Michael A. Taylor
Clarkston,USA
Summary
Results-oriented Mechanical Engineer with extensive hands-on experience in the automotive sector at the OEM and supplier level. Including OEM roles focused on chassis and thermal components in addition to roles at leading supliers of driveline systems, axles, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) solutions. Strong problem-solving abilities and commitment to meeting timelines while maintaining a customer-centric approach. Proficient in designing and testing automotive components that adhere to stringent specifications, implementing cost-saving initiatives, and simplifying part designs for enhanced efficiency. Recognized for an energetic and persistent work ethic, with a proven ability to rapidly acquire new skills and knowledge in both individual and collaborative settings.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Architectural Lead Vehicle System Engineer - Underbody
GENERAL MOTORS
Warren, MI
01.2025 - Current
- Assisted vehicle system engineers in electric vehicle programs focused on chassis propulsion integration, thermal, and structural components. Supported management of individual programs and collaborated with other vehicle system engineers on architectural designs.
- Conducted comprehensive monitoring of components and systems to fulfill program team and system management team objectives.
- Served as primary liaison for program team, facilitating engineering processes related to cost and tooling efficiency.
- Led system integration projects to enhance vehicle performance and reliability.
Architectural Vehicle System Engineer, TIPIE Group
GENERAL MOTORS
Warren, MI
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Facilitated collaboration among vehicle performance teams and technical specialists to ensure seamless integration of thermal interior propulsion and exterior components for plug-in hybrid systems.
- Designed and implemented vehicle systems to effectively address multiple program priorities.
- Assisted in coordinating activities with North America and GM Korea. Support teams in communication and project alignment across regions. Helped facilitate collaboration between departments to achieve project goals.
- Designed and implemented system architecture solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
Vehicle System Engineer, Chassis & Thermal Group (China)
GENERAL MOTORS
China
07.2021 - 08.2024
- Directed and coordinated a team of design release engineers, technical specialists, development engineers, and validation engineers to optimize components and integrate the chassis and thermal systems.
- Mentored junior engineers on global best practices for vehicle development.
- Engineered chassis and thermal systems to enhance vehicle program efficiency, focusing on performance, cost, mass, and timing.
- Managed cross-regional communication and project alignment between North America and China within the PATAC joint venture.
Lead Driveline Systems Engineer, Chassis/Driveline Group
GENERAL MOTORS
Warren, MI
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Led and coordinated a team of design release, development and validation engineers to ensure seamless integration of major driveline systems into vehicles.
- Improved system performance by identifying and resolving technical issues in a timely manner.
- Designed and optimized driveline systems to align with vehicle program requirements.
- Facilitated negotiations of requirements with subsystems interfacing with driveline to ensure adherence to best practices.
Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis/Driveline Group
GENERAL MOTORS
Warren, MI
06.2015 - 01.2021
- Design and develop driveline components for new vehicle applications with engineers for mating components while working with the suppliers of those components to ensure they are meeting vehicle requirements, milestones, and program timing.
- Coordinated knowledge-sharing efforts among team members to improve understanding of program-specific items and streamline related processes.
- Conducted knowledge transfer sessions for design release engineers to ensure proficiency in halfshaft and propshaft designs for Buick Envision, Chevrolet Equinox, and Colorado/Canyon models.
- Led power transfer unit development from sourcing timeframe for Trax/Trailblazer & Equinox/Terrain.
Senior Application Engineer, GM, Rotorion & Showa Account Teams
NTN BEARING CORP. OF AMERICA
Farmington Hills, MI
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Facilitated application of lessons learned and problem-solving tactics within engineering team. Educated coworkers and customers on driveline components, improving overall understanding of vehicle functionality.
- Led cross-functional teams to design and implement halfshaft and propshaft solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
CVJ Application Engineer, GM & Rotorion Account Teams
NTN BEARING CORP. OF AMERICA
Farmington Hills, MI
07.2012 - 04.2014
- Led the development and testing of drivetrain components and axle assemblies aligned with vehicle specifications. Proactively addressed challenges during new product launches at manufacturing and customer facilities to ensure smooth operations.
- Engineered a redesigned halfshaft assembly to resolve interference issues with adjacent suspension components.
- Gained customer approval for changing a joint to reduce all future warranty costs, despite a mass increase and the change being very late in the program timing.
Application Engineer, Ball Bearings
NMB TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
Novi, MI
01.2010 - 06.2012
- Led collaboration with automotive and medical clients to identify optimal bearing designs that align with specifications. Oversaw on-site assessments of handling and assembly practices to mitigate risks of bearing damage.
- Performed detailed analysis of field and testing returns to enhance bearing life and propose a correction for any mishandling that was found.
- Achieved consensus on PPAP requirements with customers, enhancing project alignment. Streamlined request submissions to factory, improving operational efficiency. Evaluated customer documents to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Implemented targeted training programs for employees and quality department members to achieve a 20% reduction in customer quality defects.
Application Engineer, Ford Account Team
GKN DRIVELINE INC.
Auburn Hills, MI
10.2005 - 12.2008
- Led the design, development, and testing of drivetrain components and axle assemblies aligned with vehicle specifications. Mitigated potential issues during new product launches at manufacturing and customer sites. Developed innovative solutions or sourced existing components to meet specifications for forgings, joints, grease bearings, seal protectors, and rubber parts.
- Led redesign initiative, cutting design time by 75% while ensuring the new axle adhered to significant changes in customer specifications.
- Achieved annual savings of $80k by replacing stainless steel components with carbon steel, maintaining compliance with quality and corrosion requirements.
Education
Master of Science - Global Automotive & Manufacturing Eng.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI05-2024
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI12-2004
Skills
- Systems Engineering
- 5S methodology implementation
- Teamcenter
- Slack
- Design for Manufacturability
- ABMA Bearing Training
- Visualization Mockup
- Glean
- GD&T Tolerance Stack up Analysis
- QS9000, TS16949
- Red X
- Lean & Visual Management
- ISO 9001, 14001
- Six Sigma Black Belt
Highly skilled in:
- DFMEA
- PPAP
- VAVE
- Design Thinking
- Mentoring
- Vehicle Systems Design
Timeline
Architectural Lead Vehicle System Engineer - Underbody
GENERAL MOTORS
01.2025 - Current
Architectural Vehicle System Engineer, TIPIE Group
GENERAL MOTORS
09.2024 - 01.2025
Vehicle System Engineer, Chassis & Thermal Group (China)
GENERAL MOTORS
07.2021 - 08.2024
Lead Driveline Systems Engineer, Chassis/Driveline Group
GENERAL MOTORS
01.2021 - 06.2021
Senior Design Release Engineer, Chassis/Driveline Group
GENERAL MOTORS
06.2015 - 01.2021
Senior Application Engineer, GM, Rotorion & Showa Account Teams
NTN BEARING CORP. OF AMERICA
05.2014 - 05.2015
CVJ Application Engineer, GM & Rotorion Account Teams
NTN BEARING CORP. OF AMERICA
07.2012 - 04.2014
Application Engineer, Ball Bearings
NMB TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
01.2010 - 06.2012
Application Engineer, Ford Account Team
GKN DRIVELINE INC.
10.2005 - 12.2008
Master of Science - Global Automotive & Manufacturing Eng.
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Wayne State University