Austin Hilton
*** ******* ***. ******* **, *****
Cell: 225-***-**** *****************@*****.***
EDUCATION
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge La
Bachelor of Science/Arts Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
Minor in Materials Science
CAREER SKILLS
Suspension Geometry and Component Design Twin Tube And Monotube Shock Analysis
Formula SAE Vehicle Dynamics
and Analysis
Twin Tube Shock And Strut Design Driver for Formula SAE
Component and System Packaging Tuning of Formula SAE Suspension
CAREER ACHIEVMENTS
Chrysler Mini Van Twin Tube Shock Module Design – ZF Chassis Technology
Design of Prototype Shock Absorber for Design of Tunable Take Apart Units for
Testing and Development Utilizing Customer Vehicle Tuning
Optimization of Design for Manufacturing
Requirements and ZF Best Practices and Design
Standards Capability and Efficiency
Jeep Grand Cherokee/ Maserati SUV Front Suspension Structures Redesign – Chrysler Group LLC (Contract)
System Weight Reduction of 32 LBS 80mm Lower Roll Center Height for Desired
Increased Camber Stiffness in Knuckle Dynamic Response
Dynamic Steer Restriction for Component and
New Bushing Development
Increased Caster for EPS Gear Friction Wheelhouse Clearances
Compensation
EXPERIENCE
ZF North America – Product Design Engineer for Technical Sales Office ( Jan 2014 -Present)
Designed New Twin Tube Rear Shock Module for Chrysler RU Mini Van Program
Assisted on New Front Strut Design for Chrysler RU Program
Performed Root Cause Analysis of Warranty and Test Returns on Mono Tube and Twin Tube
Shocks/Struts
Released Drawings and Designs to the Production Plant for New Designs and Current Production Products
for Re-Tunes and Design Changes
Created and Executed Test Plans for Design Validations Utilizing in House and Outsourced Testing
Facilities for the DV and PV Levels
Interacted With the Customer on a Daily Basis to Work Through Open Issues Lists
Chrysler Chassis – W Program Modules, Design and Release Engineer (Contractor: Aug 2012 – Jan 2014)
Designed and Released Future W Program Aluminum FLCA, Knuckle, Stamped Steel FUCA, and
Bushings
Performed In-Depth Packaging and Clearance Studies of all New Components in the Wheelhouse
Analyzed FEA Results to Optimize the Design, Utilizing Optistruct as a Basis of the Design
Released Parts and Assemblies for Current Production
Created and Executed DVP&R and DFMEA’s
Resolved Warranty and Quality Related Issues
Coordinated Module Assembly Plant Issue Resolution
Worked With Tear 1, 2 and 3 Suppliers on Issue Resolution, and Cost and Weight Savings
Formula SAE- LSU TIGERRACING - Team Member (2008-2012) SAE President (Aug 2009 – May 2011)
2012: Suspension Design, Ergonomics Lead, FEA Lead, and Drivetrain Team Engineer
Vehicle Suspension Target Definition
Suspension Kinematic Design
Design, Analysis, Manufacture, and Integration of:
Lightweight Pedal Set - Featuring a 1 lb 7075-t6 aluminum brake pedal
Mechanical Shifter
Low Compliance Steering System
Seat and Harness
Jackshaft Gear Reduction Drivetrain
Sprocket Design and Weight Optimization
Performed All FEA, Load Analysis, and Weight Optimization for the Team
Formula SAE- LSU TIGERRACING - Continued
2011: Designed, Manufactured and Tested Pedal Set for 2011 Car
Aided in Suspension Kinematic Design
Designed and fabricated a “shock dyno” for testing and calibration of the dampers for the
Formula SAE, and Baja SAE cars’ suspensions.
Manufacture Assistance on Entire Car
2009: Design, Manufacture, and Integration of Carbon Fiber Seatpan/Cockpit E nclosure
Mold Manufacture (Vacuum Bagging Technique)
Technical Paper Written
Manufacture Assistance on Entire Car
Anvil Attachments – Engineering Intern (May 2011-May 2012)
Designed Single Line Operated Clamshell Bucket Per Customer Requirements
Utilized Ansys Finite Element Analysis for Stress and Weight Optimization
Received hands on Manufacturing in Fitting, Welding, CNC Plasma Cutting, and CNC Machining
Performed CNC Programming Using Machine Console and FeatureCAM Software Package
Appointed as Night Shift CNC Programmer and Machinist
Performed 2D and 3D CAD Modeling using AutoCad Mechanical and Inventor
Specialized Computer Skills
Soildworks: 5 Years of Experience on FSAE T eam (2007-2012)
3D Modeling
Solidworks Simulation
Complex Assemblies
Drawing
AutoDesk Inventor: 1 Year Experience at Anvil Attachments (2011-2012)
3D Modeling
Complex Assemblies
AutoDesk AutoCAD Mechanical: 1 Year Experience at Anvil Attachments (2011-2012)
2D Drawings
Layouts for 2D CNC Cutting
Customer and Shop Floor Assembly Drawings
ANSYS FEA:1 Year Experience at Anvil Attachments (2011-2012)
FEA of Complex assemblies
Static and Fatigue Analysis
FeatureCAM: 1 year Experience at Anvil Attachments and FSAE (2011-2012)
2D Milling Programs for 3 axis HAUS Mill
2D Turning for HAUS Lathe