Chad J. Rotter
Saugatuck,USA
Summary
Dynamic Principal Engineer with extensive experience at Whirlpool, excelling in innovative product development and product architecture. Proven track record in leading global teams to deliver solutions on time and within budget. Skilled in virtual development, mentoring and driving strategic reuse of designs to enhance efficiency and quality.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Engineer
Whirlpool
01.2016 - 01.2025
- Accountable for project delivery and project performance across multiple teams, I have placed high value on building relationships and earning trust to enable candid discussions regarding project maturity and developing strategies to address areas of weakness.
- As the leader of the module strategy, I consistently advocated for reuse of the inventory of previously developed/validated interfaces rather than pursuing reinvention.
- As the Installation Attribute Lead, I influenced product architecture to address installation woes driving service claims, advocating for quick release/attach door interfaces, factory-installed handles, and product packaging that improves installer ergonomics, all of which were implemented in the latest French door bottom mount launch.
- Led a global team in the design and launch of a new architecture and new product line. The 'Columns' suite consists of elegant, built-in refrigerators and freezers that provide the kitchen designer with layout flexibility and can be outfitted with stainless or custom door panels. The project was launched on time, on budget, and at cost target.
- With the objective of improving clarity in the early stages of product development, I acquired Systems Engineering training and contributed to a culture change to define stakeholder and technical requirements in advance of the product development kick-off.
Lead Engineer
Whirlpool
Amana, Iowa
01.2010 - 01.2016
- I spearheaded the development and launch of new door systems, housings of power/control and water systems.
- I led a team of five engineers to deliver the structural objectives for a built-in refrigeration model line refresh, requiring design, validation, and release of approximately 750 part numbers.
- As the Amana site Structures SME, I provided project review and technical leadership, ensuring rigorous execution of cost and quality projects.
Senior Design Engineer
Whirlpool
01.2006 - 01.2010
Design Engineer
Maytag
01.2002 - 01.2006
Factory Liaison Engineer - Design Engineer
Amana
01.2000 - 01.2002
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Iowa
USA12.2000
Skills
Virtual development (CAD, simulation)
Mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials
Mentoring, coaching
Product architecture - strategy
Manufacturing process—DFM/DFA
Variation analysis
Project management
Accomplishments
Key developer of industry-first French door refrigerator, contributing critical innovation.
Solving for erratic behavior of freezer drawers, created industry-first rack and pinion system, delivering smooth extension/retraction, a solution now standard practice throughout the industry.
Directed Structures team, spearheading delivery of premium "columns", managing all phases from initial concept to production. The project was first in the company primarily supported by offshore engineering resources requiring heightened leadership and communication skills. A low capital target constrained injection molded and stamped parts, emphasized use of glass, extrusions, and CNC-punched/bent parts - contrasting with the knowledge base among engineers. This required vast coaching and knowledge accrual among the team. In parallel, I developed critical areas including cabinet, doors, articulated hinges and installation system.
As Project Leader with the objective to improve door gasket sealing, I advocated Leadership for scope change - proposing to develop the means to measure seal leak rate. Proposal approved, I led the team to deliver lab equipment and procedures for measuring low pressure/ low CFM airflow. Leak measurement now standard practice, contributes to improved product performance and knowledge regarding seal design.
As a $160 million project approached a window of high capital spend, I assessed a high risk to be present, considering evidence of low design maturity of parts and systems. I advocated Leadership for support of a part by part review. Support granted, I oversaw the review process spanning 15 engineers, identifying ~500 findings, monitoring action items to their closure. The initiative mitigated future part and tool revisions, preventing timing over-run and revision capital spend.
Solving for erratic behavior of freezer drawers, created industry-first rack and pinion system, delivering smooth extension/retraction, a solution now standard practice throughout the industry.
Directed Structures team, spearheading delivery of premium "columns", managing all phases from initial concept to production. The project was first in the company primarily supported by offshore engineering resources requiring heightened leadership and communication skills. A low capital target constrained injection molded and stamped parts, emphasized use of glass, extrusions, and CNC-punched/bent parts - contrasting with the knowledge base among engineers. This required vast coaching and knowledge accrual among the team. In parallel, I developed critical areas including cabinet, doors, articulated hinges and installation system.
As Project Leader with the objective to improve door gasket sealing, I advocated Leadership for scope change - proposing to develop the means to measure seal leak rate. Proposal approved, I led the team to deliver lab equipment and procedures for measuring low pressure/ low CFM airflow. Leak measurement now standard practice, contributes to improved product performance and knowledge regarding seal design.
As a $160 million project approached a window of high capital spend, I assessed a high risk to be present, considering evidence of low design maturity of parts and systems. I advocated Leadership for support of a part by part review. Support granted, I oversaw the review process spanning 15 engineers, identifying ~500 findings, monitoring action items to their closure. The initiative mitigated future part and tool revisions, preventing timing over-run and revision capital spend.
Timeline
Principal Engineer
Whirlpool
01.2016 - 01.2025
Lead Engineer
Whirlpool
01.2010 - 01.2016
Senior Design Engineer
Whirlpool
01.2006 - 01.2010
Design Engineer
Maytag
01.2002 - 01.2006
Factory Liaison Engineer - Design Engineer
Amana
01.2000 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Iowa