Balachandran Kumaravelu
Summary
Senior Engineering Specialist with deep expertise in automated assembly, high-speed fastening, and cleanroom Factory of the Future (FOF) operations. Proven in installation, commissioning, and full equipment qualification of modular automated production lines. Expert in robo cylinder, conveyor automation, and precision systems, driving high reliability, yield, uptime, and cross-functional team performance.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Engineering Specialist
Seagate Singapore IHQ
Woodlands
01.1997 - Current
- Lead maintenance and reliability strategies for sputter systems in high-volume manufacturing environment
- Oversee preventive maintenance (PM), troubleshooting, and equipment optimization to sustain high uptime
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment performance and operational efficiency
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to maintenance teams
Maintenance line support to Cell Lead – Cell 7 to Cell 6 Sputter
Woodlands
01.2010 - 01.2022
- Appointed In-Charge of Cell 6 Sputter Maintenance (D Team) following plant transition
- Managed manpower allocation, task delegation, and preventive maintenance scheduling
- Led troubleshooting and root cause analysis of sputter equipment issues
- Built and developed a strong maintenance team to support daily operations and achieve uptime targets
Engineering Assistant to Senior Engineering Specialist – Automated Assembly & FOF Operations
AMK
01.1997 - 01.2010
- Supported manual hard disk assembly line prior to transition into modular automated cell manufacturing
- Involved in installation and setup of automated production cells
- Performed equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new and upgraded systems
- Selected as pioneer batch trained for Factory of the Future (FOF) cleanroom operations
- Conducted calibration and maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and precision
- Maintained 97% production yield and 93% equipment uptime
Education
Honours Degree - Mechanical Engineering
University of South Australia
Australia01.2010
Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Acharya Patashala
India01.1991
Skills
- Automated Assembly Systems
- High-Speed Fastening Equipment
- Installation & Commissioning of Production Lines
- Equipment Qualification (IQ / OQ / PQ)
- Cleanroom FOF Operations
- Sputter Equipment Maintenance
- Automated Conveyor Systems (Stepper Motors)
- Pick-and-Place Systems (Robo Cylinders)
- HSA & Disk Pack Merging Tools
- Preventive Maintenance Planning
- Root Cause Analysis & Troubleshooting
- Team Leadership & Technical Training
Accomplishments
- Played a key role in transforming from Modular cell to FOF.
- Contributed to successful transition from manual assembly to modular automated cell manufacturing
- Pioneer team member for Factory of the Future (FOF) implementation
- Sustained average 97% yield and 93% uptime in production operations
- Developed and led high-performing sputter maintenance teams
Certification
- Festo Didactic Course H 511
- 16 Jan 1995 to 19 Jan 1995
- Festo Didactic Centre
Timeline
Maintenance line support to Cell Lead – Cell 7 to Cell 6 Sputter
01.2010 - 01.2022
Senior Engineering Specialist
Seagate Singapore IHQ
01.1997 - Current
Engineering Assistant to Senior Engineering Specialist – Automated Assembly & FOF Operations
01.1997 - 01.2010
Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Acharya Patashala
Honours Degree - Mechanical Engineering
University of South Australia