Roger Kifer

Roger Kifer Email and Phone Number

Production Engineering Manager @ Walker Manufacturing Company
Fort Collins, CO, US
Roger Kifer's Location
Greater Fort Collins Area, United States
About Roger Kifer

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.

Roger Kifer's Current Company Details
Walker Manufacturing Company

Walker Manufacturing Company

View
Production Engineering Manager
Fort Collins, CO, US
Website:
walkermowers.com
Employees:
57
Roger Kifer Work Experience Details
  • Walker Manufacturing Company
    Production Engineering Manager
    Walker Manufacturing Company
    Fort Collins, Co, Us
  • Walker Manufacturing Company
    Product Engineer
    Walker Manufacturing Company Oct 2023 - Present
    Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
  • Woodward, Inc.
    Mechanical Development Engineer
    Woodward, Inc. Jul 2019 - 2023
    Fort Collins, Colorado Area
    Led a cross-functional team and international certifying bodies to conceptualize, design, and ultimately release to production the world’s only IGF Code compliant SOGAV.• Broke down the new standard into its component parts to understand the design constraints.• Conceptualized and reviewed design ideas with Certifying Body to harmonize agreement.• Designed, tested, and validated the only Zone 0 valve (and similar sizes) in existence. The product was released for production in March, 2023.
  • Woodward, Inc.
    Engineering Manager
    Woodward, Inc. Aug 2016 - Jul 2019
    Supported, managed, and inspired the Small and Large Engine NPI Engineering Teams. Estimated resource needs and schedules and assign work to meet completion dates.• Communicated regarding designs, advancements, and problem resolution.• Reviewed team’s output and provide coaching to advance the team’s mission.
  • Woodward, Inc.
    Sogav Development Engineer
    Woodward, Inc. Jan 2011 - Aug 2016
    Fort Collins, Colorado Area
    Project Lead Engineer in developing new SOGAV technology and products. Led engineering aspects of multiple projects to create new SOGAV sizes and styles and develop new technology.• Supported Woodward’s customer through problems analysis and technical problem solving to excite the customer to continue to use and promote SOGAV.
  • Woodward
    Senior Product Engineer
    Woodward Jun 2005 - Jan 2011
    Fort Collins, Colorado Area
    Eliminated customer and production problems both proactively and reactively. • Eliminated largest warranty problems. • Analyzed quality trends and direct members in the resolution of quality problems for a reduction in the cost of poor quality.

Roger Kifer Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Roger Kifer

What company does Roger Kifer work for?

Roger Kifer works for Walker Manufacturing Company

What is Roger Kifer's role at the current company?

Roger Kifer's current role is Production Engineering Manager.

What schools did Roger Kifer attend?

Roger Kifer attended Colorado School Of Mines, Rose-Hulman Institute Of Technology.

Who are Roger Kifer's colleagues?

Roger Kifer's colleagues are Jeffrey Odell, Jessica Barnes, Seth Smith, Mark M, Scott Meyer, Maggie Dillavou, Benjamin Miller.

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