DEREK STRANGE
RALEIGH,NC
Summary
Experienced mechanical engineer with a focus on high-tech machinery and automotive powertrain systems. Proven ability to analyze NVH for manufacturability, cost reduction, system performance enhancement, and an increase in reliability by employing Testlab and HEAD Acoustics analysis methods. Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills, including extensive writing and technical report experience. Also possesses the ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications, including CAD drawings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service Market Engineer
Volvo Group
Greensboro, NC
06.2023 - Current
- Provided technical support for customers on site or remotely via phone or email.
- Tested, debugged and repaired defective components or systems onsite or in-house.
- Developed customized solutions to meet specific customer requirements.
- Analyzed complex problems and identified root causes of system failures.
- Created user training documents, manuals and instructions for end users.
- Provided feedback to product development teams about customer needs and suggestions for improvement.
- Attended conferences, seminars and workshops to stay up-to-date with latest technologies.
- Maintained accurate records of work performed in order to ensure quality assurance.
- Collaborated closely with other departments such as sales, marketing and engineering.
- Identified potential opportunities for additional services through customer interactions.
- Created recall documentation, service campaigns, and TSB's implementing solutions to the field.
- Led cross-functional team of subject matter experts to increase overall product uptime.
- Directly reduced overall warranty claims by creating solutions, making training videos and documents, improving diagnostics, and gathering feedback from dealers.
Manufacturing Engineer
GKN Automotive
Roxboro, NC
02.2023 - Current
- Applied project management metrics and tools in oversight of engineering and manufacturing projects and program services
- Researched and tested design feasibility and operation of equipment, components and systems
- Performed daily department Layered Process Audits to maintain proactive control over automobile manufacturing process
- Performed tolerance analysis to support success in high-volume propshaft and halfshaft manufacturing
- Established and coordinated sub-contracting and outsourcing requirements for machining and processes to overcome in-house production issues
- Analyzed NVH mechanical requirements to determine feasibility of design
- Identified problems and specific resolutions to fix defective, damaged or malfunctioning parts, assemblies, equipment and systems
- Performed concurrent design and manufacturing engineering and other functions to reduce time required to bring product to market
- Promoted Design for Manufacturability philosophy.
NVH Engineering Manager
GKN ePowertrain
Newton, NC
07.2020 - 03.2023
- Lead the local NVH team and prioritize the requested tasks for the team
- Plan and control the department's budget and keep a 5-Year CAPEX plan
- Work in and lead NVH projects, including the provision of NVH expertise to external customers
- Plan, organize, and execute all aspects of NVH investigations
- Contribute to local and global NVH programs and projects
- Evaluate and provide documentation of NVH tests including analysis of data
- Support NVH vehicle performance appraisal, presentations, demonstrations, and visits to customers
- Provide feedback to application engineering teams on NVH vehicle performance and participation in NVH problem-solving on development and application programs
- Maintain NVH instrumentation devices and workshop facilities
- Ensure that NVH measurement equipment is calibrated to international standards and fit for purpose
- Lead NVH testing procedures for electric driveline systems according to customer-driven standards
- Understand e-drive components and requirements for future applications
- Assist Vehicle Engineering team in installation of parts both production and prototype
- Troubleshoot noise and vibration issues with internal and external customers
- Develop testing procedures for NVH team.
NVH Engineer
GKN ePowertrain
Newton, NC
07.2013 - 09.2020
- Perform all engineering activities that establish, maintain, and improve the NVH integrity of company products
- Comply with all company and departmental procedures
- Support the design of NVH equipment and systems for the Axle Development Team and Manufacturing Engineering
- Establish Noise Acceptance Criteria for the production of AWD/eDrive products through vehicle testing and correlation
- Support engineering by providing NVH data pertaining to design changes/DVP&R/PPAP/SSTS requirements
- Plan calibration and support maintenance schedules for existing/future equipment
- Support global GKN NVH to enable localization of processes, testing procedures, NVH standards
- Create reports for management using test data to identify trends and opportunities
- Maintain documentation and hardware EOL reference units
- Generate control procedures and train associates on equipment, systems, and software
- Integrate prototype axles into production vehicles for testing
- Provide support with to other NVH teams globally regarding ICE/Electric vehicle testing
- All other tasks as directed by management.
Education
Mechanical Engineering Technologies, B.S. -
Western Carolina University
05.2018
Mechanical Engineering Technologies, Bachelor of Science -
Catawba Valley Community College
05.2015
Skills
- Head Acoustics NVH Software
- Siemens Testlab
- NVHI Plato NVH Software
- SignalX software
- Microsoft Office
- AutoCAD
- SAP
- Team Leadership
- Communication
- Engineering documentation
- Managerial background
- Machine] diagnostics
- Minitab
- Problem-Solving
- Head Acoustics
- Vector Canalyzer
- English
- Cost Analysis
- Root Cause Analysis
- Process Improvement
- Technical reporting
- Environmental Compliance
- Engineering Documentation
- Project Management
Certification
- 07/01/22, Automotive High Voltage Safety Training, Weber State University
- 12/01/19, Introduction to Solidworks, CVCC
- 05/01/19, Bruel & Kjaer Connect System Training
- 11/01/18, Gear Process Theory, Gleason Corporation
Personal Information
Title: NVH Engineering Manager
Timeline
Service Market Engineer
Volvo Group
06.2023 - Current
Manufacturing Engineer
GKN Automotive
02.2023 - Current
NVH Engineering Manager
GKN ePowertrain
07.2020 - 03.2023
NVH Engineer
GKN ePowertrain
07.2013 - 09.2020
Mechanical Engineering Technologies, B.S. -
Western Carolina University
Mechanical Engineering Technologies, Bachelor of Science -
Catawba Valley Community College