Tom Stratton. 309-***-**** acz10z@r.postjobfree.com LinkedIn Elmwood, IL

Product Service Engineer

Product Support Service Support Troubleshooting

Engineer with a 20-year record of success in product support, validation, and service. Leverages data-driven analytics and innovative outside-the-box problem solving to design and deliver optimized processes and uncover cost-saving opportunities. Possesses in-depth understanding of heavy construction and mining equipment, machine electronic control systems, and grade control technology.

Key Skills

Continuous Improvement Process Manufacturing/Production Cross-Functional Team Leader Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis Engineering Integration FMEA Quality Management Testing

Inspection Engine Service Service/Inspection Functional Analysis Projects DMAIC DMEDI

Cost Opportunities End-to-End Validation

Directed high-value, mission-critical system validation initiatives…

Oversaw the development and validation of service information for electronics systems on medium track type tractors (TTT), medium track type loaders (TTL), motor graders, wheel loaders, and soil and refuse compactors.

Led development of a telematics core system validation process and accompanying success metrics and criteria for Product Link and Vision Link data validation.

Executed numerous low cost producer (LCP) processes that trimmed unnecessary expenditures while maintaining alignment with superior quality engineering standards…

Slashed unnecessary engineering resource needs by 50% and delivered an overall reduced burden of 50 hours.

Enabled lifetime cost savings of over $10M in software development capital investment by negotiating a favorable contractual agreement for Caterpillar equipment history data.

Professional Overview

Caterpillar, Inc. 1996-2016

Product Service Engineer – Machine Systems NPI (2014-2016)

Developed and delivered electrical system NPI product support for medium TTT, TTL, motor graders, wheel loaders, and soil and refuse compactors.

Coordinated service information and monitored the progress of NPI deliverables.

Product Service Engineer – Telematics Systems Validation (2013-2014)

Investigated system defects and reported them in the Pre-Production Reliability Development (PPRD) documentation system, and collaborated with software development team to validate defect resolutions.

Led end-to-end cross-functional validation efforts in the product group.

Product Service Engineer – Cat Grade Control (2012-2013)

Delivered Tier 2 Dealer Solutions Network call center support and performed service engineering tasks on grade control systems on TTT, wheel scrapers, hydraulic excavators, motor graders, and pavers

Authored training materials and service information publications for New Product Introduction systems.

Initiated, advanced, and executed continuous product improvement (CPI) project

Engineer – Core Engine Software Requirements Management (2011-2012)

Documented all Tier 4 final emissions compliant large core engine software feature requirements.

Engineer – Competitive Cost and Feature Analysis (2009-2011)

Earned a PD&GT VP Mountain Mover award for exceeding expectations in the optimization and implementation of the Corporate LCP feature analysis process that reduced engineering resources by 50% and generated over $5K cost savings per project with a two-year projection of $100K savings.

Identified and documented 400+ product differentiation ideas that illustrated Caterpillar’s value within the worldwide dealer sales force.

Trained and coached 50+ colleagues in the LCP feature and Value Estimating Tool (VET) capture.

Enabled Added value in Design engineering and supplier collaborations.

Senior Development Engineer – Equipment Inspections (2008-2009)

Spearheaded technical analysis dealer equipment inspections, and published training materials and checklists for 12 prime product families.

Minimized product downtime by facilitated equipment monitoring, parts generation, and service sales through the Caterpillar dealer network.

Development Engineer – Condition Monitoring (2006-2008)

Established and implemented a global dealer equipment inspection strategy in alignment with corporate initiatives.

Led and implemented dealer-facing equipment inspection software for Service Technician Workbench.

Cultivated partnerships with overseas third-party inspection software provider.

Development Engineer – Engine Troubleshooting (2001-2006)

Initiated and executed symptom-based troubleshooting methods for diesel and natural gas engines ultimately rolled out to the worldwide dealer technician workforce.

Launched a multi-generational plan for the creation of dealer troubleshooting software that accelerated timelines 65%.

Delivered $156M in annual worldwide dealer time and labor savings with $56M in potential annual incremental part sales by developing a process to automate the creation and validation of troubleshooting procedures.

Additional Caterpillar engagements include Repair Process Engineer (1999-2001) and Service Information Author (1996-1999) roles.

Education

BS, Mechanical Engineering – University of Dayton

Six Sigma DMAIC Green Belt – Caterpillar, Inc.

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