Michael Harris
Farmington
Summary
Results-driven Sr. Product Engineer with expertise in project coordination, engineering compliance, and process improvement. Proven ability to enhance product performance and lead cross-functional teams.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Product Engineer
Autoneum North America
08.2018 - 07.2026
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and reliability.
- Conducted thorough product testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Designed project development timelines with key milestones and clear descriptions of scope and delivery requirements.
- Coordinated project activities to align with client expectations and requirements.
- Mentored junior engineers on best practices and design principles.
- Developed technical documentation for engineering processes and specifications.
Sr. Trim Engineer
Ford
Dearborn Heights
11.2013 - 01.2017
- Led design and quality assurance of seat trim and craftsmanship for 2015 50th anniversary Mustang, ensuring high standards and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline product development processes, improving project timelines and communication.
- Created and updated engineering documentation and project reports to support project clarity and compliance.
Sr. Interior Engineer
Chrysler
Auburn
05.2005 - 10.2013
- Designed, validated, and released seats and interior components for Chrysler SRT, ensuring alignment with performance and safety standards. • Led a team of designers and Suppliers to develop a Weight/OOP (out of position) sensing system used in the 2008 Dodge Viper. This is the first of its kind for the automotive industry. • Facilitated VAVE reviews with suppliers to foster collaboration and generate cost-saving solutions. • Created and maintained DVP&R, DFMEA, and Control Plans. Also reviewed and approved supplier plans.
- Directed design release and manufacturing processes for seats and carpet for 2013 Dodge Viper, enhancing product quality and market readiness.
- Designed and tested automotive components for performance and safety standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop engineering solutions and improvements.
- Analyzed engineering data to identify trends and enhance product designs.
Industrial Trim Engineer
Faurecia Automotive Seating
Troy
01.2004 - 03.2005
- Planned and implemented new soft trim product and manufacturing process changes, developing processes for cut & sew and seat assembly, while reviewing product design to ensure alignment with customer expectations.• Assisted in the design and launch of the 2006 Pontiac G6 sedan and coupe.• Established new sewing procedures that reduced reject rates at seat cover supplier.• Investigated and resolved quality issues at plant, collaborating with team to eliminate problems.
- Planned and implemented new soft trim product and manufacturing process changes, developing processes for cut & sew and seat assembly, while reviewing product design to ensure alignment with customer expectations. • Assisted in the design and launch of the 2006 Pontiac G6 sedan and coupe. • Established new sewing procedures that reduced reject rates at seat cover supplier. • Investigated and resolved quality issues at plant, collaborating with team to eliminate problems.
- Worked with various teams to refine and elevate design specifications.
- Executed material testing procedures to confirm adherence to established industry standards.
- Managed project timelines and coordinated tasks across engineering teams.
Sr. Product Engineer
MSX International Inc.
Southfield
07.1999 - 11.2004
- Lead Engineer (2000-2001) Johnson Controls
Assignment was with Johnson Controls to head up the design and implementation of the 2001 PN-96 and P-131 seat cover design for Ford Motor Co. Responsibilities included developing and releasing all trim cover patterns along with implementing at the sewing facilities. - Sr. Product Engineer (2001-2004) Ford Motor Company
Responsibilities included production vehicle design and release for flooring along with aftermarket mats, trays and other dealer products.
• Reduced floor mat complexity by 75% by eliminating color shades and redesigning shapes to meet numerous vehicle floor shapes. Estimated savings of over $750,000.00 annually.
• Designed, validated and released floor mats, tonneau covers and bed liners for the 2004 Ford F-250 Harley Davidson vehicle. - Partnered with cross-functional teams to strengthen product development processes.
- Performed comprehensive testing and validated prototypes to ensure quality standards.
- Lead Engineer (2000-2001) Johnson ControlsAssignment was with Johnson Controls to head up the design and implementation of the 2001 PN-96 and P-131 seat cover design for Ford Motor Co. Responsibilities included developing and releasing all trim cover patterns along with implementing at the sewing facilities.
Engineering Supervisior
Lear Corporation
Dearborn
07.1994 - 06.1999
- Led team of designers and engineers in developing foam and trim for Ford trucks and specialty vehicles, enhancing product quality and performance.• Managed and maintained DVP&R and DFMEA to support robust engineering documentation.• Conducted VA/VE reviews and implemented changes associated with complete seat systems on numerous Ford vehicles.
- Led team of designers and engineers in developing foam and trim for Ford trucks and specialty vehicles, enhancing product quality and performance. • Managed and maintained DVP&R and DFMEA to support robust engineering documentation. • Conducted VA/VE reviews and implemented changes associated with complete seat systems on numerous Ford vehicles.
- Supervised engineering teams to ensure efficient project execution.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance production workflows.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues.
Sr. Trim Engineer
Douglas & Lomason
Farmington Hills
10.1989 - 06.1994
- Created and executed designs for foam and trim in Ford and Chrysler seat programs to meet specifications and improve user comfort.
- Assisted in troubleshooting product design and manufacturing process issues to enhance product quality and reliability.
- Developed and maintained engineering documentation and project reports to ensure compliance and support project objectives.
Engineering Manager
Johnson Controls
Lapeer
11.1986 - 09.1989
- Led cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, and launch of innovative product solutions, ensuring projects met technical specifications and business goals.
- Managed engineering project lifecycle from concept to production, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with project goals.
- Oversaw engineering and maintenance staff, coordinating hiring, training, and professional development to enhance team capabilities.
Education
Associate of Science - Industrial Engineering
University of Nebraska
NE05-1982
Skills
- Product development expertise
- Product testing
- Design validation
- Technical documentation
- Engineering documentation
- Project coordination
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Manufacturing processes
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Process improvement
- Product troubleshooting
- Problem solving
- Product troubleshooting
Timeline
Sr. Product Engineer
Autoneum North America
08.2018 - 07.2026
Sr. Trim Engineer
Ford
11.2013 - 01.2017
Sr. Interior Engineer
Chrysler
05.2005 - 10.2013
Industrial Trim Engineer
Faurecia Automotive Seating
01.2004 - 03.2005
Sr. Product Engineer
MSX International Inc.
07.1999 - 11.2004
Engineering Supervisior
Lear Corporation
07.1994 - 06.1999
Sr. Trim Engineer
Douglas & Lomason
10.1989 - 06.1994
Engineering Manager
Johnson Controls
11.1986 - 09.1989
Associate of Science - Industrial Engineering
University of Nebraska