Oorja Dorkar received her bachelor of technology in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Surat, India, in 2022. She then worked at Bajaj Auto Limited as an assistant manager in component development, focusing on engine transmission parts for the launch of Triumph India. In September 2023, Oorja joined the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) as a master’s student. Her research focuses on machine learning and deep reinforcement learning for connected vehicles, energy management systems, and battery management. She is currently collaborating with Stellantis on the design of traction inverters and thermal management systems.
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Oorja Dorkar has always been fascinated by how things move and work — a curiosity first sparked by assembling LEGO car sets and a deep love for automobiles. She pursued her bachelor of technology in mechanical engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Surat, after clearing one of the most competitive entrance exams in the world.
During her undergraduate studies, Oorja was actively involved in national-level competitions such as Formula Bharat and the Electric Go-Kart Championship. She became the first female manager of her college’s Formula SAE team, leading the powertrain division to an overall championship win and earning two design patents from the Government of India. She also worked with MG Motor India on the country’s first internet-enabled vehicle, and her final-year project — an airless tire design for two-wheelers — is currently under product patent review.
In July 2022, Oorja joined Bajaj Auto Limited as a graduate trainee engineer, contributing to the design and development of forged engine components for KTM and the launch of Triumph motorcycles in India. Her work led to a promotion to assistant manager, where she introduced robotic systems and image-based defect detection to improve plant automation and reduce production cycle times.
In September 2023, she joined the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) as a master’s student under the supervision of Dr. Ali Emadi. She is currently contributing to the development of the car of the future through an industry collaboration with Stellantis, focusing on traction inverter design and thermal management systems for electric vehicles. Her research interests include machine learning, control system modelling, connected vehicles, and battery management strategies for transportation electrification. She also enjoys her roles as a research assistant and teaching assistant in mechanical engineering courses.
