David Schaefer Email & Phone Number

Downers Grove, Il, Us

Itasca, Illinois

Mechanical lead on several key, interrelated projects for next generation of test solutions for the Performance Audio MEMS microphone business. When complete in late 2016, this will become the new test platform for all new microphone projects. Upon completion, development time for new systems is expected to decrease from 9-12 months to 3-6 months. In this role, I will use my experience as manager to bring together all necessary team members and driving the project goals and schedule.

Itasca, Illinois

• Leader of multiple disciplines including mechanical engineers, mechanical drafters and PCB layout specialists.• Successfully managed the implementation of a product data management (PDM) system for 5 different R&D groups. Trained and provided support to users in the United States, Asia and Europe.• Directed the design efforts for noise isolating test system in use for all “low noise” MEMS microphones.• Sponsored and technical lead of an innovative method for making… Show more • Leader of multiple disciplines including mechanical engineers, mechanical drafters and PCB layout specialists.• Successfully managed the implementation of a product data management (PDM) system for 5 different R&D groups. Trained and provided support to users in the United States, Asia and Europe.• Directed the design efforts for noise isolating test system in use for all “low noise” MEMS microphones.• Sponsored and technical lead of an innovative method for making electrical contact with microphone during final test. Key benefits are 90% reduction in changeover time and high performance acoustic testing in high volume production.• Managed development of specialized tape & reel equipment Coordinated resources, schedules and budgets between Asian automation supplier and software creation in the Knowles (China) factory.• Created factory mechanical engineering team to support sustaining engineering efforts.• Subject matter expert within the Performance Audio business unit for product data management (PDM) systems and CAD tools (SolidWorks/Creo/AutoCAD). Show less

Itasca, Illinois

• U.S. Patent #7,477,756, Isolating deep canal fitting earphone• Developed the standards, templates and best practices for 2D and 3D CAD modeling. Trained new mechanical and package design engineers to ensure consistency in all product documentation.• Team lead for a directional microphone array used by translators at the EU parliament. Developed and oversaw the design, fabrication and assembly of mechanical components and circuit boards.• Oversaw the conversion from 2D to… Show more • U.S. Patent #7,477,756, Isolating deep canal fitting earphone• Developed the standards, templates and best practices for 2D and 3D CAD modeling. Trained new mechanical and package design engineers to ensure consistency in all product documentation.• Team lead for a directional microphone array used by translators at the EU parliament. Developed and oversaw the design, fabrication and assembly of mechanical components and circuit boards.• Oversaw the conversion from 2D to 3D CAD of the entire specialty transducer product line. This required searching the ERP system for current bill of materials, comparing to legacy drawings and confirming with production in China and Malaysia. Show less

Itasca, Illinois

Des Plaines, Illinois

NeoMek Inc. is a regional firm providing mechanical engineering services. Customers range from small electromechanical devices to heavy equipment. Major tasks often incorporated cost reduction, part count reduction, conceptual design, D-FMEA, and product maintenance. Management duties included supervising and assigning projects to design engineers and training engineers on the use of CAD software. • On-site assignment in California with Lockheed Martin. Successfully routed 12… Show more NeoMek Inc. is a regional firm providing mechanical engineering services. Customers range from small electromechanical devices to heavy equipment. Major tasks often incorporated cost reduction, part count reduction, conceptual design, D-FMEA, and product maintenance. Management duties included supervising and assigning projects to design engineers and training engineers on the use of CAD software. • On-site assignment in California with Lockheed Martin. Successfully routed 12 rigid coax lines through a fixed opening in the bulkhead. Several iterations were explored to provide a configuration that satisfied all requirements. • Lead engineer on a cost reduction redesign of the Long Range Scrubber for Tornado / Karcher. Successfully reduced the overall cost by 30%. Created new “family styling” of product utilizing Industrial Design concept renderings. Show less

Mem, Engineering Management

Bsme, Mechanical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Fencing Club