Engineer Quality Assurance

*

Page*

Martin S. Kramer

Cell 248-***-****

*************@*****.***

http://www.linkedin.com/in/martinskramer

CAREER SUMMARY

Automotive vehicle manufacturing, root cause analysis and finding creative solutions have been my passions.

My in-depth knowledge of manufacturing / metallurgy / surface engineering and innovation leadership has allowed me to

successfully implement creative strategies for optimizing internal operations while notably improving production

processes and products. I have proven the ability to work in diverse cross function group situations while performing

essential root cause analysis to solve many complex manufacturing complexities. I have also developed and patented

many concepts into robust manufacturing processes and new products .

I have substantial work experience in metallic surface modification projects, quality assurance & analysis, fastener

engineering, remanufacturing of powertrains, along with other cutting edge advanced manufacturing disciplines. I have

mastered these skills to lead and motivate large groups and organizations with the proper introduction of new technology,

processes and products.

My more recent assignments have taken me from the engineering world in concentrating on the voice of the customer

through JD Power Initial Quality Analysis and direct customer / dealer interaction. Bottom line, I am a dedicated team

player, highly creative natural leader. My tenacity for completing project milestones and delivering results with integrity

is my cornerstone.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA

Engineering Quality Specialist 2012 – Present (7 years total)

• JD Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS) analysis

o Direct Customer and Dealership interaction for product resolution and continuous improvement.

o Factory representative and technical expert.

Joining Engineering & Analysis Specialist 2010 – 2012

Helped launch the new midsize “Passat” sedan in Chattanooga Tennessee as part of the Quality Assurance Group.

• Technical analysis specialist for all Fastened, Welded and Adhesive bonded joints.

o Problem resolution and cross functional team expert for plant.

o Lead factory wide solution and investigation into underbody / chassis / joint improvements.

o Advanced technology implementation leader for joining applications.

o Involved with sensitive field / factory failure analysis component issues and resolution with German HQ.

o Lead plant wide training efforts in fastener engineering and factory improvements.

GENERAL MOTORS, Detroit, MI 1984-2009 (25 years)

Advanced Propulsion Senior Engineer Hybrid & Fuel Cells, 2007-2009

GM Service Parts Operations

2

Page2

Developed and implement remanufacturing strategies for strong hybrid ‘2 mode’ transmissions and mild hybrids

including belt alternator starter systems. Manage capital investment alternatives based on sales forecast.

Engineering / program management of end-of-line product tester for customer satisfaction.

• Led project management and engineering responsibilities for suppliers, purchasing, and cross functional business

groups.

• Engineered business strategies to achieve projected total cost savings of $1.6M or $2K / unit for remanufacturing

of hybrid electric motors and power electronics.

• Identified a $3K / unit salvage opportunity in Platinum (Pt) fuel cell stack material costs. Initiated a German

university reclaim study team yielding several environmentally friendly methods.

Remanufacturing Optimization Senior Engineer, 2005-2007

GM Service Parts Operations

Implement remanufacturing and materials processing tribological techniques for engines and transmissions.

Generate ideas, developed business cases, and executed technologies for saleable products.

• Achieved $10M team cost savings in remanufacturing methods and processes.

• Developed center-less ground camshaft salvage process to achieve $40 / unit savings; submitted for GM

Kettering Award the highest GM technological honor.

• Introduced micro-laser welding reclaim process for aluminum cylinder heads.

• Improved wear resistance and achieved cost savings of $50 / unit by originating and validating an aluminum

bronze thermal spray salvage coating process for transfer case main shafts.

• Directed micro-structural alloying enhancements for increased wear resistance and durability on various engine

and transmission pump housings.

• Led high frequency induction hardening investigations for wear and fatigue improvements in transmission shafts

and plates

Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Global Bill of Equipment 2004-2005

GM Powertrain Operations

Maintain and develop global bill of equipment ( BOE ) for transmission assemblies and gear manufacturing methods.

Identify best practices and benchmarked processes focusing on both long and short term strategies and matrixed

BOE assignments with plant engineers and managers. Attain in-depth process knowledge, serving as resident expert

in manufacturing techniques.

Senior Development Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering 1993 - 2004

GM Powertrain Operations

Invent and developed the “SprayBore” process, a HVOF thermal spray tribological solution and process for aluminum

engine cylinder bores, into a high-volume production-capable process with cost and product performance benefits.

Managed the transition of the process into a saleable product for an external supplier to commercialize and market.

• Created process savings of $16 / engine, reduced weight of 10lbs / engine with cost and fuel economy benefits.

• Developed partnerships with government CRADA’s, including Sandia National Labs, INEL, US Car, and MIT to

develop cutting-edge technologies and scientific understanding.

• Achieved functional and quality improvements in surface preparation, coating / substrate bonding.

• Engineered first construction of a dual spindle high-pressure water jet production machine for cylinder block

surface bore preparation.

• Invented in-process sensors including EMATS, reflectometers, and molten metal plume detectors for the HVOF

thermal spray system to assure constant coating quality.

• Initiated engineering and development of first 3D non-contact cylinder bore surface finish gage with Wyko

Corporation.

3

Page3

Project Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering 1984 - 1993

GM Technical Center

Create advanced metallurgical techniques & processes for manufacturing quality and cost improvements. Implement

and evaluate various thermal spray systems and numerous coating and surface modification technologies including

high velocity oxygen fuel ( HVOF ), plasma spray, twin wire arc and PTWA spray, PVD, CVD, laser cladding and ion

beam implantation.

• Developed the product production process for the ballized (assembled) camshaft with mass, cost and

performance benefits; over 25 million units have been in service since 1989.

• Originated and championed a thermal spray project for aluminum engine cylinder bores.

• Optimized low distortion post process heat treat methods for camshafts using high frequency induction, laser, and

e-beam technologies.

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA 1980-1984

Metallurgical Specialist

Coordinate and operate a full metallurgical lab, supported the first sample inspection of all metal components,

complete failure and fracture analysis, fastener engineering and testing analysis on a multiplicity of sub-assemblies,

write technical lab reports and handle frequent outside supplier interaction.

DAB INDUSTRIES, Materials Laboratory Technician 1979-1980

NEW HAVEN FOUNDRY, Laboratory Technician 1978-1979

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Organizational Management, University of Phoenix 1999

(Business / Leadership)

Bachelors of Science Degree Industrial Technology, Eastern Michigan University 1984

(Manufacturing Engineering)

Associate Degree in Metallurgical Science, Macomb County Community College 1979

(Material Science Engineering)

Other Relevant Training:

• •

German practical language skills (mod. fluency) Failure Facture Analysis, Photo-Microscopy

• •

Root cause analysis & Six Sigma, statistics Hybrid Powertrain systems training

• •

Leadership / Management courses Quality Control and analysis

• •

Lean Manufacturing / Engineering Microstructure Analysis

• •

Design for manufacturing / Remanufacturing Metallurgical Sample Preparation

• •

PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, DOE Micro and macro Hardness testing

• •

Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Technical report writing

•

PowerPoint, Access JD Power analysis

4

Page4

• •

Deming Philosophies SPC LabView Software usage / development

• •

Diversity training Leadership

• •

Alternative Propulsion, Hybrid / Fuel Cells Surface engineering

AWARDS

Issued Patents

•

• 5,080,056- Thermally sprayed aluminum-bronze coatings on aluminum engine bores

• 5,271,967- Method and Apparatus for Application of Thermal Spray Coatings to Engine Blocks

• 5,380,564- High Pressure Water Jet Method of Blasting Low Density Metallic Surfaces

• 5,626,674- High Pressure Water Jet Apparatus for Preparing Low Density Metallic Surfaces for Application of a

Coating Material

•

• 6,610,369- Method of Producing Thermally Sprayed Metallic Coating

• 6,675,767- Angled Gap Compression Ring

• 6,886,757- Nozzle Assembly for HVOF Thermal Spray System

• 6,902,768-Method of Producing Thermally Sprayed Metallic Coating with Additives

• 8,499,447- Method for Corroded Engine Cylinder Head.

• Several other patents are currently pending and applied for.

Contact this candidate