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Rachana Gururaj

@rachanagururaj

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Power and energy systems engineer with 14 years of experience.

India

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What I'm looking for

I seek opportunities that foster innovation and allow me to leverage my expertise in power systems to drive impactful projects.

I am a seasoned power and energy systems engineer with over 14 years of experience, including two years in research and development for a SaaS startup and a renewable energy company. My career has spanned across top global energy firms, where I have managed projects with budgets ranging from $500 million to $4 billion across four continents. My expertise lies in 1) design, engineering, construction, inspections, testing, commissioning of energy systems; 2) power system modeling, analysis, and automation scripting, with a strong focus on load flow, short circuit, harmonics, earthing, arc flash, and stability studies.

Throughout my career, I have achieved significant milestones, such as contributing $150,000 in client value through strategic consulting services and optimizing solar/battery system dispatch to increase hydrogen production. My technical proficiencies include PSS/E, ETAP, CYME, SKM, and Power World, complemented by an M.S. in Engineering and Technology Innovation Management and certifications in Python Programming and Machine Learning. I am passionate about leveraging my skills to drive innovation and efficiency in the energy sector.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Independent Consultant

Current

Self Employed

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 6 months)

Providing power system and software development consulting services to energy startups and global renewable energy companies. Developed dynamic models and performed techno-economic analysis for various projects.

Python Programming Data Analysis Renewable Energy

Research Intern

Carnegie Mellon University

Jan 2021 - Apr 2021 (3 months)

Developed VSC HVDC technology learning curves and performed techno-economic feasibility studies. Co-authored two journal articles based on extensive research and analysis.

Research Analysis Database Management Technical Writing Project Management

Lead Electrical Engineer

Dubai Petroleum Establishment

Jan 2018 - Feb 2018 (1 month)

Responsible for design, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of oil and gas platforms. Streamlined processes to save significant costs.

Electrical Engineering Project Management Procurement Construction Stakeholder Engagement Team Leadership Design Engineering

Senior Electrical Engineer

Jacobs Engineering India Private Limited

Jan 2016 - Jan 2017 (1 year)

Led design and engineering for modular substations. Managed procurement and engineering processes for significant projects in the energy sector.

Design Engineering Engineering Management Procurement Substation Projects Team Coordination Vendor Management

Senior Electrical Engineer

Shell Projects and Technology

Mar 2014 - Jan 2016 (1 year 10 months)

Instrumental in design and engineering for capital projects in the energy sector. Achieved significant reductions in engineering efforts through effective management.

Design Engineering Project Management LNG Projects Team Leadership

Senior Electrical Engineer

Petrofac Engineering Services India Private Limited

Apr 2008 - Mar 2014 (5 years 11 months)

Delivered engineering solutions across multiple projects in the energy sector. Developed techno-economic bids and supported engineering teams.

Team Management Vendor Management

Electrical Engineer

Chemtex Consulting of India Private Limited

Apr 2006 - Apr 2008 (1 year 11 months)

Responsible for detailed engineering of projects in the energy sector, leading a team and transitioning processes to software solutions.

Electrical Engineering Project Management Team Leadership Client Engagement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Carnegie Mellon University

Master of Science, Engineering and Technology Innovation Management

2019 - 2021

Activities and societies: Co-authored two journal articles related to HVDC technology.

Completed a Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Innovation Management with a focus on Power Systems and Energy Economics. Engaged in research that led to the development of VSC HVDC technology learning curves and techno-economic feasibility studies.

Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering

2000 - 2004

Earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Gained foundational knowledge in electrical systems, circuit design, and electronics.