Michael L. Conely
Red Lake Falls,MN
Summary
Results-driven Senior Engineering and Program Manager with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering. Certified in CMQ/OE and CQE, with extensive expertise in: Design and process optimization Managing complex, multi-project portfolios Analytical problem-solving using Design of Experiments (DOE) Performance improvement through data-driven evaluation and tracking Proven leader with a track record of innovation, cost savings, and product launches in highly technical and competitive environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Program Manager
Textron
01.2020 - 11.2024
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Led engineering and cross-functional teams to launch major products, including the 858 Catalyst, Wildcat BHE, and MY22 800 Prowler updates
- Conducted weekly meetings with senior leadership to report progress and align on strategic priorities
- Developed and refined financial tracking, dashboards, and Phase Gate processes
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Engineering Manager – High Performance & Race Team
Textron
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Directed chassis and suspension development for Catalyst models launched in 2023
- Designed and launched innovative products, including the 2020 Riot 146” and ZR 6000 R XC race sled
- Created Arctic Cat’s first electronic power steering system for 2022
- Supported the 2019 factory race team, securing USXC Pro Stock and Pro Open championships
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Principal Engineer – VA/VE
Textron
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Delivered over $2 million in cost savings across snow and dirt projects
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Design Manager – SVX 450 Snowbike
Textron
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Accelerated the design and launch of Arctic Cat’s first certified snowbike
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Design Manager – ZR 200
Textron
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Coordinated design and optimization with Arctic Cat and Yamaha engineers
- Earned the 2018 Snowmobile of the Year award (Snow Goer Magazine)
- Received Textron’s 2017 Chairman’s Award for Innovation ($10,000 prize)
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Six Sigma Black Belt
Textron
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Applied Lean Six Sigma methodologies to resolve customer dissatisfaction and warranty issues
- Utilized iterative DOEs to pinpoint and address root causes of technical challenges
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Supplier Quality Engineer
Textron
01.2004 - 12.2014
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Managed quality performance for 76 suppliers to ensure superior product standards
- Served as Interim Director of Quality during an extended European assignment
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Manufacturing/Quality Engineer
Textron
01.2001 - 12.2004
- Company Overview: Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
- Developed Arctic Cat’s first engine manufacturing line with poka-yoke processes
- Optimized assembly and testing procedures for enhanced productivity
- Recreational Vehicle and Engine Manufacturer | Thief River Falls, MN
Design Engineer
Tyco
01.2000 - 12.2001
- Company Overview: Communications Equipment Company | Shakopee, MN
- Designed and launched new product lines, including a black Fiber Distribution Frame
- Achieved a $100,000 cost reduction with a redesigned Vertical Cable Guide
- Improved product quality and customer satisfaction through innovative redesigns
- Partnered with major customers to deliver tailored solutions
- Streamlined product release processes by co-developing efficiency-focused software
- Communications Equipment Company | Shakopee, MN
Project Engineer
Enbridge
01.1999 - 12.2000
- Company Overview: Pipeline, Energy, and Services Company | Duluth, MN
- Designed and managed construction projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and codes
- Led a $1M sump tank replacement project, including contract negotiations and design
- Completed piping designs for upgrades at multiple stations
- Conducted feasibility studies for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) integration
- Pipeline, Energy, and Services Company | Duluth, MN
Education
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Mathematics
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, NDSkills
- Scope management
- Problem-solving skills
- Strategic planning
- Project leadership
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Training by SBTI and Simpler
- Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), ASQ
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), ASQ
Accomplishments
- Snowmobile Safety Instructor – Minnesota DNR
Professional Development
- Textron Leadership Essentials & Developing Leadership Excellence
- ASME Stack Tolerance – Level 3 GD&T
- ASQ Black Belt & Quality Engineer Statistics Training
- Employment Association: Fundamentals of Leadership (10-week program)
Timeline
Senior Program Manager
Textron
01.2020 - 11.2024
Engineering Manager – High Performance & Race Team
Textron
01.2018 - 12.2019
Principal Engineer – VA/VE
Textron
01.2017 - 12.2018
Design Manager – SVX 450 Snowbike
Textron
01.2016 - 12.2017
Design Manager – ZR 200
Textron
01.2015 - 12.2016
Six Sigma Black Belt
Textron
01.2014 - 12.2015
Supplier Quality Engineer
Textron
01.2004 - 12.2014
Manufacturing/Quality Engineer
Textron
01.2001 - 12.2004
Design Engineer
Tyco
01.2000 - 12.2001
Project Engineer
Enbridge
01.1999 - 12.2000
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Mathematics
University of North Dakota