CATHERINE R. KULBIDA
***** ******* *****, ****** ****, IL 60462 • 708-***-**** • ******@*********.***
CAREER TARGET: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Performance-driven professional with over 3 years of hands-on engineering experience. Proven ability for
proactive troubleshooting, ensuring smooth operations and optimal functionality. Strong leadership skills to
motivate colleagues, persuade clients, and forge strong alliances. Forward-thinking individual with the
demonstrated capability to introduce new products and processes to meet ever-changing market trends.
Areas of Expertise and Skills:
Product Design & Development Exceptional Analytical Skills
Strong Leadership Skills Process Improvement
Multi-Project Management Outstanding Networking Skills
Excellent Communication Skills Proactive Problem Solving
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, DEKALB, IL
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering Graduated: 2014
TRINE UNIVERSITY, ANGOLA, IN
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Graduated: 2011
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Unigraphics - Modeling/Drawing Teamcenter/Microsoft Office Suite
Unigraphics - Finite Element Analysis ProE - Modeling/Drawings
MatLab – Coding Geometric Dimensioning & Tollerancing
Global 8D
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Trouble shot issues using root cause analysis, to solve field issues, warranty concerns and find resolutions.
Collaborated with purchasing and suppliers on forecasting supply concerns, new product offerings and
discontinued products
Directed a supplier manufacturing audit on wheel seals to reduce high warranty spend.
Updated design requirements to ensure all axles accommodate changes for FMVSS 121.
Built the DFMEA and DVP&R benchmark tests with technical specialists; against design requirements.
Leveraged the talents of other engineers to conduct necessary failure analysis to be reviewed and used to
validate components meet all safety and performance specifications.
Identified opportunities and implemented changes to improve products and reduce cost through design
reviews using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods,
quality control standards, product design, materials and parts.
Determined root causes of failures using statistical methods and recommended changes in designs,
tolerances, and processing methods.
Reviewed product designs for manufacturability and completeness before conducting engineering release.
Was selected for a high priority engine emissions program and developed a method to design air brake hose
routing efficiently while complying with Navistar route and clip standards.
Created part and installation drawings to communicate proper manufacturing and installation instructions
to the plants.
Instrumental in formulating and presenting high-impact proposals.
Well-known as the senior expert Front Axle Engineer.
Signed off on preproduction builds and monitored several designs from concept to execution.
Maintain an accurate front axle, Wheel and Tire part databases.
Conducted bi-weekly meetings with manufacturing, suppliers and engineering for mating components to
keep the team cohesive in conducting day to day business.
Successfully communicated proposed designs to chassis engineering managers and directors.
Interpreted test results to approve designs or develop design improvements per poor test performance.
Senior Product Development Engineer, Front Axles, Navistar, Lisle, IL (2011-Present)
Senior Product Development Engineer, Wheels and Tires, Navistar, Lisle, IL (Jan 2015 – Present)