Michael O'Connell

Director of Salient Systems

Greater Chicago Area

About

Innovative mechanical engineer with experience working in the Railroad industry.

Experience

  • LB Foster (16 yrs 6 mos)
    • Director of Salient Systems
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Leading the rail technology division, Salient Systems at LB Foster.

    • Technology Sales, Business Development and Product Manager
      Nov 2020 - Jan 2025 · 4 yrs 3 mos

      Leading a Rail Technology business with multiple wayside safety system product lines. Responsible for daily operations and strategic vision for Sales, Product Management, Engineering and Operations. - Leading a team of Technology Sales Engineers to sell, market and price complex wayside systems for the rail industry - Executed a strategy to financially rehabilitate the business - Planning to expand the business into high impact value technology product lines

    • Manager of Technology Sales - Americas
      Oct 2018 - Nov 2020 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Total Track Monitoring is a Transnational Technology Business focused on bringing new to World monitoring systems to the rail industry. These systems include: - Grade Crossing Monitoring using Insight LiDAR - Rockfall Monitoring using Insight LiDAR - Avalanche/Landslide Detection using Inline Tilt Tags - Flood Monitoring using Inline Flood Poles Automation & Material Handling has developed an automatic high speed Debander for the food and beverage. This is an essential solution for any large scale bottling operation.

  • Project Engineer at Trinity Industries
    Feb 2008 - Jul 2009 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Trinity Industries: A multi-industry company that owns a variety of market-leading businesses, which provide products and services to the industrial, energy, transportation and construction sectors.; In my short time at Trinity Industries I have already had an immense impact on railroad industry, due to my ability to combine creativity with a solid engineering background. Engineer responsible for the design and implementation of new grain railcar gate operating system. Interpreted future market trends and utilized this information as a key project contributor in railcar design direction to improve on efficiency, quality and cost. Highly collaborative engineer focused on partnering with cross-functional team members to identify opportunities that accelerate time-lines, brainstorm innovative solutions and improve on product quality. Strong ability to effectively manage and deliver multiple objectives with short lead times and frequent changes in direction.

  • Mathematics Teaching Assistant at Michigan State University
    Oct 2007 - Jan 2008 · 4 mos

    Prepared and presented exciting and unique lectures for recitations. Took an active role to help struggling students. Received excellent reviews from both lecturer and students.

  • Research/Design Engineer at RWTH Aachen University
    Jan 2007 - Jun 2007 · 6 mos

    RWTH is one of Europe's leading institutions for science and research. IKT is a leading engineering design firm.; Designed a new Sandwich test method based on the requirement to meet German Standards. Researched and identified cutting edge sandwich panel technologies and applications. Green liaison focused on identifying and communicating key environmental sustainable policies and practices currently utilized in the German engineering process. Performed FEM testing, analyzed data and generated reports for a four-point test focused on sandwich panels.

  • Engineering Intern at 2005 W & R Management
    May 2005 - Jul 2005 · 3 mos

    Studied the relationships between different incoming air flows in order to achieve the correct volume flow rate and temperature. Set up interconnected excel spreadsheets to increase data input efficiency. Installed and maintained air flow equipment in a GM truck plant.