Akhil Nair

About Akhil Nair

Hi! I’m a Senior Engineer, Advanced Process Controls and Optimization at Corning\'s MT & E group. I specialize in the Technology team’s core competencies, including Model Predictive Control (MPC), Real-Time Optimization (RTO), Scheduling, High performance computing and Deep Machine Learning. We develop controls and optimization solutions from scratch at scale which cater to each of Corning\'s industrial verticals.I completed my graduate studies in Chemical Engineering and AI at Carnegie Mellon University, with a focus on Multi-Criteria Decision Making in Process Systems Engineering (PSE). My research centered on enhancing the circularity of PET plastic production supply chains, utilizing surrogate models and Multi-Objective Mixed Integer Optimization (MOMIP). Additionally, I have 5 years of experience in the energy industry with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Government of India public sector undertaking and leading oil and gas refining company, where I contributed to refinery production planning, strategic initiatives, data-driven process improvements, and turnaround management. My roles spanned Supply chain optimization, Process engineering, Advanced process controls, and Refinery operations.

Experience

1. Sr Engineer Advanced Controls and Optimization

   Corning Incorporated

   Jan 2025 — Present · NY, US

   Advanced Model Based controls and Optimization Strategies :• Engineered dynamic process models using Subspace Identification and machine learning algorithms to enhance predictive accuracy.• Spearheaded the team’s advancement in Real-Time Optimization (RTO) by integrating explainable AI and physics-informed deep surrogate models for complex, high-variability systems.(RTR\'s, pending Patent)• Developing a proprietary Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) scheduling framework to address capacity utilization challenges under uncertainty for Cables.Business Integration & Strategic Impact• Enabled cross-functional expansion into new Corning business verticals by identifying and implementing process control and improvement opportunities.• Delivered project break-even analyses and led project management initiatives, fostering strong relationships with emerging business segments.

Education

• Government Engineering College, Thrissur

  Bachelor of Technology - BTech

  2013 — 2017

• Carnegie Mellon University

  Masters in Chemical Engineering (PSE) / MS - Artificial Intelligence

  2023