Manish
Nandanwar
Workflow Automation · AI-Enabled Solutions · Process Improvements
PhD in Chemical Engineering with 8+ years of experience in computational modelling and industrial optimisation at ExxonMobil and Xylem — now applying that same engineering rigour to workflow automation and AI-enabled software.
Professional Background
Manish is a PhD Chemical Engineer with over 8 years of industry experience at ExxonMobil and Xylem, where he applied computational modelling, simulation automation, and engineering optimisation to complex industrial problems.
He has built Python-based automation tools for simulation workflows, worked with HPC infrastructure at scale, and consistently approached problems from first principles — understanding system structure and logic before designing solutions.
He now applies the same structured, analytical mindset to workflow automation and AI-enabled software — building practical, well-architected systems that combine engineering depth with real-world operational usability.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Chemical Engineering
West Virginia University
2012 – 2016 · Morgantown, WV, USA
Research Adviser: Dr. Brian Anderson
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
2006 – 2010
Currently Available
Freelancer — Workflow Automation & AI Applications
Open to project-based engagements and collaborations in workflow automation, optimisation, and applied AI systems. Most projects start with a free 30-minute discovery call.
Experience Timeline
Freelancer — Workflow Automation & AI Applications
Independent
Mar 2026 – Present
- Channelling 8+ years of industrial automation experience into building intelligent software systems for businesses
- Designing AI-powered tools and operational systems that solve specific, real-world business problems
- Applying engineering-first, first-principles thinking to software architecture and system design
Computational Fluids Scientist
ExxonMobil
Feb 2022 – Mar 2026 · 4 yrs 2 mos
Bengaluru, India
- Applied computational modelling and simulation to complex industrial fluid systems at scale
- Built Python-based automation tools for simulation workflows and data processing pipelines
- Worked with Azure DevOps, GitHub, and HPC infrastructure for large-scale computation
Lead Engineer
Xylem Inc.
Apr 2020 – Feb 2022 · 1 yr 11 mos
- Led engineering teams on complex fluid system design and performance optimisation
- Developed Python tools for HPC-driven simulation and analysis workflows
Senior Engineer — CFD
Xylem Inc.
Feb 2018 – Apr 2020 · 2 yrs 3 mos
Vadodara, India
- Designed and executed CFD simulation workflows for industrial engineering systems
- Automated simulation pre/post-processing and results extraction using Python
Visiting Scholar
West Virginia University
Mar 2017 – Oct 2017 · 8 mos
Morgantown, WV, USA
- Developed computational models to simulate solution mining and liquid ethane storage in bedded salt caverns
- Built models for unconventional reservoir systems to evaluate performance under varied conditions
Graduate Research Assistant
West Virginia University
Aug 2012 – Dec 2016 · 4 yrs 5 mos
Morgantown, WV, USA
- PhD research in computational modelling of complex fluid and thermodynamic systems
- Research Adviser: Dr. Brian Anderson
Technical Skills
Engineering expertise combined with modern software, automation, and AI tooling.
Working With Me
What clients can expect throughout an engagement.
Clear communication throughout — you always know what stage we are at and what comes next.
I approach every problem from first principles — understanding the structure and logic of a system before designing the solution.
You receive well-documented, maintainable software — not a black box. You own it fully.
Engineering rigour applied to software: structured, scalable, and built for real-world operational use.
Ready to work together?
Let's discuss your project and figure out the best way I can help.
Get in Touch