Bronco Spotlight: Sukrut Bhandare
Master of Science in electrical engineering, 2016
Product Costing Engineer - VAVE at Huf North America Automotive
I serve as a PCBA Expert, conduct analysis of CAD/CAM drawings, design, electrical and mechanical BOMs, manufacturing limitations and component datasheets to identify the cost driving factors. I am responsible for driving the company’s efforts in regards to Value Analysis and Value Engineering. I identify and implement plans to increase manufacturing/design efficiencies. I am also responsible for proposals of drop-in replacement parts to product development meeting automotive requirements in compliance with cost, delivery, lead time and obsolesce (EOL) issues. I understand the components in a product or subsystem that provide the greatest opportunity for cost savings. I get to explore many more cost savings design alternatives.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
Learning how to manage time and expectations of both colleagues and clients, facing new challenges on a daily basis and developing technical skills - these are some particularly challenging aspects of my job! I identify the most expensive areas of company's product, which stimulates ideas for design changes and design alternatives. If design team is not able to come up with any ideas that materially lower the cost, we flag in-house parts for manufacturing review or sourced parts to be quoted.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Campus job at the university helped me develop leadership/ management skills and decision making/ problem solving capabilities. When I discovered Career and Student Employment Services, I took advantage of the many different workshops they offered (resume building, cover letter writing, interviewing, networking, etc.) and it was a game-changer for my early career. From this I gained the skills to land more than three full time job offers, right after my graduation. This helped me feel so much more prepared for the real world after graduation. What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?
What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?
Plan ahead!! Work on your professional network and gain practical knowledge/ internship before you graduate. When looking for jobs, be open to various fields in your Major instead of concentrating just one. Be prepared to work in various work environments to tackle the real world engineering challenges today with strong work ethics.