Robert Koelzer
Olathe
Summary
Dynamic R&D Engineering Manager with a proven track record at HALDEX, leading cross-functional teams to successfully launch innovative products. Expertise in engineering design and process management, complemented by strong customer communication skills. Authored 20 patents and developed industry standards, driving compliance and enhancing product value in competitive markets.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Asst. Manager, Operations Management
Ervin Cable Construction
Kansas City
02.2024 - 07.2025
- Written and released Operating Procedures for all company functions, from Engineering, Construction, through Billing and Invoicing.
- Worked with principals in each area to document their processes so all would follow a standardized process.
- Worked with key personnel to implement processes through Enterprise and ESRI.
R&D Engineer Manager
PETERSON Mfg. Co.
Grandview
06.2021 - 01.2024
- Lead major design projects for Lighting for the Commercial, Heavy Duty and Motorcycle Industries.
- Lead a team of eleven engineers, both Mechanical and Electrical, through product development processes.
- Measure projects through timelines and milestones, for the projects from concept to production.
- Project development following APQP and Quality Functional Deployment.
- Communicate with customers daily on conference calls, and through participation in SAE, TMC and other industry task force groups.
- Lead a task force within the ATA TMC for LED Lights Out Criteria.
- Also engaged with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance on creating a guideline for roadside inspectors for disqualifying vehicles for non-functioning LED lights.
- Review and provide guidance for patent applications, and reply to patent attorneys on applications pending.
R&D Engineering Manager
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
Kansas City
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Lead engineering teams for new product development and value engineering.
- Projects range from new product development to assembly line launches.
- Lead the Engineering Group for Air Compressor, Air Treatment, Air Suspension, and Misc. Air Products.
- Support the development of products from concept to production.
- Initiate ideas to develop.
- Author or co-author of 20 Patents for products developed at Haldex and Midland-Grau.
- Work with the manufacturing teams in Mexico and Europe for product Value Engineering and launch.
- Make sure applications and products meet FMVSS121 and other government requirements.
- Participate in SAE, TMC, and other industry task force groups.
- Author of SAE standards for products related to our company’s interest.
- Participate in customer consultations in North America, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and France for product development.
Project/Product Manager
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Lead major projects through to fulfillment, assembling cross functional teams, and outlining timelines for the completion of the projects to be on time and in budget, following APQP processes, including Quality Functional Deployment.
- Communicate and interact with customers for product applications, and new product development.
- Review total costs of products and make pricing plans for both OEM and Aftermarket.
Engineering Supervisor
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Worked with a Chinese Engineering Group to help with product launch of air compressors for the Asian and North American markets and assisted with the launch of a new manufacturing facility in China.
Design Engineer, Product, Principal
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
01.1991 - 01.2000
- Support and lead engineering tasks for the development of pneumatic brake control devices, including the application of Anti-lock brake modules on customer vehicles.
- Provide application engineering of Midland Grau and Haldex products to the customer base.
- Worked with the US Marine Corp on installation of ABS components on Marine vehicles.
Education
MBA -
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL01.1991
BS - Agricultural Engineering Mechanical Technologies
Kansas State University
Manhattan05-1984
Skills
- Research and presentation skills
- Design development
- Structural analysis
- CAD drafting
- Problem resolution
- Process management
- Engineering design
- Value engineering
- Mechanical engineering expertise
- Team collaboration
- Production support
- Schematic interpretation
- Computer proficiency
- Product development strategies
- Codes compliance knowledge
- Technical reporting skills
- Cost estimation techniques
- Request for proposals (RFPs)
- Prototyping expertise
- Blueprint and schematic reading
- Mechanical aptitude assessment
- Technical drawing proficiency
- Data analysis capabilities
- Process documentation
- Quality assurance
- Regulatory compliance
- Team leadership
- Customer communication
Timeline
Asst. Manager, Operations Management
Ervin Cable Construction
02.2024 - 07.2025
R&D Engineer Manager
PETERSON Mfg. Co.
06.2021 - 01.2024
R&D Engineering Manager
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
01.2012 - 01.2021
Project/Product Manager
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
01.2005 - 01.2012
Engineering Supervisor
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
01.2000 - 01.2005
Design Engineer, Product, Principal
HALDEX Commercial Vehicle Systems
01.1991 - 01.2000
MBA -
Lewis University
BS - Agricultural Engineering Mechanical Technologies
Kansas State University
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