Craig Kreil
Mishawaka,IN
Summary
Experienced Engineering Manager with a proven track record leading cross-functional teams, streamlining processes, and enhancing product designs. Skilled in fostering an innovative culture and developing team members. Dedicated with a hard work ethic and possesses a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Design Engineering Manager
Lippert Components
Nappanee, IN
02.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented process improvements to increase efficiency of design engineering activities.
- Managed the design engineering team by providing guidance, support, and training to ensure the successful completion of projects.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with engineering team, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Identified areas of improvement in existing processes and developed strategies to optimize performance.
- Ensured that all design engineering documents were properly stored, secured and updated as needed.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in current systems or processes related to design engineering operations.
- Developed policies and procedures related to product life cycle.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between different departments involved in the product development cycle.
- Utilized the understanding of engineering principles to design new products.
- Responsible for prototype testing to evaluate design functionality and identify necessary revisions.
- Assist sales team by providing technical advice when needed regarding products or services.
Project Engineer
Lippert Components
Goshen, IN
01.2019 - 02.2023
- Provided technical advice and guidance on design concepts and construction methods.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvement of projects.
- Identified cost-saving measures that could be implemented without compromising safety or quality standards during the product life cycle.
- Documented lessons learned from completed projects which could be used in future endeavors.
- Coordinated activities with cross-functional team, including suppliers.
- Performed testing to determine functionality and if product requirements were met.
- Determined design criteria or specifications.
- Generated engineering documentation and oversaw design projects.
Engineering Manager
Lippert Components
Goshen, IN
06.2014 - 12.2019
- Managed a team of 10 engineers, delegating tasks and monitoring progress to ensure quality control standards.
- Provided technical guidance to engineers, ensuring all designs met product specifications and industry regulations.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure product prototypes were completed in a timely manner.
- Analyzed customer feedback and warranty data to identify areas needing improvement in products or services.
- Assist sales team by providing technical advice, when needed, regarding products or services.
- Participated in trade shows as a representative of the company's engineering department.
- Prepared and participated in project design reviews.
- Collaborated with intellectual property departments to protect innovative engineering solutions, securing patents, and trademarks for the company.
- Conducted regular performance reviews and provided mentorship to engineering staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for the engineering department, aligning with overall company objectives and driving technological advancements.
- Streamlined and automated internal processes to improve overall workflows.
Engineering Manager
Power Gear
Mishawaka, IN
05.2003 - 06.2014
- Managed and provided technical guidance to a team of engineers and designers, delegating tasks and monitoring progress to ensure product specifications were met.
- Created detailed reports for senior management on the status of projects and deadlines.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure product prototypes were completed in a timely manner.
- Established relationships with suppliers to obtain components at cost-effective prices.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with employees, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Analyzed customer feedback and warranty data to identify product design areas needing improvement.
- Maintained comprehensive records of engineering activities, including test results, design specifications, changes made during development process.
- Assisted sales team by providing technical advice when needed regarding products or services.
- Participated in trade shows as a representative of the company's engineering department.
- Prepared and participated in project design reviews.
- Generated concept designs, collaborated with customers to gain feedback.
- Led cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, and launch of innovative products.
- Managed the recruitment, training, and development of engineering talent.
- Collaborated with intellectual property departments to protect innovative engineering solutions, securing patents, and trademarks for the company.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for the engineering department, aligning with overall company objectives and driving technological advancements.
- Spearheaded the adoption of new technologies and engineering practices, positioning the company as a leader in innovation.
Project Engineer
Power Gear
Beaver Dam, WI
01.1998 - 05.2003
- Provided technical advice and guidance on design concepts.
- Identified cost-saving measures that could be implemented without compromising safety or quality standards.
- Conducted regular installation audits at customers in order to ensure proper installation of systems.
- Interacted with customers to ensure needs and requirements were met.
- Contributed ideas for improving development processes throughout the organization.
Application Engineer
Power Gear
Beaver Dam, WI
08.1996 - 01.1998
- Provided product support for existing applications.
- Assisted in the integration of new technologies into existing applications.
- Provided training and guidance on proper system installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
Senior Product Engineer
Parker Hannifin Corp.
Des Plaines, IL
06.1993 - 08.1996
- Analyzed product design requirements and developed detailed specifications for new products.
- Developed test plans, conducted testing, and analyzed results to ensure quality assurance of product designs.
- Evaluated existing products and proposed modifications or upgrades to improve performance or reliability.
- Provided technical support to customers concerning use of company's products.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI06-1993
Skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing
- Design for manufacturing
- Value Analysis - Value Engineering
- Design optimization
- Design validation
- Product Development
Affiliations
- Lawn Care, Gardening
- Walking
- Handyman
Accomplishments
- patents
Timeline
Product Design Engineering Manager
Lippert Components
02.2023 - Current
Project Engineer
Lippert Components
01.2019 - 02.2023
Engineering Manager
Lippert Components
06.2014 - 12.2019
Engineering Manager
Power Gear
05.2003 - 06.2014
Project Engineer
Power Gear
01.1998 - 05.2003
Application Engineer
Power Gear
08.1996 - 01.1998
Senior Product Engineer
Parker Hannifin Corp.
06.1993 - 08.1996
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Similar Profiles
Flor PolicarpoFlor Policarpo
CAD Technician (Accumark) at Lippert ComponentsCAD Technician (Accumark) at Lippert Components
Ana NamenyeAna Namenye
Human Resource Coordinator at Lippert ComponentsHuman Resource Coordinator at Lippert Components
Beau BrownBeau Brown
Aftermarket Project Manager at Lippert ComponentsAftermarket Project Manager at Lippert Components
Alex welshAlex welsh
Team Leader Manager at Lippert ComponentsTeam Leader Manager at Lippert Components
Sarah SevernsSarah Severns
Elementary School Teacher at Union North United School CorporationElementary School Teacher at Union North United School Corporation