2020: I solved manufacturing issues that Elon Musk cares. 2021: I created a team from 0 to 20 and co-initiated 100+ projects. Trained 500+ engineers in next 3 years 2022: Built a Manufacturing Analytics system and made that a 2023: GenAI with Manufacturing From a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, high-speed, structured learning experience, I’m now a Data Scientist & Product Manager, A Mechanical Engineer and Software Engineer, A Leader, and a lifelong learner.

Zhitao Gao

Work Experience

2021.06 - Present, Tesla Shanghai Digital Transformation from 0 to 1

Responsibilities:

1. Design a digital transformation blueprint for a manufacturing organization, including identifying business opportunities and developing a data strategy. Execute transformation with cross-function business teams. Coordinate with colleges at multiple levels, from ICs to senior directors/VPs. 300+ engineers and leaders

2. Design and development of Industry AI applications, from concept to technical architecture, implementation, and delivery of business value. Achieved business value of 10+ million.

3. Data Science Partner of all manufacturing businesses, helping make better decisions and drive actions from data science insights.

Key Projects

1. LLM(Large Language Model) based knowledge management system, data analytics and chat functions. Helping reduced hundreds of hours engineering time.

2. Created multiple data products providing manufacturing data management and analytics, process monitoring, and advanced process control covering most of the manufacturing value chain,

3. Yield analysis system for multiple processes, e.g., drive unit, battery, printed circuit board, assembly, welding, and high-pressure die casting, accelerated ramp-up and saved millions of scrap costs.

4. A holistic Predictive Maintenance approach and its implementation covered the majority of equipment, including robots, motors,

5. Developed lightweight Operation Monitoring frameworks to enable user-created data analytics tools. Including building data pipelines and data warehousing. Covered 200+ customized analytics functions.

6. Create a data product providing vehicle remote diagnostics and repair procedures.

2020.02 - 2021.06, Tesla Data Scientist solved critical manufacturing issues

• I solved multiple complex manufacturing issues, by using a deep understanding of manufacturing, analytical skills, and software skills. including
• Led root cause analysis of battery production and improved yield from 50% to 95%

• Built vision systems guiding the process instead of manual positioning, saving 10% cycle time.

• Built live dashboard with Python front-end framework

2018.02 - 2020.01, Data & AI Specialist, SAIC-General Motors(Joint Venture), Fostered a data culture

• Plan and execute the strategy of adopting AI and Data Analytics solutions in Manufacturing Engineering. Became “AI Lead” of entire manufacturing functions including Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Logistic, and Production Operation shops.

• Create Business Intelligence Applications for management-level

• Trainer of 100+ engineers in Data Analytics and AI

• Consultant on Computer Vision System Predictive Maintenance Application

2017.07 - 2018.02 Adam Opel GmbH, Ruesselsheim (Germany)

• Developed Machine learning based prediction model for energy consumption, reduced error by 80% in comparison with original method, become standard prediction method for whole organization

• Development of KPIs for evaluation of energy performance during shutdown time.

• Statistical benchmarking of energy efficiency in automotive manufacturing sites, implemented with KNIME, Python and R.

2016.08 — 2017.03 ROBERT BOSCH (Associate Fuel Pump Association), South Carolina (USA)

• Designed KPIs for production loss analysis and visualize with BI tools (Tableau)

• Production process improvement and productivity improvement projects including analyzing of a balancing machine, ergonomic improvement of inspection station

• Development of automatic data analysis & reporting system with VBA

10.2015 - 2016.03 ROBERT BOSCH, Munich (Germany)

Skills

Education

2013 - 2017 Technical University Darmstadt, Germany

1. Lean Production and Production Management

2. Mechanical Design Innovation with multi-disciplinary tech stacks

2009 - 2013 Northwestern Polytechnical University,

Awards & Social Activities

1. Co-Founder of an Industrial AI Community covering hundreds of industrial leaders and practitioners

2. A podcaster and content creator

3. Recipient of the Shanghai Wisdom Craftsman Award