Mahesh Raj

Professional Summary:

Visionary Programme Director with over thirty years of progressive leadership experience and specialization in mechanical, aerospace and production engineering. Task master in guiding large-scale projects with a keen focus on design efficiency and advanced manufacturing processes. Demonstrated expertise in orchestrating complex projects from concept to completion, achieving ambitious milestones while mentoring cross-functional teams to peak performance. Adept at negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts and fostering collaborative relationships with key industry stakeholders.

Professional Experience & Responsibility

• Presently holding the position of Programme Director leading a multidisciplinary team for the past three years. Spearheadingtwo Mission Mode (MM) Programme of DRDO as “Programme Director MRSAM (IAF & IA)” costing Rs. 31,845 crores involving development and production of Missile, Radar, Command & Control Center and Launcher. Till date inducted 13 Fire Units (FU) to IAF and 10 FUs to Army. Actively involved in Indigenization of weapon system elements and missile system.
• Regularly Interfacedwith user and ministry at higher echelon to achieve desired outcomes. Skilled in chairing high-level meetings with Industry partners, mediating discussions, and fostering a collaborative environment to resolve contentious issues.
• Proven track record of executing Mission Mode Programme MRSAM (Army) as per milestones. Successfully negotiated multimillion-dollar contracts with international partners. Renowned for exceptional consensus-building, organizational, and negotiation skills, leading to streamlined operations and enhanced team dynamics.
• Cultivated a culture of credibility, transparency, and open communication, laying the foundation for robust stakeholder relationships. Ability to navigate complex environments to achieve desired goals. Leveraged Video Conferencing (VC) technology to maintain project momentum during the Covid pandemic, resulting in significant time savings and uninterrupted manufacturing of weapon system.
• Possess a deep understanding of procurement and contract management regulations, ensuring compliance and operational excellence in all initiatives. Implemented a transparent tendering strategy, achieving competitive pricing and cultivating at least two reliable vendors for critical components, thereby safeguarding project timelines. Expertly managed large accounts with a keen eye on budgeting and expense control, optimizing resource allocation and financial health of the projects. Mentored and developed a cadre of dependable leaders, preparing the next generation and ensuring the sustainability of excellence in leadership.

Academia Qualification & Awards

• PhD (Mechanical Engineering) in 2020 from Osmania University, ME (Production & Industrial Engineering) in 1998 from Jodhpur University and BE (Mechanical Engineering) in 1992 from Jodhpur University.
• DRDO “Scientist of the Year” in 2020, “DRDO Award for Performance Excellence” in 2009 and “Agni Excellence Award for Self-Reliance” in 2007.