Returned to the US to focus on future products, diversification, and key OEM relationships. Re-engaged with OEMs for tape automation product direction. Responsible for the storage business product roadmap and management of strategic customer IBM. Led integration and setup of new, strategic customer and subsequent launch of products. Defined next generation product line, developed and sold business plan to internal shareholders, and collaboratively closed deals with key OEM customers. Managed programs to customize, qualify and launch new platform at strategic customers.

Moved to corporate headquarters in Germany to lead the development of a new scalable tape library platform. Fulfilled two distinct roles while there. Managed team formation, detailed product definition and program plan development. Led team of 40+ developers and support resources through launch and production ramp. Managed program including extensive software feature development using an Agile SCRUM-based process.

Responsible for the product roadmap and collaborated with the Tier-1 OEMs for next-generation features and functions. Developed marketing requirements documents and business plans for all new storage products. Defined new scalable library platform and sold the business internally and to OEM customers.

Managed all business and technical relationships with key OEM customer IBM. Managed the qualification and launch of two tape libraries with IBM and their OEM customers. Consistently recognized by OEM customers as a top supplier with excellent ratings.

Managed the cross-functional program team responsible for the definition, development, qualification, launch, and volume ramp of a new family of mid-range tape automation products. Responsible for all executive-level program reviews. Initiated the creation and led the implementation of a new phase-gate development process for the Storage Solutions Division, resulting in shorter and more predictable product launch windows.

Managed process development, test development and prototype materials staff. Defined and documented operations strategy for the new autoloader business. Developed tools and processes, and managed the procurement for all materials required to support development, engineering and pre-production builds. Created the requirements package for quotation of production at contract manufacturers. Subsequently managed the qualification and launch of production at the facility in Malaysia.

Defined the role of the licensing engineering team and developed relationships with the Licensee’s technical team. Staffed and managed an engineering team to support Tandberg Data’s Norwegian tape-drive production.Developed processes and a comprehensive plan to transfer future products to the licensee; managed the successful implementation of two programs.

As Research and Development Manager, managed a staff of 18 during the closure of a business unit. Key participant in the planning to ensure seamless product supply and support until the customers completed transition to their new source. Direct report to the president.As Sensor Development Supervisor, managed a staff of development engineers and technicians. Implemented a comprehensive generic program plan for use on future product development efforts. Provided the technical response for new business Requests for Quotation.As Development Program Manager, managed all aspects of the development of an automotive accelerometer family, which was used in automotive airbag systems. Coordinated activities of multiple departments to achieve program objectives.As Simultaneous Engineer, represented manufacturing engineering on product development teams during early stages of sensor product development. Developed manufacturing processes and capital budgets for multiple product development efforts. Obtained capital funding for product development and manufacturing programs.

As Lead Manufacturing Project Engineer, led the design of a new manufacturing process and the implementation of a $10+ million manufacturing line for multiple designs of new anti-lock brake control modules. Completed program from concept through launch and production ramp.As Advanced Manufacturing Engineer, specified, designed and implemented an automated material handling system for a green field automotive electronics manufacturing facility. The system included autonomous guided vehicles (AGV’s) and automated storage / retrieval system to support purchased parts and finished goods for the company’s flagship 600,000 sq. ft. facility with $700 million in annual revenues.