Akshay Gaikwad

Akshay Gaikwad is a skilled Reliability Engineer with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, boasting a GPA of 3.78. He has extensive hands-on experience in product reliability assessment and testing, including designing and performing various reliability tests such as HALT, ALT, and life tests for electromechanical components. Currently a Senior Reliability Engineer at Outset Medical, Akshay conducts failure analysis and identifies failure patterns to implement preventive measures. Previously, as a Reliability Engineer II at Johnson Controls, he set reliability targets and collaborated with suppliers on component data while utilizing tools like FRACAS and 8D for root cause analysis. Akshay’s experience also includes a co-op role at Medtronic, where he performed ALT testing and developed reliability test protocols for surgical robotics. He has a solid foundation in statistical analysis using Minitab and Reliasoft, along with expertise in Six Sigma and DFMEA. His academic projects have involved developing innovative testing fixtures and conducting research on microscale texturing to enhance metal wear resistance. A proactive team member, Akshay is also engaged in technical activities such as participating in the Robocon Team, showcasing his commitment to advancing engineering solutions. Akshay Gaikwad is a highly skilled Reliability Engineer with extensive expertise in estimating product reliability, designing reliability tests, and performing failure analysis to enhance product performance and longevity. With a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, he has developed a strong foundation in mechanical systems, statistical analysis, and reliability engineering. His technical proficiency includes advanced tools like Minitab and Reliasoft for in-depth statistical analysis, Six Sigma methodologies, Root Cause Analysis, DFMEA, SolidWorks, HVAC Engineering, and various reliability testing techniques such as HALT/HASS and SEET testing. Currently working as a Senior Reliability Engineer at Outset Medical since July 2022, he has played a pivotal role in designing and executing reliability tests for electromechanical components, including valves, GUI displays, pumps, and PCBAs. His contributions involve identifying failure patterns, estimating component failures, and implementing preventive replacements to ensure product durability and efficiency. Previously, he served as a Reliability Engineer II at Johnson Controls from November 2020 to July 2022, where he designed life tests and extreme environment tests for critical components like transformers and capacitors, set reliability targets, and worked closely with suppliers to collect necessary data for accurate reliability estimations. His expertise extended to conducting failure root cause analyses using tools like FRACAS and 8D, analyzing MTBF, PPM, and warranty data, and collaborating with design teams to recommend improvements aligned with reliability targets. His hands-on experience includes working as a Reliability Test Engineer Co-Op at Medtronic in its Surgical Robotics division, where he performed ALT testing on subsystems and components, developed and validated reliability test protocols, executed test methods for components like push buttons and displays, and conducted failure analysis using advanced tools like SEM and X-ray. His research experience as a Graduate Research Assistant at RIT involved utilizing microscale texturing to reduce friction on metal surfaces, developing tribometer tests to analyze tribological properties, and demonstrating a 60% reduction in wear through microtextured surfaces. Additionally, he worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, instructing students in material property testing and ASTM standards. Throughout his academic and professional journey, he has contributed to significant projects such as improving electromechanical systems through benchmarking, teardown operations, FMEA, QFD, CWA, TRIZ, and PUGH analysis, and studying chip morphology in orthogonal cutting. His technical acumen is further reinforced by certifications in CRE training from the Institute of Quality and Reliability, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and a strong involvement in technical activities such as the Robocon Team. His ability to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in designing reliability tests, conducting failure analyses, and implementing preventive measures makes him a valuable asset in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of complex electromechanical systems.