STEVEN T. AIELLO
Huntington Woods
Summary
Dynamic engineering leader with a proven track record at Ford Motor Company, driving $250M in new business through innovative AWD systems. Expertise in product development and project management, complemented by strong customer relationship skills. Recognized for delivering significant cost savings and enhancing vehicle performance through advanced design and testing methodologies.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Engineer: Ford, Nissan, GM programs
AMERICAN AXLE MANUFACTURING
Detroit
01.2017 - Current
- Product responsible for Ford Power Transfer Unit, Nissan Titan Rear Axle, GM Equinox RDM with controls, Jeep Cherokee AWD vehicle level controls.
Senior Manager, New Business Development
AMERICAN AXLE MANUFACTURING
Detroit
11.2011 - 12.2016
- Lead all engineering and technical discussions with customers while pursuing new business for the North American business group of AAM.
- Won $250M in new business with Ford’s disconnecting AWD system for 2019MY.
- Awarded AAM Chairman’s award for this accomplishment.
- Won $40M in new business for the Ford Ecosport Power Transfer Unit 2018MY.
- Launched industry first disconnecting AWD system for the Jeep Cherokee ($125M).
Manager, 4x4 Systems Design
LINAMAR
Southfield
03.2007 - 12.2011
- Created new business strategy for global pursuit of transfer case technology.
- Designed and demonstrated new technology to OEM customers.
- Designed new active-on-demand transfer case.
- Demonstrated the technology worldwide (BMW, European and USA Winter test events), which led to new business opportunities.
- Created concepts for wet clutch drag reductions in driveline and transmission systems, providing a 0.1% fuel improvement per clutch.
Manager, New Business Development
LINAMAR
Southfield
01.2011 - 10.2011
- Pursued new business for Driveline Systems Group.
- Provided lead technical interface with customers and coordinated cost estimation for engineering and manufacturing.
- Awarded GM C7 RDU project revenue of $15M of new business.
- Lead technical interface driving customer requirements into driveline systems designs, transfer cases, clutch modules, PTUs, and RDMs.
Senior Engineer, Transmission 4x4 and Driveline Systems
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Livonia/Dearborn
01.2003 - 03.2007
- Spearheaded advanced and special projects.
- Led supplier technology reviews with all major suppliers.
- Integral in sourcing new business to suppliers by creating targets for: NVH, weight, quality, and function.
- Top 5% of Engineers achieved Senior Engineer grade level.
- ATC project created a fuel saving of 1.5 HP and cost saving of $100 per vehicle.
- This technology could be utilized across platforms.
- Introduced Ford-first aluminum fasteners to Ford Explorer 4x4 for a savings of $1.10 per vehicle.
- This technology is now used across the 4x4 vehicles at Ford and was chosen as a finalist for the Henry Ford Technology Award.
- Coordinated advanced design studies such as: ISG, EAWD, ATC, 6-Speeds, and new driveline concepts.
Product Design Engineer 4x4 and Driveline Systems
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Livonia/Dearborn
01.2000 - 12.2003
- Managed the adaption of transmission products into 4x4 system for multiple vehicle lines.
- Established as an expert in Transmission, Axle, PTU and transfer case design including: pinion bearing preloads, TE, Lubrication, venting and sealing, Dynamic and static deflection, durability and NVH.
Product Design Engineer, Automatic Transmission
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Livonia/Dearborn
01.1996 - 12.2000
- Forged alliance with Mazda engineering to ensure successful launch of the Escape Sport Utility.
- Managed suppliers to meet program timing, weight and function.
- Designed first PTU system in-house leading to internal study to manufacture in-house.
- This provided leverage to purchasing to reduce cost proposals from suppliers by $25 per unit.
Automatic Trans Program Management Engineer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Livonia/Dearborn
01.1995 - 12.1996
- Led design and package reviews as program manager for global Mondeo program.
- Coordinated all documentation and evidence for major program milestones with Powertrain management.
FCG program / Automatic Transmission Systems Engineer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Livonia/Dearborn
01.1992 - 12.1995
- Developed and executed all transmission system testing from vehicle to component level.
Education
MBA - International Business
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI01.1999
BS - Mechanical Engineering
Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, MI01.1992
Skills
Teamcenter Engineering
- Six Sigma
- Project management
- Product development
- System design
- Technical sales
- Customer relationship management
- Data analysis
- Team leadership
- Supplier management
- Testing and validation
Leadership Experience
- AAM Associate Resource Group (Young prof, Black Network, POWher, Latin resources), 01/01/22, Present
- SAE AWD Standards Committee, 01/01/07, Present
- SAE Detroit Section, 01/01/90, Present, AWIM, Design Contests, Section representative
- Huntington Woods Men’s Club, 01/01/06, 12/31/11, President, Board member
- South Oakland County Soccer League, 01/01/06, 12/31/11, Soccer Coach
Timeline
Chief Engineer: Ford, Nissan, GM programs
AMERICAN AXLE MANUFACTURING
01.2017 - Current
Senior Manager, New Business Development
AMERICAN AXLE MANUFACTURING
11.2011 - 12.2016
Manager, New Business Development
LINAMAR
01.2011 - 10.2011
Manager, 4x4 Systems Design
LINAMAR
03.2007 - 12.2011
Senior Engineer, Transmission 4x4 and Driveline Systems
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
01.2003 - 03.2007
Product Design Engineer 4x4 and Driveline Systems
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
01.2000 - 12.2003
Product Design Engineer, Automatic Transmission
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
01.1996 - 12.2000
Automatic Trans Program Management Engineer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
01.1995 - 12.1996
FCG program / Automatic Transmission Systems Engineer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
01.1992 - 12.1995
MBA - International Business
Wayne State University
BS - Mechanical Engineering
Lawrence Technological University
Similar Profiles
Nicole JenkinsNicole Jenkins
CNC Machine Operator at American Axle & Manufacturing, IncCNC Machine Operator at American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc
Jukilo JohnsonJukilo Johnson
CNC Machine Operator at American Axle & Manufacturing, IncCNC Machine Operator at American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc
Karen SlusherKaren Slusher
Machine Operator/Assembly at American Axle ManufacturingMachine Operator/Assembly at American Axle Manufacturing
Lindsey KatzLindsey Katz
Assistant Manager at Abercrombie & Fitch/ Hollister Co.Assistant Manager at Abercrombie & Fitch/ Hollister Co.
Kelly KhouryKelly Khoury
Teacher at Advanced Technology AcademyTeacher at Advanced Technology Academy