Dr. S. S. Kulkarni,(HoD & Professor)

Ph.D (Mechanical Engineering), M.E. Mechanical (Design)

The Mechanical Engineering Department at SKN Sinhgad College of Engineering initiated its four-year Bachelor's program in the academic year 2010-11. Our vision is to establish a premier center for technical education and research in mechanical engineering, producing skilled professionals who uphold ethical values and contribute to the advancement of industry and society. We are committed to delivering quality education through an efficient teaching-learning process, faculty development, and a supportive academic environment. To promote research and prepare engineers for professional careers, the department also offers postgraduate programs. The Master's course, specializing in Design Engineering, was established in 2012-13. The undergraduate program, it is fully recognized by the government, approved by AICTE, and affiliated with Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, Solapur.Our department boasts a strong reputation for both teaching and research, with a faculty known for their outstanding academic qualifications and expertise. The department has approximately 23 full-time faculty members, many of whom bring valuable industrial experience and are professional members of professional bodies such as IEI, ISTE and ISHRAE. A robust research culture has been cultivated under the guidance of 6 faculty members holding doctorates (Ph.D.) and 17 with ME/M-Tech degrees.
The department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced computing facilities. Classrooms are furnished with ICT tools and have Wi-Fi access. In addition, the department offers an advanced CAD-CAM laboratory featuring industry-standard software such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, and CATIA. New equipment and setups have been developed in the labs through various projects and research initiatives. With a total investment of Rs. 1.75 Cr., the department has 18 fully equipped laboratories, 2 dedicated research labs, and 2 industry-supported labs, all supervised by experienced faculty members. Hands-on experimentation in these labs provides students with practical knowledge that complements their classroom learning.In addition to the well-established Workshop and Conventional Engineering Labs, the department features modern labs such as the Mechatronics Lab, CAD/CAM/CAE Lab, and e-Yantra. For research and development, students utilize advanced equipment like the stir casting furnace, biodiesel testing apparatus, and vibration analyzer. The department also houses specialized equipment, including a multi-cylinder diesel engine with cutting-edge features in the Internal Combustion Engine Laboratory, precision instruments in the Measurement Lab, and 3-D printing technology in the Mechatronics Lab

The department regularly organizes seminars, workshops, and short-term value-added courses such as CATIA, SolidWorks, and ANSYS, helping students stay updated with emerging technologies. Additionally, the department frequently arranges industry visits to power stations, manufacturing plants, and sugar factories, providing students with practical exposure to real-world applications of their studies.To foster initiative, creativity, leadership, and the ability to embrace new technologies, we encourage our students to participate in competitions like the Solar Championship and Weengs, where they design, manufacture, and test project models. Students also take part in exhibitions such as the University-level "Avishkar" and the DIPEX competition. Additionally, we motivate students to participate in technical events, seminars, and workshops organized by the Mechanical Engineering Students' Association (MESA).
The department has built strong industry goodwill through ongoing collaboration and the mutual exchange of academic and industry expertise. At the Mechanical Engineering Department, we establish MoUs with local and regional industries, enhancing the department's reputation within the broader academic and professional communities. Final-year students undertake their engineering projects in various industries, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Our graduates have secured prominent positions in leading engineering industries, government, and semi-government organizations, while many are pursuing higher education at renowned institutions both in India and abroad. The Mechanical Engineering Department boasts a diverse and accomplished student body, with many students achieving successful placements in renowned companies over the past few years. Notable organizations where our students have been placed include TE Connectivity, Accenture, Cognizant, Advik Hi-Tech, TEK Components, TCS, and Mahindra CIE Automotive, among others.
Mechanical Engineering is a diverse and intellectually challenging discipline that incorporates emerging technologies and professional skills. The Mechanical Engineering Department at SKNCOE offers high-quality learning experiences that equip students to become globally competent professional engineers, fully prepared for successful careers.