Michael Apel Email & Phone Number

Raleigh, Nc, Us

Apex, North Carolina, United States

Reporting directly to the VP of R&D, I provide strategic leadership for the Engineering Services department, encompassing the Test Lab, Prototype Shop, CAD team, and software subscriptions. My primary focus is on driving operational excellence, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and aligning departmental objectives with the broader R&D goals to support innovation and business growth.Key Responsibilities:Lead and mentor a high-performing team of Test Technicians, Model Makers, Test Engineers, and CAD designers, ensuring skill development and alignment with R&D initiatives.Strategically oversee the Lab and Shop operations, prioritizing the timely and high-quality delivery of test results, prototypes, and design validation to support product development and innovation.Manage the CAD team and oversee software subscriptions, ensuring the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that enhance R&D capabilities.Cultivate strong relationships with external partners and vendors, making critical decisions on outsourcing to optimize project execution and resource allocation.Oversee preventive maintenance, equipment calibration, and asset management strategies to maintain the highest standards of operational efficiency and accuracy.Develop and implement comprehensive test methodologies for product performance evaluations, providing actionable insights and root cause analysis to guide design and engineering decisions.Manage key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintain a robust system for tracking test data, work orders, and operational processes to drive continuous improvement.Lead capital investment strategies for the Lab and Shop, including planning for future equipment, capabilities, and infrastructure to support long-term R&D growth.Champion 5S and Lean principles to maintain a world-class, safe, and efficient working environment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all operations.

Apex, North Carolina, United States

Reporting to the VP, R&D I manage the day-to-day operation for the Lab and Shop with a team of Test-Technicians, Model Makers and Test Engineer. This includes managing test requests / work orders and design of test fixtures and prototypes. Procurement of materials and supplies. Responsible for industry standards library and equipment maintenance. Key Responsibilities • Maintain a proper trained staff related to safety and required protocols to ensure a safe working area. • Have full oversight to Lab & Shop equipment, workload, personnel and ensure timely execution of project work. Delivering high-quality, accurate data for design validation and functionality. • Work with outside vendors on complex projects and determine whether to outsource work. • Oversee Lab equipment, capital needs, and a vision for future growth and enhancement • Schedule routine maintenance and servicing of shop & lab equipment and machines to ensure smooth, trouble free operation. Manage calibration of equipment and maintain scheduled servicing. • Maintain clean and efficient work environment using 5S – daily action • Work independently or with the team, proactively with a strong sense of urgency • Create and implement test procedures for product performance testing of our product and competitor’s product • Perform statistical analysis of the test results and provide engineering feedback and root cause analysis to help identify areas of product improvement • Manage request system and maintain organized database with test reports, work orders, test procedures, and library of industry standards. Track and present KPIs for areas of improvement. • Maintain Test Lab & Shop and all fixtures and equipment required for testing and be actively involved in the design and review of new equipment and test fixtures • Design and procure fixtures/equipment required by test procedures

Apex, North Carolina

Senior Test Technician supporting global R&D, marketing and quality control. My job is to perform product testing, failure analysis and recommend product design improvements. Roles and responsibilities:- Developing and improving product testing capabilities including designing new automated test fixtures and testing methods- Perform tests to ASME, DIN, ISO, GOV, Brand specifications and standards - First article inspection using GD&T including handheld, multi-sensor & optical CMM- Material Analysis and Micro–Hardness Testing- Product design meetings to review failure analysis and provide product improvement recommendations- Communicating feedback on all ongoing product development projects to involved departments

Marktheidenfeld, Bavaria, Germany

Mr. Apel has extensive expertise in his field. He perceived complex relationships and the essential information and was able to find quick solutions. His ability to judge accurately was facilitated by his clear and logical thought, which led him to draw the relevant adequate conclusions. Mr. Apel took the initiative and showed above-average commitment to his tasks and our company. He was also able to cope with a heavy workload without having planned for it in advance. Mr. Apel always worked reliably and conscientiously. He worked independently and efficiently, found good solutions and had new ideas. Mr. Apel followed the work safety regulations and handled equipment and materials in an exemplary manner.Mr. Apel always fulfilled the tasks assigned to him to our full satisfaction. His behavior was always impeccable. He was appreciated by his superiors, colleagues and coworkers.Mr. Apel is leaving our company at his own request today. We would like to thank him for his consistently good performance and wish him all the best in the future and great success in both his professional and personal life.

Wuerzburg, Bavaria, Germany

Mr. Apel was a very responsible employee. He adapted quickly to changes, made effort to improve his knowledge on a regular basis and applied his impressive skills with great success. He fulfilled his tasks with the utmost care and accuracy.Mr. Apel's work was of good quality and he always went above and beyond what was required of him. He fulfilled his tasks to the utmost satisfaction. His assistance was especially noteworthy in 2014 and 2015, when the manager took a year off for health reasons.His behavior towards colleagues, supervisors and often demanding customers was always exemplary.We were completely satisfied with his approach and communication skills.In 2015, Mr. Apel passed his exam as German Meister of Automotive Technician with honors (Bavarian State Prize).Mr. Apel is leaving our company on March 31, 2017 of his own volition to seek new opportunities for career growth.We thank Mr. Apel for the successful cooperation and regret his leaving. We wish him all the best in the future.