The life of an automotive engineer

Homepage
News
News article

Institution news

Dilip Chawathe CEng FIMechE joined the Institution of Mechanical Engineers over 40 years ago so that he could keep up with developments in engineering. Here is an insight into his passion.

Dilip Chawathe CEng FIMechE joined the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 1969. Initially he joined the institution so that he could keep up with developments in engineering and later automobile engineering. He has nearly 40 years of experience within the industry.

Why did you choose a career in engineering Dilip?

When I was a child, I was given a Meccano Set by my uncle. This, along with my interest in taking things apart to see how they work and reassembling them got me interested in engineering.

And what is your professional background?

I worked for nine years in design and development with BSA Harford Heating Limited, and with H.W.Ward & Co., Birmingham. I also worked for BSA Harford Heating Limited and was a centrifugal type pump manufacturer for central heating systems with H.W. Ward & Co. After returning to India I worked with Texmaco limited, Tata Motors (Tools Division) and with Mahindra and Mahindra Limited as an automobile manufacturer.I have authored a comprehensive book titled “Handbook of Gear Technology” that covers theory, practice and design of spur, helical, bevel, hypoid gears and worm gearing.

What is a typical working day for you like?

My typical working day is not as long as it used to be when I was in full-time service. Still my consultancy and Institution work keep me busy for six to eight hours a day. Initially I go through my personal and business emails and respond as necessary. I spend time preparing for training programs and may also spend time doing work for the institution. When things are quiet I like to work on improving the gear design software that I have developed.

What are the most enjoyable and most challenging aspects of your work?

I find it challenging to give solutions to the problems that my customers face. Another enjoyable aspect of my work is when I am doing training programs. It is very satisfying that I am able to spread my expertise among younger engineers.