Colin Bell, MBA, EIT

Supplier Transitions Manufacturing Engineer at Bell Flight

Dallas, Texas, United States

About

I solve problems in creative and efficient ways. Degrees in Business Administration (MBA) from LSU and Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Ohio State have given me experience developing both technical and non-technical skills. As a manufacturing engineer with a passion for driving operational excellence, I have a proven track record of effectively collaborating with suppliers to optimize production processes and ensure high-quality, cost-effective solutions for onboarded suppliers for pre-existing aircraft parts. With a strong background in lean manufacturing principles and supply chain management, I excel in fostering strategic partnerships with suppliers to streamline operations, reduce lead times, and enhance overall efficiency. Experience in Airframe Analysis and Aircraft Aerodynamics provide a broad knowledge of engineering concepts. In past roles at Bell Flight, as a Stress Analyst for the Bell V-280, I work within the FLRAA bid to design and optimize the Fixed Fin and Rudder/Elevator components of the tail of the aircraft. The use of FEM programs and classical engineering math equations ensure that the changes and trade studies proposed on the tail of the aircraft can outperform the requirements set forth by the United States Military.

Experience

  • Bell Flight (Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex)
    • Manufacturing Project Engineer - Supplier Transitions
      Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    • V-280 (MV-75) Empennage Stress Mechanical Engineer
      Jun 2022 - Sep 2024 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      Worked to optimize the design layout of the Empennage of the Bell V-280 to reduce weight by 90 lbs in 6 months while maintaining safety and exceeding the standards set forth by United States Military. In result, the United States Army selected Bell's aircraft design to win the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) contract bid in December 2022, resulting in an expected lifetime award of 70 Billion Dollars for the company. Worked within HyperX, Patran/Nastran, ANSYS, and HyperMesh engineering programs to construct and analyze finite element models of reactions on the Empennage. Reduced total weight of empennage of aircraft by over 30% by analyzing possible replacement designs and completing weight optimization trade studies. Verified the Empennage’s completed design was structurally valid and possible from structural and aerospace engineering equations.

  • The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio, United States)
    • Audio Visual Technician at the Ohio Union
      Jan 2022 - Jun 2022 · 6 mos

    • Undergraduate Engineering Teaching Assistant
      Aug 2020 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Classes Taught Autumn 2020 & Spring 2021 - ME 2020 Mechanics Autumn 2021 - ME 2040 Accelerated Statics + Mechanics Spring 2022 - ME 2030 Dynamics Conducted an recitation weekly to a class of second and third year engineering students. Topics were reenforced in optional office hours to ensure students fully understood the past and current topics from the class.

  • Continuous Improvement Intern at Bell Flight
    Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 · 3 mos

    Worked within the Operations Excellence team to identify and implement solutions of waste in the helicopter customization process. Designed maskings for the painting stage for laborious sections of the Bell 407 aircraft to reduce the time required to tape by multiple hours. Worked with the Aeronautical Accessories managers to help design and apply changes wished for in the manufacturing processes done on-site.

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant for the College of Agricultural Engineering at The Ohio State University
    Jan 2020 - May 2020 · 5 mos

    Designed new farming equipment to help enhance and improve traditional farming techniques. Designed new axles for equipment to allow for towing by tractors of different brands and clearance sizes.

  • Cashier Customer Service at Monettes Market
    May 2018 - Aug 2018 · 4 mos

    Provided customer service at checkout and enhanced teamwork and communication Needed to memorize constantly changing produce prices to maintain efficiency Responsible for the overall appearance of store and restocked inventory