Roger Kifer Email & Phone Number

I enjoy helping companies realize their product potential. Be that improving existing product or new product development. I work with customers on providing strategic leadership and technical direction that drives revenue, market share, quality, and profit improvement. By delivering innovative solutions to complex problems and by empowering people to take on responsibility for success.I’ve worked the last 15 years in SOGAV (Solenoid Operated Gas Admission Valves) which is basically a large gaseous fuel injector. In February 2023 Woodward released the world’s first IGF Code compatible SOGAV for production. I was the Lead Project Engineer for that product, and it was the culmination of many years of work from many dedicated individuals.I started in SOGAV as a Product Engineer where I was the first line of defense for problem identification and resolution. I took on many roles in this function depending on what was needed including Test Engineer, Supplier and Product Quality Engineer, and Process Engineer at different times. Continuous improvement was needed to reduce product variation, reduce risk, and maximize profitability. This positioned me well to become a Design Engineer. As a Design Engineer I was the person responsible for every aspect of the product from cost, delivery, design, validation, and manufacturability. I had design input on every new SOGAV produced in the last decade and helped to turn the product into what it is today. A personnel shortage led to me taking on more organizational responsibilities which resulted in me becoming the Technical Lead Engineer and eventually the Engineering Manager for Engineers and Designers.I started as the SOGAV Engineering Manager and eventually became the New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineering Manager for the Large Engine team. In this role I helped to develop, inspire, and coach a team of engineers working on products from wastegates, hot valves, small engine valves and actuators, and of course SOGAV. Eventually, the IGF Code compatible SOGAV project was languishing due to the lack of a Lead Engineer, and I jumped at the chance to create this first of its kind product.The IGF Code SOGAV105 is the world’s first production of its kind to be certified for use in marine engines since 1-Jan-2017. This project required coordination and agreement from a multi-national team of Compliance Engineers, Woodward’s customers, and our design team. It may well be the most complicated certification in existence and our team got it done.