Jeffery Patton
Lake Orion,MI
Summary
Results-driven Test Engineer with significant experience in Automotive OEM and Department of Defense, focusing on efficient test planning and execution. Skilled in root cause analysis, data analytics, and project management, leading teams to successful outcomes. Recognized for insights that improved vehicle performance and compliance, encouraging collaboration among multiple stakeholders.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Test Engineer
Department of Defense - U.S. Army
Harrison Twp, MI
05.2011 - Current
- Providing testing leadership and technical direction in support of the Product Director of Test for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
- Managed the daily activities to for cost, schedule, and performance of testing activities at the US Army, Aberdeen Proving Ground and Yuma Proving Ground.
- Evaluated product modifications, delivering vital feedback related to design adjustments, as well as testing challenges.
- Managed JLTV and JLTV-Trailer Low Velocity Air Drop (LVAD) activities at Yuma Proving Ground for A0 and A1 variants.
- Designed and developed a powertrain transmission bell housing support block utilized for Low Velocity Air Drops (LVAD), protecting powertrain components, and achieving successful US Army LVAD Certification in 2022.
- Managed onsite operations during the US Army Fires Operational Test and Evaluation at Fort Campbell, KY. Coordinated efforts of 50 support personnel, including government staff and contractors. Served as primary liaison between JPO JLTV Program Office and external Test & Evaluation stakeholders. Oversaw test preparation and site setup to maximize evaluation efficiency. Supported New Equipment Training sessions on equipment usage and maintenance protocols. Managed configuration and readiness of 14 test assets for various evaluation scenarios.
Facilitated post-test retrograde operations with minimal disruption. - Co-led onsite operations for the US Army and USMC Multi-Operational Test and Evaluation at Twenty-Nine Palms, CA.
Managed 100 support personnel, comprising both government and contractor staff.
Served as primary liaison for JPO JLTV Program Office and external stakeholders.
Oversaw test preparation and site setup to enhance evaluation efficiency.
Directed New Equipment Training sessions focused on equipment usage and maintenance.
Managed configuration and readiness of 39 test assets for various evaluation scenarios.
Facilitated post-test retrograde operations, ensuring minimal disruption to activities.
Test Manager
Round Table Defense LLC
Aberdeen, MD
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Provided direct support to ATEC-AEC System Team chair for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Technology Development phase.
- Collected and analyzed data presented during JLTV Emerging Results Briefing to inform decision-making.
- Contributed to JLTV Test and Evaluation planning activities to ensure effective execution.
- Evaluated JLTV vehicle testing independently, focusing on performance metrics and compliance.
- Participated in JLTV Army/Marines User Evaluation at Aberdeen Proving Ground to gather feedback.
- Obtained Secret Security Clearance to access sensitive information.
- Summarized performance data from three competing contractors, supporting the Emerging Results Briefing to External Test and Evaluation Stakeholders.
Test Officer
Trax Test Services
Yuma, AZ
02.2009 - 08.2010
- Responsible for testing and system engineering of Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
- Developed Detailed Test Plans (DTP) with detailed cost estimates, safety recommendations, and Urgent Material Requests (UMR) for vehicle fielding into Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF).
- Participated in the testing of the capabilities and limitations of the RG31 MRAP, fielded in OIF/OEF.
- Execute tests for RG31A2, Bar Armor, and Overhead Protection Kit (OHPK), Prototype Suspension.
- Managed daily operations of supporting personnel and an approximately $500,000 budget per test project.
- Coordinate with the Joint Program Office (JPO) for MRAP engineering issues, installation manuals, parts lists, and engineering changes.
- Directed performance and durability testing for test projects; used data to analyze problem areas and make recommendations for interventions; published the final Detailed Test Report (DTR), outlining test results and recommendations.
- Collaborate with GDLS-C, BAE, the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, and SOCOM regarding Engineering Change Proposals for durability, form, fit, and function improvements impacting vehicle suspension, electrical systems, bar armor, and weight distribution.
- Planned and coordinated all logistics within testing, including vehicle transport, part requisitions, engineering manual, and parts list.
Durability Test Engineer
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Wittmann / Yucca, AZ
07.2004 - 12.2008
- Directed and managed the preparations, along with the testing execution, of Powertrain and structural durability tests at DaimlerChrysler Arizona Proving Grounds for the specialty group Street Racing Technology (SRT), Jeep Wrangler, and Dodge Durango-Hybrid.
- Assisted in the closure of the old Chrysler Proving Ground (Wittmann, AZ), and facilitated the transition to the new DaimlerChrysler Proving Ground (Yucca, AZ).
- Formulated a methodology for GPS-based mapping of testing roads and surfaces, contributing to the establishment of all new Powertrain cycle base testing routes at the new DaimlerChrysler, Yucca, AZ, Proving Ground.
- Directed the scheduling of vehicle inspections and part replacements between the shop and platform engineering to ensure the vehicles met design intent, test requirements, and proper documentation.
- Tracked all part changes for the configuration management of the test assets.
- Issued all work orders, part control tags, and the coordination for the shipment of all parts and vehicles.
- Updated vehicle CAN bus software to ensure the test assets under test were at the latest software revision.
- Formulated actionable recommendations within platform engineering focused on resolving Powertrain and Structural durability concerns.
Crash Test Engineer
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Chelsea, MI
10.2002 - 07.2004
- Served as Lead Engineer during full vehicle impact tests, overseeing instrumentation data collection, pre/post digital photography, camera placements, Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) configuration, and test execution.
- Organized the preparation, testing, and build-down of specific vehicles during impact tests.
- Facilitated the design and rework of testing fixtures needed for impact testing.
- Interpreted platform test requests and implemented additional testing as needed to conform with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 208, 214, 212, and 301.
- Managed all necessary parts and updates to ensure the vehicle meets design requirements.
- Served as a liaison between union mechanics and platform design engineers to ensure that vehicle part replacements and modifications meet vehicle design and testing requirements.
- Proficient with all U.S. federal and European safety mandates.
- Engineered and executed process enhancement for 50 MPH rear impact test, optimizing performance while reducing time and costs
Powertrain/Chassis Resident Engineering Group Leader
Chrysler Corporation
Toledo, OH
02.1998 - 09.2002
- Supervised the Powertrain/Chassis resident engineering team of five associates, who are subject matter and technical experts in support of design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and quality engineering.
- Assigned work to subordinates based on priorities, difficulty of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
- Developed employees' performance standards and prepared employees' performance evaluations.
- Implemented multiple process improvements and procedures within the Jeep Wrangler (TJ) vehicle manufacturing environment.
- Implemented knowledge management with engineering and program integration career fields by capturing lessons learned and implementing continuous improvement actions.
- Assisted the assembly plant with improvements in tooling, processes, and part quality.
- Supported TJ design engineers to ensure that product changes were smoothly integrated into the manufacturing process.
- Tracked vehicle quality through Chrysler’s internal quality indicators, such as Customer Satisfaction Audit (CSA), Warranty Information System (WIS), Expense Per Unit Sold (EPUS), and Quality Tracking System (QTS).
- Managed vehicle quality through external quality indicators, such as J.D. Powers.
- Prepared and briefed on a monthly basis, the quality indicators during the Platform Quality Meeting (PQM) include the Plant Manager, VP of Engineering, and VP of Manufacturing.
- Served as a liaison and managed issues between the assembly plant and design engineers for product improvement and assembly-related issues.
- Managed all new part changes within the Assembly Plant related to Powertrain/Chassis on a weekly basis.
- Managed all pre-production trials of parts for powertrain/chassis.
- Devised initiatives to reduce process variation and managed plant evaluation trials and change notices to eliminate process disruptions
Process Engineer
Toledo Technologies
Toledo, OH
09.1996 - 02.1998
- Researched, recommended, and implemented quality improvements for multiple processes of the Stamping Division.
- Served as Team Leader for the Advanced Quality Performance (AQP) Chrysler 4.7L Roller Follower project, which includes the Dynamic Control Plan, process flows, and the Critical Characteristic Matrix.
- Managed Warrant Submission Level III documents to the customer (Chrysler) of the 4.7L Roller Follower.
- Ensured machinery was operating at optimum production levels, and parts were meeting customers' quality standards.
- Directed the development of a new Process Engineering and Instrumentation lab.
- Managed the installation of a new Process Engineering Lab within the stamping facility.
- Team lead within the stamping facility for successful QS-9000 certification.
Production Engineer
Delta USA
Monroe, MI
02.1996 - 09.1996
- Developed recommendations and incorporated decisions on sourcing for production work centers
- Prepared for mass production of Automotive Seating products including FMEAs
- Created and organized technical standards; conducted drawing reviews and determined quality assurance control items and standards
Wire Harness Engineer
Yazaki EDS Engineering, Inc.
Canton, MI
08.1993 - 02.1996
- Researched, designed, and developed automotive electrical distribution systems for Nissan at their Nissan Research & Design (NRD) center.
- Responsible for the complete packaging of the engine compartments to include all routing, waterproof connectors, wire selection, harness protection, and clips.
- Attended all pre-production engineering builds to ensure that the designed harnesses met both the engineering and manufacturing intent.
- Visited wire harness manufacturing facilities, ensuring design intent and manufacturing requirements were understood and executed.
- Designed and tracked the production of wire harnesses throughout the developmental phases.
- Drafted and executed proposals for assembly and product enhancement.
Sergeant and Common Weapons Specialist
United States Air Force
Toledo, OH
08.1985 - 04.1993
- Member of a 3-person Weapons Load Crew charged with the installation, management, and maintenance actions for military aircraft weapons systems of the A7D.
Education
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology -
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH01.1993
Skills
- Test planning and execution
- Data analysis and reporting
- Configuration management
- Root cause analysis
- System engineering
- Quality assurance and compliance
- Performance testing
- Process improvement strategies
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Effective communication skills
- Project management expertise
Certification
- DAWIA Certification – Practitioner (Level III – Test and Evaluation).
- DAWIA Certification - Practitioner (Level III SPRDE - System Engineering).
- DAWIA Certification - Level I - Program Management, Production Quality, and Manufacturing.
- DoD – Army Acquisition Corps Member; June 2014.
- AQS Lead Auditor certification, ISO 9001, TS 16949.
- Security Clearance – Classified Secret
- Certification in Metallurgy Techniques and Basic Metallurgy Principles, LECO Corporation, 1997
- Black Belt Trained, DaimlerChrysler, 2000
- CATIA Basic Training, DaimlerChrysler, 1998
- Modicon Square-D Training, Toledo Technologies, 1997
Affiliations
- Mountain Biking
- Boating
Accomplishments
- Awarded Department of Army - Superior Civilian Service Award in May 2018
- Awarded Group Award – Andrew S. Rowan Award for exceptional initiative without direction in May 2018
- Awarded the Air Force Accommodation Medal for Outstanding Professional Service and Superior Job Performance
- Awarded Load Crew of the Year
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Test Engineer
Department of Defense - U.S. Army
05.2011 - Current
Test Manager
Round Table Defense LLC
08.2010 - 05.2011
Test Officer
Trax Test Services
02.2009 - 08.2010
Durability Test Engineer
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
07.2004 - 12.2008
Crash Test Engineer
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
10.2002 - 07.2004
Powertrain/Chassis Resident Engineering Group Leader
Chrysler Corporation
02.1998 - 09.2002
Process Engineer
Toledo Technologies
09.1996 - 02.1998
Production Engineer
Delta USA
02.1996 - 09.1996
Wire Harness Engineer
Yazaki EDS Engineering, Inc.
08.1993 - 02.1996
Sergeant and Common Weapons Specialist
United States Air Force
08.1985 - 04.1993
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology -
University of Toledo
Similar Profiles
Lisa VestalLisa Vestal
Chief of Public Affairs (40 Hours/week -Temporary) at Department of Defense - U.S. ArmyChief of Public Affairs (40 Hours/week -Temporary) at Department of Defense - U.S. Army
Darrell LintonDarrell Linton
Logistics Management Specialist at Department of Defense, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), Communications Security Logistics Activity (CSLA)Logistics Management Specialist at Department of Defense, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), Communications Security Logistics Activity (CSLA)
JINHYUNG PARKJINHYUNG PARK
Material Storage Handling/Stock Accounting NCO at Department of Defense - U.S. ArmyMaterial Storage Handling/Stock Accounting NCO at Department of Defense - U.S. Army
Megan KoschMegan Kosch
HR Manager at AVLHR Manager at AVL
Noah CaldwellNoah Caldwell
Chief Assistant at Kumon Learning CenterChief Assistant at Kumon Learning Center