuration management
Engineering Tools & Analysis
• FEMAP & ANSYS - Advanced finite element analysis
• Material Selection - Performance-based material optimization
• Fixture Design - Manufacturing and assembly tooling
• Technical Documentation - Standards-compliant documentation
• ERP-PLM Integration - System interoperability
• Data Migration & Process Mapping - Digital transformation
Manufacturing & Quality
• Lean Six Sigma - Process optimization and waste elimination
• ISO Standards - Quality management systems
• Statistical Process Control - Quality assurance
• PLC Programming - Automation and control systems
• Continuous Improvement (CI) & Kaizen - Operational excellence
• ECR/ECN/ECO Management - Engineering change control
Programming & Automation
• Python Programming - Automation and data analysis
• SQL Database Management - Data integration and reporting
• Process Automation - Workflow optimization
• Technical Risk Assessment - Engineering analysis
• Digital Twin Modeling - Virtual system representation
• Deviantion & NCR Analysis - Quality deviation management
🧠 What Sets Me Apart
Beyond technical design expertise, I focus on real-world implementation excellence — combining advanced engineering analysis with practical manufacturing solutions that deliver measurable business results.
. Systems Thinking & Execution
Holistic Approach: I integrate design theory with production practicality, considering the entire product lifecycle from concept through manufacturing, quality control, and field performance.
PLM Integration Expertise: Specialized in implementing comprehensive PLM workflows that enhance engineering data management, reduce design iterations, and accelerate time-to-market for complex industrial equipment.
Multi-Million Dollar Project Leadership: Proven track record managing $500K+ R&D projects and $500K daily production operations, with focus on quality consistency, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
. Advanced Manufacturing Solutions
Precision Tooling Design: Expert in designing specialized fixtures and jigs for high-tolerance applications in agricultural and mining equipment manufacturing, ensuring consistent quality and reducing production variability.
Automation & Process Optimization: Whether redesigning robotic weld cells, implementing sensor-based monitoring systems, or developing AGV-integrated assembly workflows, I deliver execution-ready automation solutions.
Digital Workflow Integration: Creating seamless digital ecosystems that integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and quality systems through cloud-based PLM platforms and advanced data management protocols.
💡 IgniteGeek: Engineering Excellence Platform
IgniteGeek is my comprehensive platform for delivering advanced engineering solutions, technical insights, and collaborative innovation to manufacturers, startups, and industrial leaders worldwide.
. Platform Vision
IgniteGeek bridges the gap between cutting-edge engineering research and practical manufacturing implementation. Through this platform, I offer:
Deep-Dive Technical Content: Comprehensive guides on FEA, GD&T, DFM, PLM implementation, and advanced manufacturing technologies that provide actionable insights for engineering professionals.
Professional CAD/FEA Services: Specialized consulting in product design optimization, structural analysis, manufacturing process improvement, and PLM system integration for agricultural, mining, and industrial equipment.
Innovation Collaboration: Partnering with engineers, researchers, and industry leaders to develop breakthrough solutions in automation, digital manufacturing, and sustainable production technologies.
. Service Offerings
PLM Implementation & Optimization: Complete PLM workflow design, data migration strategies, and change management protocols for manufacturing organizations transitioning to digital manufacturing.
Advanced FEA/CFD Analysis: Structural validation, thermal analysis, and fluid dynamics simulation for complex agricultural and industrial equipment, ensuring performance optimization and regulatory compliance.
Design for Manufacturability Consulting: Comprehensive DFM analysis reducing production costs, improving quality consistency, and accelerating time-to-market for innovative products.
Manufacturing Process Optimization: Lean Six Sigma-based process improvement, automation integration, and quality system development for high-precision manufacturing operations.
🤝 Let's Connect & Collaborate
Ready to transform your engineering challenges into innovative solutions? Whether you're optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing PLM systems, or developing next-generation products, I'm here to help.
Phone
Location
Penticton, BC, Canada
Permanent Resident
Available for: Consulting Projects | PLM Implementation | Advanced FEA/CFD Analysis | Manufacturing Optimization | Technical Collaboration