Daniel Bliley
Smithfield,NC
Summary
Innovative Mechanical Engineer with proven skills in cross-functional teamwork, technical troubleshooting, project management, and regulatory compliance. Committed to optimizing component and system performance and enhancing cross-functional collaboration. Strives to excel in conceptualization and problem solving 'outside the box' while developing new ideas using available resources.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Hydraulic Component Engineer
Caterpillar Building Construction Products
Clayton, North Carolina
08.2022 - 04.2026
- Collaborated with hydraulic cylinder, pump, and motor suppliers to design and enhance solutions that met or exceeded worktool performance requirements for NPI and CPI projects.
- Provided technical assistance for developing PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) documentation for APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning).
- Collaborated with BCP worktools and hydraulic systems teams to develop strategies for optimizing worktool fit, form, and function.
- Conducted failure analysis on hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and fluid controls to determine root causes and develop corrective action plans.
- Evaluated supplier components and assemblies for compatibility with design criteria such as CAT Engineering Standards and 1E Specifications.
- Executed tests on hydraulic components using flow meters, thermocouples, and pressure transducers, leveraging Hydac and Hydrotechnik data logging tools and DATK (Data Analysis Tool Kit) software.
- Participated in cross-functional teams to review current worktool designs and suggest improvements.
- Investigated customer complaints related to component failures or performance issues.
Outside Sales Engineer
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Sales
Charlotte, North Carolina
10.2019 - 08.2022
- Delivered technical presentations to prospects and customers, enhancing understanding of product benefits.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries regarding product specifications, pricing, availability.
- Crafted tailored sales proposals and quotes for clients, addressing specific requirements to drive engagement.
- Collaborated with sales teams to develop customized solutions for client needs.
- Conducted site visits to assess customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Provided technical support to customers during installation and maintenance.
- Nurtured customer relationships, focusing on satisfaction and retention to foster long-term partnerships.
- Generated leads through cold calling prospective clients as well as networking activities.
Project Engineer
Buhler Aeroglide
Cary, NC
07.2013 - 05.2019
- Led engineering efforts to design and manufacture equipment expansions, refurbishments, and replacement parts for thermal processing equipment.
- Led engineering and procurement for fast paced projects and very short timelines, often requiring solutions for line-down situations.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulatory bodies for food processing, intrinsic safety, fire protection, and others.
- Collaborated with clients to define project requirements and expectations effectively.
- Performed on-site equipment audits, troubleshooting, and design reviews with customers around the globe.
- Maintained project schedule by monitoring progress, coordinating activities, and resolving issues with procurement, manufacturing, and logistics to ensure timely project delivery.
- Supervised on-site installation of materials and equipment, ensuring compliance with drawings and specifications to meet project standards.
- Resolved conflicts among vendors, contractors, internal staff, and other stakeholders to align efforts with project objectives.
Gas Turbine Outage & Maintenance Data Specialist
Duke Energy Progress
Raleigh, NC
06.2012 - 07.2013
- Collaborated with Combustion Turbine Outage & Maintenance Services to accurately interpret P&IDs and KKS identification system labels, ensuring clarity in project execution.
- Populated O&MS databases for new Siemens SGT6-5000 combustion turbines, Toshiba steam turbine, and Vogt heat recovery steam generators and ancillaries at HF Lee's new combined cycle installation. Conducted walk-through inspections to clarify/correct ambiguities and discrepancies.
- Worked with O&MS at Smith Combined Cycle Energy Complex on documentation of GE 7F combustion turbine ancillaries.
- Reviewed datasets to identify discrepancies and implemented recommended corrections, enhancing data integrity for maintenance activities.
Inside Sales Engineer
BFS Industries
Butner, North Carolina
09.2008 - 09.2011
- Developed custom tailored boiler feed and deaerator solutions for steam facilities based on technical requirements, specifications, and physical envelope constraints.
- Provided extensive support to outside sales representatives during design/build or design/bid/build and commissioning stages to meet specific project requirements for military, civil, and industrial entities.
- Developed optimal solutions to comply with such regulatory entities as API, ASME B&PV, ISO, NEMA, UL, CE, and others.
- Collaborated with controls group to successfully integrate with facility SCADA/DCS architectures and protocols.
Project Engineer
Flanders Filters
Washington, North Carolina
09.2006 - 09.2008
- Managed HEPA/ULPA filtration design and manufacturing projects for government and military installations, nuclear facilities, and industrial applications, ensuring adherence to project specifications and timelines.
- Collaborated with suppliers and quality assurance teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for materials traceability, non-destructive testing, and certificates of compliance.
- Trained new engineering employees on protocols and equipment design, enhancing onboarding process and ensuring understanding of quality assurance standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC05-2004
Skills
- Component evaluation - Hydraulic cylinders, motors, controls
- Technical troubleshooting - IC powertrains, hydraulic systems, electrical, thermal processing
- Failure analysis - DFMEA for CAT Worktools
- Component selection - Centrifugal & positive displacement pumps; thermal process components; hydraulic, electric, pneumatic actuators; process instrumentation components
- Regulatory compliance - ASME B&PV Section 8, ASME NQA1, ISO, CE, ANSI, SAE and others
- Design for manufacturing - metal fabrication/assembly operations and sequencing
- Hands-on mechanical assembly, repair/replacement, diagnosis
- Manufacturing processes - Welding, sheet metal, stainless steel fabrication
- Data analysis tools - CAT Data Analysis Tool Kit (DATK)
- Product life cycle management PLM - Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill
- CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Creo)
- Product prototypes
- Solutions customization
- Project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem solving
- Adaptability - Proponent of cross-functional team collaboration
Certification
- Engineering Intern - Certificate Number A-21083 - NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors, Issued 2004
- EPA Section 609 Certification - Mobile Air Climate Systems Association, Issued 2010
Affiliations
- Avid RC aircraft modeler with strong interest in design, construction, and all forms of propulsion. Active member of Johnston County Aeromodelers' Club, Smithfield NC.
- Car, truck, and agricultural/industrial equipment enthusiast with special interest in gasoline and diesel engines and associated powertrains, as well as vehicle AC systems.
- Arduino microcontroller hobbyist - model aircraft applications, motor vehicle controls.
Timeline
Hydraulic Component Engineer
Caterpillar Building Construction Products
08.2022 - 04.2026
Outside Sales Engineer
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Sales
10.2019 - 08.2022
Project Engineer
Buhler Aeroglide
07.2013 - 05.2019
Gas Turbine Outage & Maintenance Data Specialist
Duke Energy Progress
06.2012 - 07.2013
Inside Sales Engineer
BFS Industries
09.2008 - 09.2011
Project Engineer
Flanders Filters
09.2006 - 09.2008
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
North Carolina State University