MICHAEL J. LANGE
Howell,MI
Summary
Results-oriented Lead Engineer with over 20 years of experience in restraints. Focused on solving complex technical challenges, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing initiatives that deliver significant cost savings. Strong interpersonal skills drive a collaborative environment that exceeds project goals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR PRODUCT ENGINEER – Restraints
Nissan
Farmington Hills, USA
06.2017 - Current
- Facilitated information-sharing meetings on passenger airbags, enhancing cross-team collaboration among engineering teams.
- Managed three passenger airbags, ensuring compliance with new FMVSS 208 CRS regulations through implementation of low-risk deployment countermeasures.
- Led the restraints PDT across multiple programs, delivering on time and within budget.
- Collaborated with cockpit module team to establish standards for passenger airbag interface design.
- Led root cause analysis for specific passenger airbag issues.
- Developed driver airbag dynamic damper system from concept to production, achieving strict truck ride comfort objectives.
- Validated supplier passenger airbag automated folding equipment, strengthening production readiness through close collaboration.
- Directed cost discussion meetings as steering wheel cost lead, resolving open cost items efficiently.
ENGINEERING MANAGER - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
Auburn Hills, USA
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Led team from concept to production for a Knee and Passenger Airbag that required designs beyond normal boundaries for a unique vehicle environment
- Managed passenger and knee airbags, overseeing new production, continuous improvement, and inflator replacement to enhance product reliability.
- Guided drawing release, resolved open issues, validated testing, and monitored program milestones for 6 engineers to ensure timely project delivery.
- Aided in implementing over $1 million in cost savings, with an additional $1 million prepared for future implementation.
LEAD ENGINEER - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
Auburn Hills, USA
02.2012 - 04.2016
- Launched driver knee airbag, contributing to five-star NHTSA rating for driver side.
- Led global CBU inflator recall activities for driver and passenger airbags in North America, Europe, and China.
- Guided engineering team on passenger and knee airbag issues, facilitating timely resolutions and maintaining project timelines.
- Conceptualized and implemented low mount knee airbag designs for complex packaging and deployment.
- Developed and validated hybrid armature for customer-specific steering wheel applications, enhancing product performance and customer satisfaction.
LEAD ENGINEER - Chrysler / GM Business Unit
Takata
Auburn Hills, USA
11.2011 - 01.2012
- Conducted MADYMO simulations to evaluate performance impacts of module modifications, guiding design improvements.
- Analyzed occupant data to ensure compliance with FMVSS 208 regulations for airbags and seatbelts, enhancing safety standards.
- Interpreted data and recommended next steps, facilitating informed decision-making based on analysis.
ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR - Chrysler / GM Business Unit
Takata
Auburn Hills, USA
05.2008 - 10.2011
- Launched 8 programs over a 2 year period with no open issues after SOP
- Collaborated with engineering and sales teams to secure annual production of 1.5 million new passenger and knee airbags.
- Contributed to team that transitioned first Takata low mount knee airbag from concept to production validation in 9 months, resulting in patent acquisition.
- Supervised driver, passenger and knee airbags development, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
Auburn Hills, USA
11.2007 - 04.2008
- Managed driver, passenger, and side airbags, seat belts, and steering wheels to ensure safety compliance and performance standards.
- Supported development and implementation of new retractor system to enhance safety features.
- Coordinated timing testing and implementation for airbag fabric process improvement to optimize production efficiency.
- Collaborated with team to execute over $3 million in cost-saving initiatives.
PRODUCT ENGINEER - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
Auburn Hills, USA
07.2002 - 10.2007
- Achieved over $1.5 million in annual cost savings through implementation of strategic initiatives in airbag design processes.
- Patented alternative deployment path for driver airbag, meeting OOP requirements in challenging environments.
- Designed and validated driver and passenger airbags from concept through launch.
- Collaborated with Ford Studio on surface development for airbag covers, ensuring alignment with design and safety standards.
- Mentored entry-level engineers and co-ops, fostering skill development and enhancing team capabilities.
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Oakland University
Rochester, MI01-2003
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI05-2001
Skills
- Airbag design
- Regulatory compliance
- Product validation
- Root cause analysis
- Project management
- Cost management
Timeline
SENIOR PRODUCT ENGINEER – Restraints
Nissan
06.2017 - Current
ENGINEERING MANAGER - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
05.2016 - 06.2017
LEAD ENGINEER - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
02.2012 - 04.2016
LEAD ENGINEER - Chrysler / GM Business Unit
Takata
11.2011 - 01.2012
ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR - Chrysler / GM Business Unit
Takata
05.2008 - 10.2011
ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
11.2007 - 04.2008
PRODUCT ENGINEER - Ford Customer Business Unit
Takata
07.2002 - 10.2007
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Oakland University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Michigan Technological University