Andy Vachon
Howell,MI
Summary
Dynamic Systems Engineering Lead with extensive expertise in electrical systems design and project management at UTAC. Demonstrated success in delivering complex engineering projects while optimizing team performance and achieving cost-effective solutions. Noteworthy problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities contribute to innovative outcomes that consistently exceed client expectations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Systems Engineering Lead SME
UTAC
Northville , MI
11.2024 - Current
- Created accurate project specifications, documenting in technical manuals.
- Conducted research into potential solutions for complex engineering problems.
- Reviewed customer requirements and specifications to identify areas for improvement in product design or performance.
- Coordinated activities with suppliers, contractors or other departments.
- Collaborated with other departments, such as marketing, sales and finance, to develop strategies that met customer needs while maintaining profitability.
- Maintained a high level of communication between various departments to ensure efficient workflow.
- Evaluated vendor proposals for cost effectiveness and efficiency.
- Established goals for engineering team members and monitored their progress towards meeting those goals.
- Created and maintained detailed records of engineering activities, processes, and results.
- Prepared estimates and budgets.
- Researched feasibility, design or performance of components or systems.
- Designed materials for industrial or commercial applications.
- Provided technical guidance to junior engineers in the completion of assigned tasks.
- Analyzed design or requirement information for equipment or systems.
- Fulfilled orders by successfully planning, budgeting, and coordinating projects.
- Generated engineering documentation and oversaw design projects.
- Formulated plans using detailed drawings.
- Drafted technical documents such as user manuals and installation instructions, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new products and features.
- Monitored the progress of all engineering projects from conception to completion.
- Determined design criteria or specifications.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Maintained up-to-date records of all transactions related to SME activities.
- Wrote and submitted reports on industry trends, prompting managers to develop business plans.
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
- Assisted in developing strategic plans for long-term success of the company.
- Audited company's legal documents to verify compliant policies and procedures.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Utilized CAD software to create and revise electrical schematics and layouts.
- Evaluated electrical systems, products, components, and applications by applying knowledge of electricity and materials.
- Reviewed contractors' schedules and submission of shop drawings and samples.
- Specified and sourced electrical components and equipment, ensuring compatibility and compliance with project requirements.
- Performed cost analysis on materials needed for upcoming projects.
- Monitored electrical system performance and made adjustments to optimize operations.
- Performed detailed calculations to establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.
- Managed electrical project timelines and budgets, ensuring projects were completed on schedule and within financial constraints.
- Ensured compliance with applicable industry standards such as UL, IEC, NEMA.
- Generated concept designs, collaborated with customers to gain feedback and directed entire design process.
- Oversaw the installation, testing, and commissioning of electrical systems, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Designed and implemented engineering projects that exceeded client expectations and bolstered revenue opportunities.
- Provided technical support and troubleshooting for electrical issues, minimizing downtime and enhancing system functionality.
- Updated and maintained professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies.
- Assisted in the development of new electrical products and technologies, from conceptualization to launch.
- Reviewed and approved design changes, drawings, specifications, and calculations related to electrical systems.
- Drafted technical write-ups of past projects for proposals and projects.
- Coordinated with suppliers, contractors, and clients to ensure project success.
- Conducted periodic reviews of existing electrical designs and offered suggestions for improvement.
- Encouraged team collaboration and motivated individual employees through positive reinforcement and technical recognition.
- Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
Systems Engineering Team Lead
UTAC
Northville , MI
01.2024 - 11.2025
- Quoting, closing, program management and support of $45M worth of projects on our team.
- Extensive project troubleshooting and recovery on the Shantui project which prevented a $1.8M loss for the UTAC system group, awarded a UTAC Way Award for my efforts.
- On-site technical and commissioning support of systems projects globally, with travel throughout North America and Europe.
- Use of MS Projects, Smart Sheets, and other organizational tools for program and project management of varying teams and test systems across the globe.
- Worked with financial team to rein in project budgets, and helped upper management make sound, informed decisions in a shifting landscape.
- Effective team leader who can calmly resolve disputes and bring situations to a grounded, common-sense approach.
- Willingness to share any and all information to help team members.
- Ability to handle complex projects and an extensive workload in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to navigate union labor management with decades of exposure and experience.
- Collaborative approach to team-oriented goals and large tasks within projects.
- Skilled at conflict resolution, working as a non-biased liaison between all parties
Lead Application Engineer
UTAC
Northville , MI
08.2018 - 01.2024
- Partnered with leading automotive manufacturers and key suppliers to create advanced test systems for electric vehicles and engines.
- Developed comprehensive battery testing environments at the cell, module, and pack levels in partnership with industry leaders.
- Created documentation for DTE to secure collaboration with LG corporate for 20 MW substation allocation on Opdyke Rd.
- Engineered concept, quoted, and achieved success on GM Warren BCIC project with UTAC's Electrical and Mechanical team.
- Leveraged comprehensive knowledge of AC powered machinery to develop and quote efficient solutions.
- Specialized in regenerative drive systems and inverter technologies.
- Engineered the concept, quoted, and achieved success for the high-speed E-Motor testing program at Ford Livonia ATNPC. The total quantity of 12 test stands is 500 kW per test stand, with a high-powered DC supply and a 20,000 RPM permanent magnet motor section.
- In-depth knowledge of high-torque gearbox applications up to 250,000 Nm for the use of off-road equipment and windmills.
- In-depth knowledge of UL, IEC, NEMA, and CE standards for electrical components.
- Practical application of ARC flash safety standards and calculations of those events.
- Use of AutoCAD Electrical, Visio, and other programs to modify schematics or drawings.
- In-depth knowledge of power transfer and loss calculations for both electrical and mechanical systems.
- In-depth knowledge of tower and process water systems, heat rejection calculation, and system design requirements.
- In-depth knowledge of facility support systems, PLC controls, Safety PLCs, and SCADA-type equipment.
- Overall, I have a strong mechanical and electrical background, with over 20 years of experience in engineering-related fields.
- ASE-licensed master mechanic, Diesel and Light Automotive, early 2000s.
- Licensed builder and contractor within the state of Michigan in the early 2000s.
- Owner and sole proprietor of multiple Airbnb properties in Michigan.
Facility Engineering Support
Detroit Diesel Corporation
Redford , MI
04.2007 - 08.2018
- Worked with the Daimler team and Siemens to install 15+ 600 HP AC regenerative drive systems over the span of 3 years.
- Worked holiday shutdowns for E4 lab sub station installation and tie in, worked with helicopter lift for rooftop transformer installations
- Responsible for troubleshooting and repair of dynamometers across 60+ test cells.
- Responsible for troubleshooting and maintenance of a redwood four-quadrant cooling tower built by Flour Contractors.
- Upgrade of tower water cooling pumps with Siemens AC VFD, design of the control system, and sequence starting for heat load on-demand functionality.
- Troubleshooting and maintenance of combustion air systems, DX exhaust scrubbers.
- Scheduling of the semi-annual facility and safety systems PM program across 60+ test cells.
- Mechanical engineering of Kusel drive couplings and shaft drivelines for different engine types with problematic harmonic issues.
- 400 kW 3-phase heater installation for EPA 1065 test cells.
- Calibration of field-connected devices, such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, and current transducers.
- PID tuning of AC inverters controlling dynamometers, heating and cooling loops, with tower and process water.
- Installation and commissioning of all equipment listed above.
- Retrofit and upgrade of EPA 1065 support equipment for AVL test cells, such as fuel cabinets, coolant conditioning, intercoolers, etc.
- Design and in-house fabrication of plate and frame heat exchangers, air flow intercoolers, and various mechanical items to support engine test lab operations.
- Attended Six Sigma training and received a Shainin certification for root cause analysis of engine harmonic problems on MDEG 4-cylinder engines.
Education
GED -
Howell Schools
Howell, MI07-2007
Skills
- Project and Program management
- Subject Matter Expert
- Electrical systems design
- Mechanical systems design
- Cost analysis
- Vendor evaluation
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Safety compliance
- Budget management
- CAD software use
- Test automation
- Systems engineering
- System design
- Critical thinking
- Material selection
- Systems engineering practices
- Project estimation
- AutoCAD drawing
- Electrical systems
- Electrical system design
- Team leadership
Affiliations
- Avid motorcycle enthusiast both street and trail
- Participate in the Silver Lake Sand Dune community,,
- Love the Lake Michigan area
- Adventurous spirit
- Owner and sole proprietor of multiple air bnb properties in Michigan
- Develop land on the weekends
Accomplishments
- Shainin Red X
- UTAC Way Award
- SME Consultant for multiple battery labs between UTAC and National Instruments
- Well regarded technical expert in high speed PM motor world, development of first and best in class solutions
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Systems Engineering Lead SME
UTAC
11.2024 - Current
Systems Engineering Team Lead
UTAC
01.2024 - 11.2025
Lead Application Engineer
UTAC
08.2018 - 01.2024
Facility Engineering Support
Detroit Diesel Corporation
04.2007 - 08.2018
GED -
Howell Schools
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