PhD Researcher · Jönköping University

Aju
Menon

Engineering Design & AI/ML Researcher
Data-driven design, knowledge reuse & CAD automation for manufacturing.

Bridging industrial engineering practice with research through AI-powered tools, Case-Based Reasoning, and collaborative partnerships with leading Swedish manufacturers.

Jönköping University campus
Jönköping University
Jönköping, Sweden · PhD in Product Development
2+Years PhD research
4Industry partners
KTHMSc, Machine Design
3Countries worked in
About

Engineering researcher
with an industrial focus

I am a PhD student in Product Development at Jönköping University, conducting research within the Leaner Tools project in close collaboration with Swedish manufacturing companies including Thule AB, Östrand & Hansen AB, MP Bolagen AB, and TDi AB.

My research centers on data-driven design for knowledge reuse in the sheet metal tooling industry. I develop AI/ML-based support systems grounded in Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) frameworks and build decision-aiding tools derived from CAD histories — bringing academic rigor directly into industrial practice through Insider Action Research.

Alongside my research, I teach CAD modeling in SolidWorks, API-driven automation, plastic product and injection mold design, and sheet metal tooling analysis. I hold an MSc in Engineering Design (Machine Design track) from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm.

My background spans mechanical engineering, marine energy research at Politecnico di Torino, and a deep interest in green energy and sustainable engineering solutions.

Research interests
Engineering Design · AI/ML Integration · 3D CAD Modelling & Simulation · Knowledge Reuse · Green Energy
Languages
EnglishFull professional
SwedishElementary
MalayalamNative / bilingual
Experience

Professional history

Sep 2023 — Present
Jönköping, Sweden
Doktorand (PhD Researcher)
Jönköping University
Project: Leaner Tools · Partners: Thule AB, Östrand & Hansen AB, MP Bolagen AB, TDi AB
  • Conducting data-driven design research for knowledge reuse within the sheet metal tooling industry using Insider Action Research methodology.
  • Developing an AI/ML-based support system grounded in a Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) framework to assist engineering decision-making.
  • Building ML-based decision-aiding tools from CAD histories to optimize early-phase product development.
  • Teaching CAD modeling (SolidWorks), API-based automation, plastic product design, injection molding simulation, and sheet metal forming analysis.
ResearchAI / MLCADTeachingCBR
Jönköping University
Jönköping University campus, Sweden
Mar 2022 — Sep 2022
Torino, Italy
Researcher
MOREnergy Lab, Politecnico di Torino
Research lab for marine offshore renewable energy
  • Enhanced survivability and wave power absorption of offshore devices through conceptual 3D CAD development and design iteration.
  • Estimated dimensions of mechanical components and structures based on design feasibility and mechanical strength; authored a technical design report.
  • Refined and validated wave energy converter designs by generating CAD model prototypes for omni-directional wave conditions.
  • Conducted comparative analysis of bearing alternatives for existing marine energy systems.
SolidWorksMATLABANSYSMarine Energy
Oscillating Wave Energy Converter — MOREnergy Lab, Politecnico di Torino (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Oscillating WEC · MOREnergy Lab, Politecnico di Torino (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Jan 2021 — Aug 2021
Stockholm, Sweden
Master Thesis Student
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Test rig adaptation for wave energy converter bearings
  • Designed a conceptual test rig adaptation for investigating bearings used in Wave Energy Converters, scaling down real-world test approaches.
  • Performed hands-on inspection and testing of the test rig while studying tribological aspects of wave energy systems.
  • Presented findings to company and academic experts, gathering and formalizing requirements specifications.
SolidWorksAutodesk InventorMATLABANSYSTribology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm
Skills & Tools

Technical expertise

A broad skill set spanning simulation software, AI/ML, programming, and engineering design methodology.

CAD & Simulation
SolidWorksSolid EdgeANSYS APDLANSYS Static StructuralAbaqus CAEADAMS ViewAutodesk Inventor
AI & Programming
PythonMATLABC++ / CMachine LearningSupervised LearningCase-Based ReasoningAPI Automation
Engineering Design
GD&TTopology OptimizationFeasibility StudyConcept DevelopmentModularizationDesign for Manufacturing
Research
Insider Action ResearchKnowledge ReuseData-Driven DesignCBR FrameworkProduct Development
Leadership
Team LeadershipStrategic PlanningAnalytical ThinkingProblem AnalysisTeaching
Education

Academic qualifications

Jönköping University
2023 — Present
PhD in Product Development
Jönköping University · Sweden
Product development · Research methodology · Automated Engineering Design · Big Data · Machine Learning
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
2019 — 2021
MSc Engineering Design — Machine Design
KTH Royal Institute of Technology · Stockholm
Machine design · Dynamics · Tribology · System engineering · Reliability Optimisation · CAD modelling
Amrita University
2016 — 2019
BSc Mechanical Engineering
Amrita University · India
Mechatronics · Renewable energy · Manufacturing · Fluid mechanics · Thermal engineering
Contact

Open to research
collaborations &
conversations

Whether you are interested in engineering design research, AI/ML applications in manufacturing, or academic partnership — I welcome the opportunity to connect.

Phone
+46 731 610 208
Location
Jönköping, Sweden