About Me
I am Md Saidur Rahman, a dedicated professional with a Master’s degree in Operations and Industrial Management from South Dakota State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University. With over six years of industry experience in industrial management, supply chain, manufacturing, and data analysis, I have honed my ability to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and deliver impactful results in complex environments.
My expertise lies in leveraging tools like Power BI, SQL, and Excel to analyze large datasets and generate actionable insights. I have extensive experience in enhancing supply
chain operations, manufacturing quality processes, and operations management. Additionally, my research on electric vehicle supply chains and sustainability has allowed me to
integrate engineering principles with operational insights to address emerging challenges in the industry.
Additionally, my academic research focuses on electric vehicle supply chains, assessing historical sales, minerals demand risks, and supply chain dynamics, further bridging
engineering principles with operational insights to solve emerging industry challenges.
I bring a structured and results-driven approach to my work, supported by certifications in Six Sigma Green Belt, Power BI Data Analysis, and Agile Leadership. My global education
and international professional background have equipped me with strong cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability in diverse work environments.
I am fluent in English, Chinese, and Bangla, which enables me to effectively collaborate and communicate in multicultural settings. These language skills, combined with my
technical expertise and problem-solving mindset, have been instrumental in my ability to thrive in dynamic and challenging industrial environments.
I hold an active Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through STEM OPT, enabling me to work in the United States. I am ready to contribute immediately and am willing to
relocate to any location to embrace new opportunities and challenges.
Professional Experiences
Avera Health | Supply Chain Management
May 2024 – Dec 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Key Contributions:
1. Big Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Delivered an advanced Avera Pace Revenue Big Data report, segmented by class of trade, region, and group, leveraging Excel (Pivot Tables) to identify key revenue contributors and enhance financial visibility for fiscal year 2024.
- Analyzed revenue patterns to provide actionable insights for senior leadership, leading to a 15% improvement in revenue allocation strategies.
2. Inventory Management and Optimization:
- Optimized inventory management across multiple facilities, including Avera McKennan Hospital and Home Medical Equipment, by analyzing metrics (total value, variance, SKUs) and identifying and resolving discrepancies, improving inventory accuracy by 20%.
- Implemented an efficient inventory tracking system by introducing barcode labeling, training clinic staff, and ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows to enhance real-time inventory visibility and reduce misplacement of items by 25%.
3. Vendor Contract Audits:
- Conducted a detailed audit of vendor contracts (2019–2024) using OnBase and Premier PINC AI, recovering $200,000 in missing rebates and ensuring adherence to contractual rebate structures, driving substantial cost savings.
- Established a standardized vendor contract review process to prevent future rebate discrepancies and streamline audits.
4. ERP Systems and Supply Chain Data Integration:
- Streamlined ERP operations using Workday and Meditech ORM, efficiently managing inventory levels, vendor contracts, and integrating supply chain data, which enhanced system accuracy and operational effectiveness.
- Automated data synchronization processes between ERP systems, reducing manual entry errors by 30% and improving system reliability.
5. Logistics Optimization:
- Optimized courier logistics by accurately assigning addresses to 541 pick-up locations, significantly improving operational efficiency and delivery timelines, cutting delivery delays by 18%.
- Implemented route optimization strategies, leading to a 10% reduction in transportation costs.
6. Leadership and Collaboration:
- Collaborated with a team of 30+ senior leaders, gaining valuable insights into servant leadership and strategic supply chain management practices, contributing to organization-wide initiatives focused on operational excellence.
- Actively participated in strategic meetings with the Cardiac and Vascular Service Line team, facilitating the integration of clinical and supply chain operations to enhance both patient care and cost management, achieving a 12% cost reduction in medical supplies.
7. Research and ESG Initiatives:
- Conducted comprehensive research on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and Global Health Exchange (GHX), aligning operational practices with sustainability and governance standards.
- Proposed ESG-aligned supply chain strategies that enhanced compliance and improved the organization's environmental footprint by 8%.
SD Mesonet, South Dakota State University | Operations Assistant
Jan 2023 – Dec 2023 | Brookings, SD, United States
Key Contributions:
1. Installation, Maintenance, and Construction Support:
- Installed, calibrated, and maintained precision weather monitoring equipment, including Pluvio rain gauges, solar panels, soil sensors, and barometers, ensuring high-accuracy data collection across 80+ remote stations.
- Troubleshot real-time IoT-enabled data collection systems, resolving sensor failures, connectivity issues, and system malfunctions in data loggers and cellular modems, ensuring continuous operational uptime.
- Collaborated with field engineers and technicians to construct and deploy weather station infrastructure, including structural mounts for sensors and solar panel arrays, adhering to strict engineering standards.
2. Preventive Maintenance and Analytics:
- Performed preventive maintenance inspections, implementing predictive analytics to minimize disruptions and enhance system longevity, reducing equipment downtime by improving failure detection.
- Automated performance tracking dashboards in Power BI, integrating sensor health data, system diagnostics, and maintenance schedules, enabling data-driven decision-making and optimizing operational efficiency.
- Designed and implemented maintenance schedules for station infrastructure, ensuring equipment safety and compliance with environmental regulations.
3. Root Cause Analysis, Construction Insights, and Data Quality:
- Developed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) frameworks, utilizing Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and predictive analytics to detect anomalies in environmental data collection.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality, sensor calibration methodologies, and operational efficiency, improving accuracy and reliability for climate monitoring applications.
- Supported construction engineering activities by providing infrastructure feedback and ensuring seamless integration of monitoring systems with site-specific conditions.
4. Project Management and Collaboration:
- Coordinated with contractors and construction teams during station installations, ensuring proper alignment of structural mounts and sensor setups to meet project specifications.
- Participated in site surveys to assess environmental conditions for new weather stations, providing recommendations for optimal placement and infrastructure durability.
- Managed timelines and resources for installation and maintenance projects, ensuring on-time completion within budget constraints.
DARAZ | Category Manager – Supply Chain & Procurement Operations
Jul 2020 – Dec 2022 | Dhaka, Bangladesh
Key Contributions:
1. Supply Chain and Procurement Management:
- Managed end-to-end supply chain operations for digital product sales, ensuring demand alignment, cost efficiency, and seamless fulfillment across regions.
- Streamlined workflows to optimize delivery timelines, reducing logistics costs by 12% while maintaining service quality.
- Planned and executed procurement strategies, sourcing materials and equipment from local and international vendors, including platforms like Alibaba and Taobao, and suppliers in Singapore, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia.
2. Inventory and Data Management:
- Developed and maintained inventory systems using Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP) and Power BI, improving inventory accuracy by 30% through cycle counting techniques and par-level optimization.
- Analyzed key performance metrics such as sales growth, lead times, and supplier compliance using SQL and Power BI, delivering actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency.
3. Category and Contract Management:
- Spearheaded category strategies, including assortment planning, pricing competitiveness, and promotional campaigns, achieving 25% sales growth and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated expertise in contract management, negotiating business terms, monitoring contract lifecycles, and ensuring timely renewals or terminations.
4. Process Improvement and Value Analysis:
- Supported value analysis processes by coordinating trials, demos, and product evaluations, ensuring sound purchasing decisions.
- Led supply chain initiatives for product standardization, reducing costs by 10%, and managed product recall actions to ensure timely resolution.
5. Logistics and Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Managed inbound and outbound freight, resolving invoice discrepancies and improving logistics workflows, contributing to a smoother supply chain operation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including marketing and vendor acquisition, to align category goals with business objectives and enhance seller performance.
SALCOMP | Manufacturing Quality Engineer
Jul 2018 - Jul 2020 | Baoan District, Shenzhen, China
Key Contributions:
1. Quality Assurance and Process Audits:
- Conducted routine quality tests and process audits to ensure compliance with ISO/TS 16949 standards, maintaining product reliability and enabling high-volume manufacturing operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Performed detailed Outgoing Batch Audits (OBA) and Ongoing Reliability Testing (ORT), ensuring seamless workflows by identifying areas for quality improvement and reducing defects by 15%.
- Monitored production adherence to quality assurance protocols, streamlining corrective action processes to minimize operational downtime.
2. Data Analytics and Visualization:
- Utilized SQL to extract and analyze large datasets from production lines, providing key insights into defect rates, yield metrics, and areas requiring process optimization.
- Developed and delivered visually compelling, interactive dashboards in Power BI and Tableau, enabling management and customers to track quality trends and make data-driven decisions.
- Enhanced production efficiency by identifying bottlenecks and implementing predictive analytics for quality control management.
3. Risk Mitigation and Process Optimization:
- Led and maintained comprehensive PFMEA processes and Control Plans, mitigating high-risk manufacturing issues and ensuring consistent adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Implemented operational improvements in coordination with cross-functional teams, enhancing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and ensuring timely completion of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation for new product launches.
- Streamlined production lines to improve throughput by 12% by addressing root causes of process inefficiencies and implementing robust controls.
4. Training and Mentorship:
- Designed and delivered tailored training programs for In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) personnel on Statistical Process Control (SPC), defect prevention, and root cause analysis techniques.
- Mentored junior engineers and production staff, improving quality monitoring proficiency and reducing errors by 20% through focused skill development initiatives.
5. Workflow and Operational Management:
- Managed end-to-end production workflows leveraging Agile methodologies and SAP systems, enabling real-time tracking, operational efficiency, and production planning optimization.
- Coordinated with supply chain and production planning teams to ensure material availability and eliminate workflow disruptions, contributing to a 10% reduction in lead times.
6. Continuous Improvement and Problem-Solving:
- Led cross-functional problem-solving initiatives using tools such as fishbone diagrams, SPC, and hypothesis testing, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions that reduced recurring quality issues by 18%.
- Developed a continuous improvement framework to optimize key manufacturing metrics, focusing on reducing defects and enhancing product reliability.
7. Reliability Testing:
- Supported advanced reliability testing processes, including Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) and Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS), ensuring durability and robustness of products throughout their lifecycle.
- Worked closely with design and engineering teams to integrate reliability feedback into product development, reducing warranty claims by 10%.
8. Industrial Engineering Integration:
- Applied industrial engineering principles, such as time-motion studies and lean manufacturing techniques, to improve assembly line efficiency and reduce waste.
- Collaborated with process engineers to enhance line balancing, achieving a 15% increase in production throughput while maintaining strict quality standards.
Aeronautical Science and Technology Innovation Center (西北工业大学航空科技创新基地) | Manufacturing Engineer Intern – Design, Quality & Process Optimization
Mar 2017 – Jun 2018 | Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Key Contributions:
1. Prototype Development and Testing:
- Successfully completed the Pre-Bachelor Internship Program, focusing on designing, manufacturing, and testing a functional prototype of a model aircraft.
- Designed and built a model aircraft using advanced manufacturing principles, ensuring its performance through flight testing and optimization.
2. Advanced Manufacturing Techniques:
- Operated and calibrated 3D printers for high-precision component production, ensuring quality and design compliance.
- Implemented frameworks like DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC to ensure consistent manufacturing quality and adherence to design specifications.
3. Process Optimization:
- Applied Lean methodologies and problem-solving techniques such as 5-Whys and Fishbone Diagrams to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in production workflows.
- Used tools like Excel and Minitab to analyze production data, identify statistical deviations, and improve Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE).
4. Collaboration and Compliance:
- Worked with engineering teams to enhance assembly processes and align with safety and regulatory standards.
- Collaborated across departments to integrate feedback into the design process, ensuring safety and compliance with aviation standards.
5. Flight Testing:
- Successfully flew the developed aircraft prototype, meeting stringent performance and quality standards.
- Incorporated testing results into iterative design improvements, enhancing the final prototype’s efficiency and stability.
Research & Project
South Dakota State University | Graduate Research Data Scientist
Sep 2023 – May 2024 | Brookings, SD, USA
Key Contributions:
1. Data Infrastructure and Predictive Analytics:
- Developed and managed data infrastructure for EV battery supply chain analysis, using SQL for database queries and Python for predictive modeling, optimizing supplier performance, production planning, and cost efficiency.
- Implemented automation in supplier data management, integrating ETL pipelines and cloud-based data processing (AWS, Azure) to optimize real-time supplier quality tracking and ensure compliance with Tesla’s industrialization framework.
2. Supplier Audits and Quality Management:
- Performed supplier audits and process assessments, analyzing Solid-State and Lithium-Ion battery production bottlenecks, ensuring process scalability and operational resilience.
- Optimized supplier quality control processes, applying Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to ensure first-pass yield and process reliability.
3. Prognosis and Health Management (PHM):
- Executed PHM of battery components, integrating failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), root cause investigations, and machine learning models to predict and mitigate performance degradation.
- Developed predictive analytics dashboards in Power BI and Tableau, tracking supplier performance metrics such as safety stock levels, capacity utilization (OEE), and cycle time reduction across supply chain networks.
4. Manufacturing Process Optimization:
- Conducted manufacturing process improvements using Lean Six Sigma, time-motion studies, and continuous improvement techniques (Kaizen, DMAIC) to enhance throughput and eliminate inefficiencies.
- Simulated and forecasted EV battery material demand, quantifying potential lithium and cobalt shortages using stochastic simulation models and proposing supplier diversification strategies for resilience.
5. Supplier Development and Collaboration:
- Led supplier development initiatives, collaborating with procurement, quality, and engineering teams to define technical requirements, validate manufacturing capabilities, and ensure robust supplier onboarding.
Masters Thesis Project | South Dakota State University
Title: Electric Vehicles Historical Sales, Minerals Demand Risks, and Supply Chain Dynamics
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 | Brookings, SD, USA
Key Contributions:
1. Data-Driven Analysis and Forecasting:
- Conducted data-driven analysis of global EV sales trends (2010–2024), leveraging Power BI and Python to forecast demand scenarios through 2050, enabling supply chain planning for production scalability.
- Optimized mineral demand forecasting using SQL and predictive modeling, quantifying lithium demand (1200 Kilo Ton by 2050) and addressing potential supply chain disruptions for battery manufacturers.
2. Supply Chain Risk Modeling:
- Modeled supply chain risks for lithium, cobalt, and nickel procurement, identifying 60% reliance on Chinese processing and developing supplier diversification strategies to mitigate geopolitical and logistical risks.
- Performed scenario-based supply chain simulations, quantifying the impact of a 30% surge in material prices and identifying mitigation strategies, including circular economy frameworks (25% lithium recovery by 2040).
3. Dashboard Development and Visualization:
- Designed and automated supply chain performance dashboards in Power BI and Tableau, visualizing bottlenecks, sustainability KPIs, and material shortages, improving real-time decision-making for stakeholders.
4. Resilience and Cost Optimization:
- Developed a risk mitigation framework integrating Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to enhance supply chain resilience.
- Engineered cost-reduction strategies for supply chain resilience, evaluating alternative sourcing models, inventory buffering, and localized production hubs to reduce dependency on high-risk suppliers.
5. Material Sustainability and ESG Alignment:
- Projected a 45% increase in lithium demand and identified a 20% cobalt shortfall, providing data-backed recommendations to automakers, policymakers, and suppliers to ensure long-term material sustainability.
- Collaborated with industry stakeholders to align supply chain strategies with ESG compliance, proposing 50% carbon footprint reduction goals through recycling and sustainable sourcing practices.
Skills & Certifications
Technical Skills
1. Data Analytics & Visualization:
- Programming & Statistical Analysis: Structured Query Language (SQL), Python (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch), R, MATLAB
- Data Visualization & Reporting: Power BI, Tableau, Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP)
- Database Management & ETL: Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) Pipelines, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB
2. Supply Chain & Manufacturing Operations:
- Enterprise Resource Planning & Supply Chain Management: SAP, Oracle SCM (Supply Chain Management), Workday, JDA, NetSuite ERP, Manhattan Associates
- Process Improvement & Lean Six Sigma: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC), Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kanban, Fishbone Analysis
- Simulation & Process Modeling: FlexSim, Arena, Discrete Event Simulation
3. Quality Engineering & Industrialization:
- Quality Management & Compliance: Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC, e.g., InfinityQS, QI Macros), Quality Management System (QMS, e.g., ETQ, MasterControl)
- Inspection & Reliability Testing: Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT), Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS), Statistical Process Control (SPC).
- Problem-Solving & Root Cause Analysis: Eight Disciplines Problem Solving (8D), A3, Fishbone, Fault Tree Analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
4. Design, Simulation & Automation:
- CAD & Mechanical Design: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, Mastercam
- Finite Element Analysis & Simulation: ANSYS, Simulink, MATLAB
- Industrial Automation & IoT: Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Programming, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
5. Big Data & Cloud Technologies:
- Cloud Platforms: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Data Processing & Machine Learning: Hadoop, Spark, Databricks
6. ISO Compliance & Industry Standards:
- ISO & Regulatory Standards: ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), International Automotive Task Force 16949 (IATF 16949, Automotive Quality Management)
Certifications
- Executive Data Science Specialization | Johns Hopkins University: (Completed in approximately 6 months) Mastered the end-to-end process of data science, including data wrangling, statistical modeling, machine learning, and communicating actionable insights. This aligns with roles requiring advanced analytics and decision-making in supply chain optimization and industrial operations.
- Six Sigma Green Belt | Kennesaw State University: (Completed in approximately 6 months) Gained expertise in the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) methodology to enhance operational efficiency and reduce defects. Perfectly suited for quality management and continuous improvement roles in manufacturing and supply chain environments.
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate | Google: (Completed in approximately 6 months) Acquired skills in Agile and Scrum methodologies, stakeholder management, and project lifecycle management. These competencies are critical for managing complex cross-functional projects in supply chain and industrial engineering.
- Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate | Microsoft: (Completed in approximately 6 months) Demonstrated proficiency in developing interactive dashboards, data visualization, and extracting insights from complex datasets. This is crucial for roles focusing on data-driven decision-making and performance monitoring.
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Google: (Completed in approximately 6 months) Developed expertise in data cleaning, visualization, and analysis using SQL, Python, and R. These skills align with industrial and operations roles that rely on analyzing large datasets for efficiency improvements.
- Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization | University of Illinois: (Completed in approximately 6 months) Learned strategies for effective team management, leadership, and aligning business operations with strategic goals. This directly supports leadership positions in operations and supply chain management.
- Agile Leadership Specialization | University of Colorado: (Completed in approximately 6 months) Gained insights into leading agile teams, managing dynamic workflows, and fostering innovation in fast-paced environments. Ideal for roles requiring flexibility and adaptability in industrial and manufacturing operations.
Presentations
1. Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Annual Conference
April 2024 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Topic: Enhancing Remaining Useful Life in Solid-State Batteries: Smart Battery Management System Strategies
2. Industry Engineering and Management Systems (IEMS) Conference
March 2024 | Orlando, Florida, USA
Topic: Strategic Development of Solid-State Batteries in the USA: Overcoming Industrial and Supply Chain Barriers
