Keith Kelly
Rancho Palos Verdes,USA
Summary
Engineering leader with extensive experience in automotive OEM start-ups and suppliers, specializing in strategic execution and team collaboration. Successfully directed vehicle development phases, enhancing team autonomy and supplier performance. Proficient in program and risk management, consistently delivering innovative solutions that optimize project timelines and budgets. Expertise in managing complex engineering projects from concept to completion, focusing on efficiency and productivity through strategic planning and process improvements.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Engineering – Lighting, Glazings, Mechanisms
Rivian
11.2024 - Current
- Managed team of over 20 engineers and engineering managers for EV startup.
- Oversaw engineering for exterior and interior lighting, glazings, mirrors, and wiper systems.
- Led team through critical R2 vehicle development, resolving issues to support design releases.
- Fostered strong cross-functional collaboration with studio, manufacturing, purchasing, and leadership teams.
- Coached team to enhance autonomy through trust and accountability.
- Led team through complex engineering issues with first principles approach, risk management, and validation.
- Conducted headcount and budget planning to align resources effectively.
Director of Technical Program Management – Exterior & Lighting
Rivian
06.2023 - 10.2024
- Directed team of TPMs to execute development for R1, R1 Gen2, R2, and EDV vehicles.
- Served as interim Lighting Engineering Director for six months, guiding critical design discussions.
- Facilitated collaboration with leadership and teams to drive efficient design solutions.
- Managed complex requests from Studio and Manufacturing to ensure integrated input.
- Led escalations with key suppliers to resolve design and timing conflicts.
- Coordinated budget for headcount and investment planning.
Director of Program Management – Vehicle Hardware
Rivian
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Established framework for Vehicle Hardware PM Director role, defining expectations and responsibilities.
- Managed team of Vehicle Hardware TPMs and DREs to address critical design challenges.
- Led efforts to establish critical timing paths for vehicle development.
- Resolved R1S launch issues at Rivian production plant to ensure quality and functionality.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address architectural system issues in product development.
- Collaborated with external contract supplier for vehicle co-development and production in European market.
Vehicle Program Manager
Canoo
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Accelerated overall vehicle program management to enhance project delivery efficiency.
- Managed integration of critical paths across functional groups to streamline program timing.
- Oversaw vehicle content definition, budget, and headcount in collaboration with functional leaders.
- Coordinated pre-production vehicle plans and requirements with vehicle owners for alignment.
- Directed Plan for Every Part (PFEP) alongside Functional TPM groups to optimize resources.
- Developed competitive pricing models to establish market price points based on features.
- Implemented Agile Sprint methodology for architectural studies on seating, thermal, and lighting systems.
- Led development teams to ensure timely program execution and successful pre-production builds.
Director of Business Development
Magna
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Drove annual NA business growth exceeding $1B USD through strategic program management.
- Led and coached teams to enhance revenue, improve margins, and achieve growth targets.
- Managed financial cost models for new Greenfield plants and existing operations.
- Oversaw monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of global seating business performance.
- Optimized value streams to reduce costs and implemented long-term vertical integration strategies.
- Championed innovation initiatives to support sustained growth in seating solutions.
Senior Program Manager
Magna
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Led global teams in engineering, manufacturing, and costing to drive business development.
- Managed multiple awards for JIT Complete Seat and Metal Structure programs.
- Developed strategic plans for customer diversification to expand market reach.
- Executed implementation strategies for innovative seating products to enhance offerings.
Business Development Manager
Valeo
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Drove strategic growth initiatives for Front End Module and Active Grille Shutters.
- Directed team efforts to enhance customer development across multiple OEMs.
- Developed and presented Financial Cost Models, while analyzing key cost input factors.
- Led new business quotations and coordinated design competition teams.
Program Manager
Valeo
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Led successful launches of five programs and executed major strategic supplier re-sourcing initiatives.
- Managed direct functional reports throughout development and launch phases to ensure alignment.
- Oversaw operations as Interim Assistant Plant Manager, addressing critical downtime issues effectively.
- Initiated new facility launch in 2011 for Nissan FEM JIT program, enhancing production capabilities.
Lead Product Engineer
Forvia
, Germany
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Led project engineering for Mercedes JIT seating program during one-year assignment in Germany.
- Oversaw technical interface between Germany R&D, German customer, U.S. customer, and U.S. teams.
- Managed pre-production prototype builds and key development aspects including bill of materials (BOM), DFMEA, and PFMEA processes.
Product Engineer
Forvia
, China
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Served as project engineer for global GM JIT seating program during one-year assignment in China.
- Acted as primary engineering liaison between China R&D, local customer, U.S. customer, and U.S. teams.
- Managed engineering aspects of seat commodities and suppliers, including wire harnesses, suspensions, and back panels.
Program Launch Manager & Process Engineer
Forvia
Ontario, Canada
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Managed launch of seating frame production program at Ontario metals facility.
- Planned and executed implementation of labor, equipment, processes, materials, and system tools.
- Implemented lean manufacturing standards and validated equipment for optimal performance.
- Enhanced assembly process through improved layouts, material flow, sequencing, and shipping efficiency.
- Developed standard process flow for North American prototype operations to ensure consistency.
Education
B.S.E. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Michigan
Skills
- Leadership & Strategic Execution
- Coaching & Team Development
- Engineering First Principles
- Program Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Risk Management
- Supplier Management
- Budget Planning
Timeline
Director of Engineering – Lighting, Glazings, Mechanisms
Rivian
11.2024 - Current
Director of Technical Program Management – Exterior & Lighting
Rivian
06.2023 - 10.2024
Director of Program Management – Vehicle Hardware
Rivian
04.2022 - 05.2023
Vehicle Program Manager
Canoo
01.2021 - 01.2022
Director of Business Development
Magna
01.2015 - 01.2020
Senior Program Manager
Magna
01.2015 - 01.2020
Business Development Manager
Valeo
01.2010 - 01.2015
Program Manager
Valeo
01.2010 - 01.2015
Lead Product Engineer
Forvia
01.2005 - 01.2010
Product Engineer
Forvia
01.2005 - 01.2010
Program Launch Manager & Process Engineer
Forvia
01.2005 - 01.2010
B.S.E. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Michigan