Develop capability to manufacture 10+ products, from material specification and sourcing through high volume automation. Implement low volume manual production; pilot runs; and phased automation from single work cell to fully autonomous production. Define process capabilities for raw material, identify automation technologies, and conceptualize overall production system architecture.

Joined the office of the CEO as futurist and strategic project leader for the $800 million global supplier of structural building products. Promoted through increasingly responsible positions focused on market positioning, business growth, product expansion, and revenue protection through shifting economic, environmental and political climates. Ultimately led acquisition and integration efforts as well as related business process engineering to expand product portfolio and increase revenue potential. As Manager of Acquisitions and Integrations, led cross-functional teams and external consultants in the evaluation, acquisition, and integration of European and domestic companies.

Informed corporate strategy and served as advisor to the executive leadership team. Acquired specific knowledge through research, technical conferences and relationships with thought leaders to become the organization’s subject matter expert in 10 different technologies.

Served as the organization’s futurist reporting directly to the CEO. Completed detailed analyses and reviews of leading edge machines, materials, technologies and methodologies to enable the company to proactively capitalize on residential construction trends.

Ideated, designed and personally executed all aspects of the 24-month construction of a single-family residence including budgeting, land acquisition, planning, and construction. I’m proud to report that the resulting residence was selected by the American Institute of Architects for their 2011 tour. Key takeaways from this endeavor include:-Treat everyone with respect and they’ll help you achieve your goals.-I can confidently jump into the unknown, without knowledge or experience; learn the essentials; and emerge on the other side an SME and skilled practitioner.-It’s hugely satisfying to create something enduring.

Promoted through increasingly responsible positions from Systems Engineer to Director of Engineering. Reported directly to the CEO and managed a team of more than 50 mechanical, electrical, power electronics and software engineers in the specification, design, development and transfer to production of machine controllers, control components, and high-performance robotic equipment. Designed and programmed industry leading automated equipment. Clients included Nokia, Boeing, Siemens and Lam Research.As the System Software Manager, oversaw 18 software engineers developing custom machine control software for the communications, aerospace, semiconductor, and energy industries. Hired and trained new staff members. Implemented review processes and formal testing methods to improve delivered product quality. As the company's premier Technical Program Manager, led cross functional teams in the execution of some of the company's most challenging system engineering projects. Identified and codified best project management practices and trained staff in methods that replaced haphazard activity with a repeatable, efficient process.As a Mechanical and Systems Engineer, designed and implemented software controlled electromechanical systems. Discovered customer needs through interviews, independent research, and experimentation. Architected custom mechanisms and performed detailed design. Identified required sensing technology, identified sensors, and characterized their performance. Wrote operational and UI specifications and implemented and tested software to those specifications. Acted as technical expert to support consultative sales process and wrote proposals. Visited customer and installation sites to identify pain points; brainstormed solutions; and proposed expanded project boundaries to draw more functionality into project proposals.

Planned and executed an 8,600 mile cycle tour from Palo Alto, California to Quito, Ecuador that crossed Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia. This included transit of the roadless Darien Gap by pirogue, bicycle and on foot. Lessons learned include:-Remain open-minded and flexible so you can readily embrace opportunities and experiences that aren’t part of the original plan.-Treat every person you meet with respect and listen carefully. You can learn much from their stories and perspectives.-Money is lightweight, compact, and you can convert it to anything.-Sometimes attainment of a goal just requires copious amounts of repetitive effort and hard work.-I have the resolution, grit and determination to move forward on bold, ambitious, projects.