Led a special assignment for the NASA 3D Printed Habitat Centennial Challenge. Directed a 30-member team consisting of technical and non-technical personnel from all sponsoring organizations, including Caterpillar (primary sponsor), Bradley University, NASA, Bechtel Corp, and Brick and Mortar Ventures. Co-authored and published the competition rules, gaining buy-in and consensus from the team. Designed special test equipment and fixtures for final phase of the competition.

Managed 20 individual projects within the Machine Concepts and Fuel Efficiency focus areas, accounting for $10M. Provided hands-on project support for complex systems integration and mechanical design problems. Supervised a staff of junior engineers, mentoring and training on processes and procedures. Prioritized projects based on Caterpillar value, customer value, and product group strategies. Collaborated with machine group to create a purpose built autonomous machine concept that was showcased for senior leadership. Developed and demonstrated innovative semi-autonomous machine control features within eight months by leveraging RADAR, LIDAR, GPS, machine vision, and machine-to-machine (M2M) data radios. Conducted a demonstration and ride-and-drive to showcase the project to executive leadership.  Established a technology roadmap for semi-autonomous operator assist features, including track-type tractors, excavators, wheel loaders, off-highway trucks, and motor graders. Utilized the output to launch follow-on projects. Consulted on mechanical design and systems integration for three separate electric micro-hybrid & stop-start projects, including resolving a major belt drive failure, analyzing machine cycle data for engine downsize opportunity, and personally testing machines. Conducted a comprehensive study that determined the feasibility of natural gas as a suitable alternative fuel and delivered the findings to chief engineers and key customers via a webinar. Resolved major waste customer discontent in collaboration with the marketing team and CAT dealers. Won back a lost waste customer, with a new bucket design, which generated $900k in immediate sales.

Oversaw concurrent project and process development project for Tier 4 Engine Air systems. Managed a team of 20+ engineers delivering new manifolds, exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) components, and turbo chargers for C9.3, C13, C15, and C18 engines.  Represented the Air Systems team for stage-gate reviews in the New Product Introduction process (NPI).  Launched new engine air systems for Tier 4 in 2010 with zero major warranty problems. Developed dozens of machine specific air system arrangements for CAT machines and OEM customers.

Served as the team lead for EGR valves, EGR flow measurement components, and truck engine air compressors to meet 2007 on-highway emissions regulations. Developed a new low-pressure loop EGR valve from concept to production and PPAP by collaborating with the supplier to design for automated machining and assembly.  Reduced manufacturing costs and enabled component manufacturing to stay close to the engine facility. Established a venturi type EGR flow measurement system using flow bench tests to create maps and physics-based models. Performed Mote Carlo simulations on engine test cells to prove on-engine system was as capable as the actual test cell.  Resolved air compressor noise and installation problems on 15 customer truck chassis. Facilitated and completed a lengthy DFMEA and PFMEA for a new off-shore air compressor supplier.

Served as an application engineer for hydraulic cartridge valves, hydraulic circuits, and engine actuators.  Designed and built initial prototype low-pressure loop EGR valves for the 2007 engine program by collaborating with the actuator supplier to integrate the valve and the actuator. Resolved issues with a backhoe loader steering circuit by working with the backhoe loader team to validate the fix. Designed and validated a unique coolant control valve to prevent over-cooling of on-highway truck engines operating in cold climates. Changed valve source and reduced cost by 65%.

 Developed attachments for ag and construction telehandlers. Visited customers to observe machines in the applications and gather requiremetns for new generation product.

 Performed lift, steering, and breaking tests on backhoe loaders per SAE standards Traveled to customer test sites to monitor machine health, record failures, and capture operator comments. Designed hydraulic lines, steering column, and new fuel tank for 3 industrial tractor models. Organized customer field events where New Holland and competitive machines were operated and scored.

Co-op Student then full time in equipment management