Kevin R Stephens
**** ****** *****, *********, ** 37801 865-***-**** ( **********@***.***
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ?MACHINE DESIGN ?PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Mechanical Engineer with >20 years of experience in Project Management,
Machine Design, System Automation, and Regulatory Compliance. Demonstrated
ability to conceptualize, schedule, design, and drive projects to
completion while meeting or exceeding quality, cost, and delivery
requirements. Proven expertise in quickly mastering new technology and
successfully integrating system designs into existing processes. Effective
communicator and engineering staff trainer.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
M-Force contract with MESA Technologies Inc., Knoxville, TN
December 2012 - Present
Custom Machine Build Group
Mechanical Design Engineer
. Complete mechanical concept development, equipment modeling, and
detail design activities, based on concept delivered by Mechanical
Manager and in accordance with Mesa and customer specific design
specifications
. Oversee component selection based on concept delivered by Mechanical
Manager and in accordance with Mesa and customer specific design
specifications
. Generate mechanical documents and drawing annotations necessary for
design turnover to Purchasing, Fabrication Supervisor, Assembly
Supervisor, and Controls Manager
NAVUS Automation, Inc., Knoxville, TN
June 2009 - December 2012
(Navus is a custom automation design and build firm.)
Mechanical Engineer
Responsible for conceptualization, quoting, designing, detailing, project
management, and contract management required to supporting the timely
design, assembly, and installation of automated and semi-automated custom
machine systems. Primary focus has been in the automation of welding
systems, management of customer and vendor contracts, overseeing parts
fabrication, and project management.
SMITHS DETECTION, INC., Alcoa, TN
November 2006 - March 2009
(Commercial Safety and Security Division)
(Smiths Group, division of the UK, multi-billion dollar producer of state-
of-the-art x-ray inspection systems for food and transportation
industries.)
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer / Mechanical Safety Officer
Responsible for conceptualization, design, development, and project
leadership of standard and custom x-ray screening systems and solutions,
and technical evaluation of products for compliance with equipment and
product safety regulations for worldwide distribution.
. Designed the standardization and investigation of outsourcing components
and sub-systems.
o Directed project to standardize pneumatic systems, which resulted
in significant cost reductions while increasing the overall safety
level and establishing alternative components.
. Provided design technical input for two project teams, resulting in an
approximate $4k and $10K savings per machine build.
. Facilitated Engineering Change Notification (ECN) program, including
investigation, approval, design change, weekly status meetings, and
monthly management reporting utilizing SAP, I-DEAS, and Access software
programs.
o Reduced engineering backlog from ~ 30 open requests to <10.
. Facilitated rewrite of equipment Operation Manuals in multiple languages,
and maintained required Technical File and Risk Analysis for each product
line.
. Managed third party product compliance testing for CE deceleration and
CBTL (Certified Bodies Testing Laboratory) approval.
DENSO MANUFACTURING TENNESSEE, INC., Maryville, TN
December 1991 - November 2006
(Machinery & Tools Division)
(One of the largest global manufacturers of advanced technology,
components, and systems for major automakers. The Machinery and Tools
Division is a source for design, fabrication, and assembly of production
and process equipment for all North American Denso facilities.)
Career Progression:
Staff Engineer 2002-2003, 2006
Engineering Supervisor 2003-2006
Advanced Specialist / Specialist / Entry Specialist 1991-
2002
Staff Engineer (2002-2003, 2006)
Managed projects for internal and external customers involving new machine
design and existing machine kaizen. Reviewed subordinate engineers designs
to insure quality design with low cost and compliance with federal, state,
and local regulations; and served as technical resource for associates.
. Managed a $7.5M final assembly line project for next-gen alternator
products. The project incorporated individual machines, automation of
manual processes, and final inspection into a single production line
utilizing 22 machines with a 6.5-second cycle time. Worked with Process
Engineer and management to develop the line layout and obtain budgetary
approval. Managed design team consisting of 5 ME and 4 EE and
administered project during assembly and line start up.
. Successfully developed and facilitated new machinery training for six
design engineers in the areas of design, customer interface, workload
management, project management, and post-project analyses relevant to
delivery, cost, and quality.
. Facilitated monthly education training program of technology application
for engineering associates.
Supervisor (2003-2006)
Responsible for management of multiple-disciplinary engineering staff;
contributed to review, approval, and work assignments for incoming
projects; and management and design of assigned projects.
. Managed and designed project for a final inspection machine for
electronic computer units (~$125K). The machine integrated robots,
vision, and scale systems to confirm product weight, product labeling and
component assembly. Project success resulted in company purchase of four
additional machines.
. Instructed internal and external engineering, maintenance, and operation
associates in Beginning Robotics, Intermediate Robotics, and Machine
Vision.
. Project management of flux (sealant utilized to prevent leaks)
application machine for the heater core product. One of five engineers
in entire organization to have design experience with the Flux process.
Advanced Specialist / Specialist / Entry Specialist (1991-2002)
Managed projects to establish project specifications, quoting, designing,
detailing, and supporting the timely assembly and installation of new
machine designs and existing machine kaizens.
. Managed and designed project that utilized flexible automation principles
to reduce labor requirements for alternator sub-assembly line ($1.2M).
The automation replaced 12 operators with 18 robots. Project results
included ROI of 2.2 years, labor savings of $500K / year, floor space
reduction, scrap reduction, and ergonomic improvements. Project analysis
presented at the Denso 2002 North American Production Engineering
Conference.
. Managed $500K project and design of oxygen sensor heater element assembly
cell that combined the functions of two existing sub-assembly lines.
. Managed and designed project that developed fourth product assembly line
for oxygen sensors in North America (~$3.5M). Project redesigned several
areas of existing lines' layout to enhance the production capabilities.
. Managed project to install two sub-assembly lines for the first Stick
Coil production in North America (~$4M). The lines integrated injection-
molding machines with post-process equipment to process and assemble the
stick coil into the moldings.
Allied - Signal Bendix FMD, Cleveland, TN
June 1985 - December 1991
(Pioneer and industry leader in the manufacture of automotive and
transportation industry braking technology.)
Career Progression:
Mechanical Design Engineer 1990 - 1991
Draftsman II 1987 - 1990
Cooperative Engineer 1985 - 1987
Mechanical Design Engineer (1990 - 1991)
Responsibility for managing all facets of project management, form
conception and acquiring approval through installation and follow-up for
the design and detailing of tooling (primarily molding, drilling, grinding
and inspection), machinery (parts handling and conveyors) and facility
drawings. Managed the CAD Design Group, and supervising the training of
two Cooperative Engineers.
Draftsman II (1987 - 1990)
While going to school part time, responsible for the design and detailing
of tooling, machinery, and facility drawings, supervised the training of
two Cooperative Engineers, and assisted Process and Project Engineers with
project management activities
Cooperative Engineer (1985 - 1987)
Responsible for planning, conducting and reporting on process trials and
assisting with tooling and machine design and detailing. Aided the Plant
Engineering staff with facility environmental issues.
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering, Mechanical Mechanics
Concentration,
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
State of Tennessee Engineer In Training, #13395
ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT
. Working knowledge of CAD software: I-deas, SolidWorks, AutoCad, and
Cadkey
. Experienced with common Microsoft Office, Visio, Project, and SAP
Business Software products
. Trained in Teamcenter Engineering 2007 Product Management and Application
Administration
. Working knowledge of Machinery, Low Voltage, and Electromagnetic
Compatibility Directives and supporting standards and NFPA, NEC, AMI,
ANSI, and OSHA requirements
. Numerous management development seminars
. ISO, JIS and ANSI geometric dimensioning and tolerancing training
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
. Volunteer construction project lead for several Habitat for Humanity home
builds
. Executive advisor for Junior Achievement
. Instructor for Toastmasters Speech Craft program