Kevin Kaplan
Macomb,MI
Summary
Automotive Leader/Engineer with 30+ years experience in powertrain and driveline related components. Hard-working, ambitious leader and motivator of people, recognized for flexibility, adaptability, and contributing to growth and profitability. Effective at defining and maintaining team structures and processes. Leadership experience in establishing or advancing technical designs and processes. Technical leadership experience in the advanced development of automotive drivetrain components and systems. 30+ years of engineering and technical resource management. Dynamic professional with extensive experience in managing international teams and projects. Expertise in establishing performance metrics and optimizing resource utilization to enhance product development and drive accountability across diverse teams.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Manager – Differential Development
GKN e-Powertrain
Auburn Hills, MI
07.2015 - Current
- Led global teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives across multiple regions.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
- Managed international projects, ensuring compliance with global standards and regulations.
- Oversaw budget allocation for various projects, optimizing resource utilization effectively.
- Established performance metrics to monitor project progress and ensure accountability across teams.
- Resolved conflicts among team members from diverse cultural backgrounds while maintaining professional standards.
- Identified areas of improvement within existing global infrastructure and developed solutions accordingly.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches worldwide.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
Regional Chief Engineer – Differentials, Lockers & Couplings
GKN Driveline
Auburn Hills, MI
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Develop and enhance global FEA capabilities to improve and support the component strategy.
- Correlate FEA capabilities to align global skill sets across multiple components.
- Developed training plans for non-US based sites on EPT component technologies & design theories.
- Led engineering teams in designing innovative solutions for complex projects.
Regional Chief Engineer - Differentials
GKN Torque Technology Group
Auburn Hills, Michigan
09.2010 - 07.2014
- Managed the development of an active torque management system for the GMT361/371 program.
- Responsible for liaison across multiple locations globally.
- Directed cross-functional teams including design, prototype, test, manufacturing and quality.
- Managed the development of GKN’s first face gear dual differential for a leading OEM.
- Currently managing the development of five open differential configurations is excess of 1 million parts per year for a leading OEM.
- Day to day responsibilities include heavy customer interface, coordination between cross-functional teams including design, prototype, test, manufacturing and quality (both domestic and international).
- Currently managing a locking differential program for a leading OEM between N.A. and Europe.
- Coordinated the development of a sinter-forged bevel gear set to replace an existing forged design.
- Designed group website to support TS16949 certification.
Platform Engineering Manager
GKN Driveline North America Inc
Auburn Hills, Michigan
05.2003 - 09.2010
- Managed the design and development of a 2-piece propshaft for the Mitsubishi AK platform across multiple disciplines and locations (domestic and international) subsequently leading to the award of the program.
- Responsible for the Daimler Chrysler Jeep/Truck platforms and Mitsubishi SUV platform.
- A hard working ambitious leader and motivator of people-recognized for flexibility, adaptability and contributing to growth and profitability.
Application Engineer
GKN Driveline North America Inc
Auburn Hills, Michigan
05.1999 - 05.2003
- Coordinated the design and development of a three-piece propshaft across cross-functional teams and multiple locations for the DaimlerChrysler Pacifica AWD.
- Responsible for customer interface, supplier design and manufacture, test coordination, prototype coordination, timing plans, DFMEA, APQP, etc.
- Design responsible for the DaimlerChrysler Pacifica AWD rear driveline module with bi-directional over-running clutch.
- Extensive problem resolution skills as demonstrated during launch of DaimlerChrysler Pacifica (bearing whine, seal excluder damage, joint/stub separation, etc).
- Prepare various presentations (design proposals, RFQ’s, customer issue resolutions, ease communication with overseas colleagues).
Program Manager
Mann+Hummel Automotive
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
05.1997 - 05.1999
- Managed the development of a composite air intake manifold for the 3.0L V6 Duratec engine for FoMoCo.
- Responsibilities included coordination between customer and sub-suppliers, program documentation, timing, cost and quality assurance (APQP).
- Managed the design concept of a composite oil filter adapter for the Ford 5.4L and 6.8L V8 truck engines to replace the current aluminum production design.
- Coordinated quotation activity with sales, cost estimating and engineering.
- Extensive liaison, task definition, options evaluation, project management and systems application experience both domestic and international.
Product Engineer
Mann+Hummel Automotive
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
05.1997 - 05.1999
- Researched and analyzed data on engineering proposals, designs, specifications and manuals to recommend the feasibility of product design.
- Coordinated all sub-supplier activity for an air intake manifold program.
- Developed and implemented corporate forms to track engineering changes.
- Designed a supplier database to track capabilities, cost and timing.
Product Engineer
Siemens Automotive Corporation
Auburn Hills, Michigan
01.1994 - 05.1997
- Planned, directed and coordinated the development of an active intake manifold for an in-line six cylinder engine.
- Created and maintained DFMEA, BOM, DVP&R and timing plans for composite air intake manifolds.
- Supported the development of intake manifold concepts to include DFM, DFA, component selection and customer liaison.
- Provided guidance in the use and execution of testing methodologies.
- Excellent public relations and customer contact ability.
- Developed policies and procedures for QS9000 Certification.
Design / Test Engineer
Siemens Automotive Corporation
Auburn Hills, Michigan
01.1994 - 05.1997
- Designed and tested a retention feature for a powdered metal compression limiter on the 2.7L intake manifold for Chrysler.
- Conducted design verification and product validation testing on composite air intake manifolds and subcomponents.
- Responsible for writing specifications and test procedures for component verification and validation.
Research and Development
Siemens Automotive Corporation
Auburn Hills, Michigan
01.1994 - 05.1997
- Planned, directed and coordinated the development of a direct drive test system for multiple electric vehicle engine configurations.
- Designed and organized the manufacture of a belt driven test assembly for an electric vehicle motor (Ford Ecostar Project).
- Designed a composite throttle body assembly to replace the Dodge Neon production aluminum version.
- Responsibilities included design, mold-tooling development, manufacturing coordination with suppliers and test.
- Conducted feasibility study to implement fuel injection on a Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine.
Corporal
United States Marine Corps - Reserve
12.1989 - 02.1996
- Communications Platoon / Field Radio Operator.
- Veteran Desert Shield / Desert Storm
Education
M.S. - Engineering Management
Oakland University
Rochester08-1998
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering (emphasis on design)
Oakland University
Rochester12-1995
Some College (No Degree) - Plastic Intake Manifold Design
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MISkills
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Performance metrics
- Product development
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Mentoring and coaching
Military Experience
12/1989, 02/1996, Corporal, United States Marine Corps - Reserve, Communications Platoon / Field Radio Operator
Timeline
Global Manager – Differential Development
GKN e-Powertrain
07.2015 - Current
Regional Chief Engineer – Differentials, Lockers & Couplings
GKN Driveline
07.2014 - 07.2015
Regional Chief Engineer - Differentials
GKN Torque Technology Group
09.2010 - 07.2014
Platform Engineering Manager
GKN Driveline North America Inc
05.2003 - 09.2010
Application Engineer
GKN Driveline North America Inc
05.1999 - 05.2003
Program Manager
Mann+Hummel Automotive
05.1997 - 05.1999
Product Engineer
Mann+Hummel Automotive
05.1997 - 05.1999
Product Engineer
Siemens Automotive Corporation
01.1994 - 05.1997
Design / Test Engineer
Siemens Automotive Corporation
01.1994 - 05.1997
Research and Development
Siemens Automotive Corporation
01.1994 - 05.1997
Corporal
United States Marine Corps - Reserve
12.1989 - 02.1996
M.S. - Engineering Management
Oakland University
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering (emphasis on design)
Oakland University
Some College (No Degree) - Plastic Intake Manifold Design
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
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