Neil Koelle
Sr. Project Manger
San Tan Valley,AZ
Summary
Forward-thinking Senior Manager offering history of success in the automotive testing and validation industry, coordinating and monitoring operations across various departments. Effective leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Highly committed with hardworking mentality to maintain quality of services and world-class products.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Senior Manager, Engineering Garage
Nikola Motor
Phoenix, AZ
06.2019 - 04.2025
- Managed engineering technician services supporting
pre-production testing, verification, and validation of electric
and hydrogen-electric Class 8 semis. - Hand-built trucks from the ground up to ensure successful
integration of all sub-systems including electrical, mechanical,
thermal, pneumatic and CAN bus architecture. - Led and executed appropriate staffing and budgetary
meetings to align with business forecasts. - Developed detailed plans and procedures with functional
teams based on broad guidance and direction. - Balanced competing priorities efficiently while maintaining focus
on critical tasks requiring immediate attention.
Senior Project Engineer
Intertek Testing Services
Phoenix, AZ
05.2015 - 06.2019
- Assisted with management of over 100 Battery Electric Vehicles
(BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and CNG vehicles as part
of U.S Department of Energy grant. - Executed data collection activities during on-road and closed-course tests per SAE and FMVSS procedures.
- Analyzed and interpreted customer requirements to develop
engineering solutions. - Established strong working relationships with clients to ensure
clear communication of expectations and requirements
throughout the project lifecycle. - Created detailed reports on engineering activities and findings.
Tool Design, and Field Support Engineer
M & W Group at Intel Corporation
Chandler, AZ
02.2013 - 11.2014
- Conducted engineering studies of semiconductor tool installation, leading to a 30% waste reduction at project completion.
- Presented data during weekly meetings, recommended value-added propositions for achieving goals.
- Implementation resulted in 15% more efficient installations at additional Intel facilities.
- Performed Building In Model (BIM) analysis with AutoCAD to
virtually design the layout of mechanical, electrical, and
process piping for semi-conductor tooling.
Engineering Intern
Tesla Motors
06.2011 - 08.2011
- Performed accelerated durability testing on Model S prototype; logged an equivalent 100,000 miles in 120 days.
- Identified and helped resolve pre-production concerns to powertrain and suspension components.
- Documented defects and coordinated issue resolution with development and functional teams.
- Supported data acquisition to capture vehicle behaviors and performance.
- Precisely followed test procedures to ensure accurate and reliable data streams for engineering teams.
Engineering Intern
Harley Davidson
01.2008 - 06.2009
- Gained hands-on experience in various engineering tools, software, and techniques to contribute effectively to multiple projects.
- Installed and calibrated SoMAT eDAQ and VBOX data acquisition systems utilizing instrumentation such as thermocouples, accelerometers, load cells and pressure transducers on motorcycles.
- Supported senior engineers in troubleshooting and resolving critical design issues, ensuring project milestones were met on time.
- Documented, photographed and compiled test reports using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint software.
- Designed, welded and fabricated custom mounts for data collection on test vehicles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology
Arizona State University Polytechnic
Mesa, Arizona 05.2001 - 12.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology
Wyoming Technical Institute (WyoTech)
Laramie, Wyoming 05.2001 - 03.2005
Skills
Data collection processes
Mechanical skills
Results driven
Strategic planning
Organizational improvement
Logistics support services
Problem-solving
Customer relations
Strong work ethic
Issue resolution
Safety awareness
Work Planning and Prioritization
Homologation, FMVSS, SAE
Welding & Fabrication
Certification
Class A Commercial Driver’s License
Timeline
Senior Manager, Engineering Garage
Nikola Motor
06.2019 - 04.2025
Class A Commercial Driver’s License
05-2015
Senior Project Engineer
Intertek Testing Services
05.2015 - 06.2019
Tool Design, and Field Support Engineer
M & W Group at Intel Corporation
02.2013 - 11.2014
Engineering Intern
Tesla Motors
06.2011 - 08.2011
Engineering Intern
Harley Davidson
01.2008 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology
Arizona State University Polytechnic
05.2001 - 12.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology
Wyoming Technical Institute (WyoTech)
05.2001 - 03.2005