Ajinkya Kulkarni
Logistics Automation & Ops Project Manager
Mumbai
Summary
Mechanical Engineer with 6+ years of experience in Logistics automation and operation management. Specialized in Solution Design, Project Planning, Vendor Management, and ensuring sustained system performance.
Demonstrated success in developing and executing the automation strategy for express logistics and e-commerce sectors, leading to the deployment of conveyor automation, Sorters and other material handling automation technologies.
Skilled at leading cross-functional teams, driving vendor negotiations, and managing the full lifecycle of automation projects from concept to commissioning.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Manager – Ops Projects
DTDC Express Ltd
03.2022 - Current
- Leading infrastructure planning and layout design for new facilities and upgradation projects to improve operational efficiency.
- Drive process assessments for automation Opportunities, RFP generation and maintaining Vendor responses, Providing comparative analysis and recommendations to management for decisions.
- Ensuring planning and execution of automation technology projects through all phases of initiation, planning, execution and implementation until operational stabilization.
- Collaborating with vendors for equipment trials, technical validations, and solution fitment prior to full-scale deployment.
- Managed vendor negotiations and prepared CAPEX justifications, ensuring alignment with leasehold scope and MHE requirements.
- Managed stakeholder alignment across internal departments and external partners to ensure seamless project execution.
- Managing the documentation of NDA, SLA, and SOW agreements to ensure compliance and clarity in supplier engagements.
- Executing layout design for facility optimization, with detailed BOQ validation and ROI-focused cost-benefit assessments.
- Maintaining project plans and progress reports to enable data-driven decision-making as well as management reviews.
Sales & Solutions Engineer
Falcon Autotech Pvt Ltd
05.2021 - 03.2022
- Independently led solution design projects with minimal line management support, providing expertise in costing, technical discussions, and customer interactions.
- Collaborated with sales and product teams to identify viable solution alternatives and conducted feasibility reviews with internal stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of material handling equipment and its application in warehouse automation.
- Prepared cost-optimized and operationally efficient solutions using CAD tools.
- Ensured timely completion of all design tasks in accordance with project schedules.
- Supported sales and solution cycles through customer site visits, RFQ meetings, and presentations.
- Conducted internal kick-off meetings to hand over approved solutions to implementation teams.
- Collaborated proactively with product teams, sharing market and customer insights to influence the R&D roadmap.
- Achievements: Successfully designed conveyor and sortation solutions for e-commerce and express clients such as Amazon India, Flipkart, and Aramex; received client appreciation for Amazon and Aramex projects upon order closure.
Design Engineer
NIDO Machineries Pvt Ltd
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Delivered the company’s initial automation projects in a startup environment, including gravity spiral conveyors and conveyor automation projects.
- Supported management in setting up processes, developing layouts, CAD standards, and technical documentation for future scalability.
Design Engineer
Armstrong Machine Builders Pvt Ltd
11.2018 - 12.2020
- Designed and standardized conveyor systems for efficient project delivery across e-commerce, slit roll handling, pallet handling, and food-grade applications.
- Created parametric 3D models and 2D drawings using advanced CAD tools to support future scalability and customization.
- Developed standardized and configurable BOMs, DAP drawings, and facilitated customer approvals.
- Assisted manufacturing and site installation teams to ensure smooth project execution.
- Coordinated prototyping activities for newly designed modules, optimizing design iterations.
- Managed technical documentation, CAD data, and system optimization efforts.
- Generated detailed RCA reports to analyze and resolve system failures effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Sandip Institute of Engineering And Management
Nashik, India06-2018
Skills
- Proficient in CAD layout design (AutoCAD and 3D softwares)
- Project Management tools (MS Projects, JIRA)
- Automation planning and RFQ/vendor evaluation
- Vendor contract management
- Equipment uptime & maintenance management
- Decision making and Problem Solving
Timeline
Manager – Ops Projects
DTDC Express Ltd
03.2022 - Current
Sales & Solutions Engineer
Falcon Autotech Pvt Ltd
05.2021 - 03.2022
Design Engineer
NIDO Machineries Pvt Ltd
01.2021 - 05.2021
Design Engineer
Armstrong Machine Builders Pvt Ltd
11.2018 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Sandip Institute of Engineering And Management