Oorja Dorkar received her B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Surat, India, in 2022. Following her undergraduate studies, she worked with Bajaj Auto Limited, India, 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 involves Machine Learning and Deep Reinforcement Learning for connected vehicles, energy management systems and battery management. Currently, she is working with Stellantis for the design of traction inverters and thermal management systems.
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Oorja’s curiosity for engineering began early, sparked by assembling Lego car sets and a deep fascination with automobiles. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Surat, after clearing one of the most competitive entrance exams in the world.
Oorja actively participated in national-level competitions such as Formula Bharat and the Electric Go-Kart Championship, becoming the first female manager of her college’s Formula SAE team. She led the powertrain division, and the team won as Overall Champions, earning two design patents from the Government of India. At MG Motors India, she contributed to the development of the country’s first internet-enabled vehicle. For her final year project, she designed an airless tire model for two-wheelers, now under product patent review.
Oorja joined Bajaj Auto Limited in July 2022 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 performance earned her a promotion to Assistant Manager, where she introduced robotic systems and image-based defect detection, driving plant automation and reducing production cycle times. Oorja is currently pursuing her master’s degree under the supervision of Dr. Ali Emadi, at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC).
She contributes to the car of the future, in collaboration with an industry project with Stellantis, focusing on advanced power electronics and thermal management systems for electric vehicles. Her research interests span control system modeling, connected vehicles, and battery management strategies for transportation electrification. She enjoys working as a research assistant and teaching assistant for mechanical engineering courses.
