Julia Waelchli
Saint Clair Shores,MI
Summary
Dynamic senior-level engineer with a strong track record in end-to-end product development and project management. Proven ability to deliver high-impact solutions in fast-paced environments while maintaining a customer-focused approach. Exceptional communication skills enable effective collaboration with diverse audiences, including C-suite executives. Aiming to leverage expertise to drive innovation and operational excellence within a forward-thinking organization.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Product Engineer
Lear Corporation
06.2019 - Current
- Spearhead innovative product designs by aligning sourcing inputs with federal and OEM requirements, sustainability goals, and functionality targets
- Drive cross-functional integration of seat components, coordinating efforts across structures, mechanisms, plastics, trim, foam, and comfort teams to ensure production feasibility
- Strategically evaluate design and process change proposals, achieving VAVE and cost reduction goals at key milestones
- Author and implement comprehensive DFMEAs and lead DFM/DFA assessments to enhance product reliability and manufacturability
- Oversee virtual and physical validation plans to meet stringent federal and OEM-specific requirements
- Utilize advanced problem-solving methodologies, including Kaizen, 8STEP, 5WHYs, and A3, to address complex challenges
- Orchestrate timelines and prototype tool strategies to meet critical program deliverables and safeguard product launches
- Deliver clear and concise presentations tailored to audiences ranging from entry-level engineers to C-suite executives
- Run Lear Corporation’s Seating Engineering Internship & Co-op program, mentoring 40+ students annually in order to foster future talent
- Allocate resources and balance workloads across reporting engineers to optimize multi-project efficiency
Education
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
Michigan State University
05-2019
Skills
- End-to-End product development
- Cost reduction strategies
- Program management
- Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA)
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA/DRBFM)
- Validation expertise: CAE and physical testing
- Six Sigma methodologies (DFSS)
- Engineering change management
- Siemens NX/Teamcenter proficiency
- Leadership and mentorship
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills
- Global travel expertise
- Spanish proficiency
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Supplier management
Accomplishments
- 3x KCRP Recipient (Key Contributor Recognition Program)
- Franklin Covey Leadership Program Graduate
- 2022 Recipient of Lear Corporation CEO Award
- 2018 Lear Corporation Summer Internship Program Final Project Finalist - Seating and E-Systems Convergence Innovation
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Product Engineer
Lear Corporation
06.2019 - Current
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
Michigan State University
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