Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
Creative and innovative problem solver with a strong engineering background, skilled at quickly grasping new concepts and applying critical thinking. Dedicated to leveraging engineering expertise to tackle complex challenges and foster innovative solutions.
In March 2025, I stepped away from General Motors following the birth of my youngest daughter and an associated family leave. This period became an unplanned but valuable career break, allowing me to prioritize my family while reflecting on my professional path. Though my role at GM ended during this leave, I view the transition as an opportunity that strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and perspective. The time away allowed me to recharge and prepare for my next chapter with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Led FMVSS 201U vehicle compliance, testing, and CAE correlation across Cadillac EV programs. - Planned and executed multi-phase validation strategies for regulatory sign-off, covering full vehicles, subassemblies, components, and materials. - Engineered and validated component-level test protocols to enhance CAE model accuracy and close simulation-to-test validation gaps. - Utilized Python and Minitab to perform statistical analyses on thousands of CAE results, evaluating the impact of design, construction, and material variation. - Identified performance risks and led root-cause investigations using LS-DYNA, DOE planning, multiple regression, and reliability analysis. - Resolved design and performance issues through cross-functional collaboration with DREs, suppliers, and assembly teams, ensuring integration and reducing launch risk. - Delivered high-impact technical presentations to senior leadership, summarizing validation, design performance, risk mitigation, and launch readiness.
- Led full product lifecycle development for soft and hard goods, overseeing design, validation, supplier development, and compliance to improve performance and cost efficiency. - Served as Lead Engineer for new product lines from concept sketch to successful production launch, including soft and hard goods. - Achieved 15%+ cost savings across all shoulder pad models through competitive benchmarking, teardowns, material optimization, and cost-conscious design revisions. - Managed the selection, procurement, and rollout of Xenith's first PDM/PLM system, enabling structured data workflows and improved traceability. - Developed Xenith's PLM infrastructure and workflows to support ISO-9001 compliance and establish the company's first QMS system. - Created Xenith's first system-level FMEAs, APQP launch frameworks, and custom performance and test specifications for new products and components. - Ensured product compliance with industry and global regulatory standards, including NOCSAE, Virginia Tech, NFL-NFLPA, CE, UKCA, Prop 65, and CPSC. - Conducted competitive benchmarking and IP reviews through full product teardowns and patent research to inform IP-sensitive product development. - Interfaced with standards organizations (e.g., NOCSAE, CE, ASTM) and participated in technical committees to support new product standard development. - Implemented Xenith's FEA simulation workflows and led material innovation efforts, including developing a novel, durable polymer helmet shell. - Managed a collaborative research project with Wayne State University using the GHBMC Brain Model to support material characterization and NFL testing. - Built, commissioned, and maintained in-house impact testing equipment to ensure accurate, repeatable, and standards-compliant validation processes. - Communicated proposed standards changes and their potential product impacts to cross-functional product and quality teams.
- Managed the APQP, DVP&R, and PPAP processes for the Nissan Altima, Maxima, Rogue, and Infiniti QX50, ensuring successful product launches and alignment with manufacturing, safety performance, and quality standards. - Openly communicated with global teams to track project milestones and timing. - Engineered and executed complex seatbelt validation plans to ensure OEM and regulatory performance standards, including FMVSS 208, ECE R16, FMVSS 209, and FMVSS 210. - Created and maintained complex BOM structures, 2D engineering drawings, and manufacturing specifications. - Trained Nissan BU engineers and assumed program manager responsibilities when needed. - Provided onsite support to Autoliv Mexico City and Tijuana assembly plants to validate the production lines and build pre-production parts for Nissan. - Assumed the primary technical relationship with the customer for assigned projects.