Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Prashant Nakhle

Fremont

Summary

Engineering leader with 21+ years in global automotive product development, specializing in complete vehicle interior systems (hard trim, soft trim, door trim, seating, trunk, NVH). Proven record of launching multiple platforms from concept through production at Zoox, Tesla (via Adient/Futuris), and global Tier-1 suppliers. Skilled at developing interior strategies, guiding suppliers, and influencing leadership decisions on cost, design, and material selections. Experienced in low- and high-volume programs, balancing premium vs cost-optimized solutions, and driving decisions with data, benchmarks, and competitive analysis.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Design Engineer – Interior & Seating

ZOOX Inc.
02.2022 - Current
  • Drive interior and seating strategy for Zoox autonomous vehicles, from concept development to launch readiness.
  • Created master sections and package studies guiding interior layout, durability, and manufacturability.
  • Partnered with design leadership to balance form, function, cost, and premium feel.
  • Reviewed supplier tooling and CAE/moldflow results to optimize quality, timing, and investment.
  • Led DFMEA, DVP&R, and material selection activities, ensuring durability in high-traffic, shared mobility interiors.
  • Regularly interfaced with executive stakeholders, OEM partners, and Tier 1 suppliers to align design strategies.

Product Design Engineer – Interiors (Tesla Programs)

Gissing North America LLC
04.2021 - 02.2022
  • Delivered hard and soft trim solutions for Tesla Model S/X interiors, including headliners, pillars, and trunk trims.
  • Resolved build quality and fit/finish issues by working with Tesla engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Guided supplier rework and cost evaluations for production changes.

Design Engineer – Seating & Interiors (Tesla Programs)

Adient LLC (via Onward Technologies)
09.2017 - 03.2021
  • Owned design of complex seating and headliner components (plastics, foam, EPP, electrical).
  • Conducted tolerance stack-up, kinematic studies, packaging, and crash compliance (FMVSS 208).
  • Collaborated with Tesla engineers to solve binding and weld quality issues, avoiding costly launch delays.
  • Partnered with suppliers on tooling feasibility, PPAP readiness, and cost reduction activities.
  • Supported plant launches, serving as resident engineer and customer liaison.

Design Engineer – Interiors & Seating

Futuris Automotive (via Onward Technologies)
01.2014 - 08.2017
  • Resident engineer at Tesla for Model X program; led design reviews, supplier coordination, and VA/VE cost savings.

Project Manager

Onward Technologies
01.2004 - 01.2014
  • Led global teams on interior programs; drove design verification and value engineering.

Assistant Design Manager

TecSo Technologies
01.2004 - 01.2014
  • Rail seating for Bombardier.

Team Leader

Argentum Design
01.2004 - 01.2014
  • Hardtop for Opel Tigra; trained staff in CATIA.

Design Engineer

Nth Solution
01.2004 - 01.2014
  • CAD design of plastics and composites.

Education

Executive MBA - Project Management

Columbia Southern University

B.E. - Automobile Engineering

All India Institute of Automobile Education

Skills

  • Interior Systems Authority: Seating, Hard/Soft Trim, Trunk, Cabin NVH, A-Class Surfaces
  • Strategic Leadership: Concept Strategy, Cost Estimation, Benchmarking, Material Convergence
  • OEM & Tier 1 Collaboration: Supplier Selection, Program Reviews, PPAP, Global Launches
  • CAD & Engineering: Catia V5/V6/3DX, Master Sections, GD&T, Tolerance Stack-ups
  • Validation & Quality: DFMEA, DVP&R, Moldflow Review, Tooling Optimization
  • Project Management: Team Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Global Program Delivery

Certification

  • Six Sigma Green Belt (Benchmark 6 Sigma, RABQSA USA Certified)
  • Advanced Catia V5 | Smart GD&T | Global Production System
  • Moldflow & Tooling Optimization (hands-on project experience)

Timeline

Senior Design Engineer – Interior & Seating

ZOOX Inc.
02.2022 - Current

Product Design Engineer – Interiors (Tesla Programs)

Gissing North America LLC
04.2021 - 02.2022

Design Engineer – Seating & Interiors (Tesla Programs)

Adient LLC (via Onward Technologies)
09.2017 - 03.2021

Design Engineer – Interiors & Seating

Futuris Automotive (via Onward Technologies)
01.2014 - 08.2017

Project Manager

Onward Technologies
01.2004 - 01.2014

Assistant Design Manager

TecSo Technologies
01.2004 - 01.2014

Team Leader

Argentum Design
01.2004 - 01.2014

Design Engineer

Nth Solution
01.2004 - 01.2014

B.E. - Automobile Engineering

All India Institute of Automobile Education

Executive MBA - Project Management

Columbia Southern University

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Prashant Nakhle