Dear Hiring Manager,
I once moved a barn *** feet using nothing but neighbors and available materials. Two engineers were present, along with a construction manager, and they all said the endeavor would be impossible short of utilizing a heavy industrial crane. To their astonishment, a teenager with superior problem solving and root cause analysis skills was able to effectively complete what they deemed impossible. Many years later, I have added experience and education to my innate abilities.
I have nearly 15 years of continuous problem solving telematics, program management and connectivity experience including feature ownership, training, development and design. I have experience interacting with suppliers such as Harmon, Panasonic, Johnson Controls, Sprint and SiriusXM. I have worked on Ford, GM and Stellantis telematics systems over those years, at various facilities across North America, as well as other groups around the world, across brand names and departments. I was largely responsible for training test engineers with companies I worked at. My critical thinking skills make me the person that is often sent to trouble areas first. Problem solving is a specialty of mine.
My extensive system and resident engineering experience in feature development, validation and testing includes the following highlights:
● Stellantis STAR SET program to reduce warranty costs by analyzing and diagnosing warranty returns, and root cause analysis of issues
● Ford Phone As A Key feature for Bluetooth devices for iOS and Android
● Development and launch of SYNC Generation II
● Research, definition and development management for award nominated SRT Performance Pages and Off Road Pages as feature owner Design Responsible Engineer
● Training and creation of validation testing for technicians and engineers
● Testing and integration of Apple Carplay and Android Auto with FCA's Uconnect in conjunction with AOTA and IoT devices
● Component integration with various suppliers and manufacturers
● Root cause analysis for significant warranty return claim reduction as a resident engineer
During my days on various projects, dealing with IoT, Bluetooth connectivity, Vehicle Networking and more, I was the Design Responsible Engineer for Performance Pages and and Resident Engineer that was the first line in working with suppliers and customers, in root cause identification and solutions. I handled all aspects of application development, from design review, specification document writing, issue tracking, meeting with management and suppliers, funding, testing, managing testing and stocking software packages and on to production, and Over The Air updates.
The enclosed résumé will provide you with more information regarding my experience and accomplishments. Thank you for your time and kind consideration.
Sincerely,
‘Simon’ John McNeilly
SIMON JOHN McNEILLY
734-***-**** ********@*****.***
QUALIFICATION SUMMARY
Extensive systems engineer and feature ownership experience with in-vehicle infotainment, network and telematics systems
Extensive experience with Apple Carplay and Android Auto interoperability with telematics
Root cause analysis
Bluetooth and Bluetooth IoT connected devices
New product development
Ad-hoc and scripted testing for defects and usability
Writing test cases, plans, and defect scenarios
Cradle to Grave program management
QNX and Linux platforms
Feature launch timing experience
Testing software expertise in Vehicle Spy, CaNOO, CDA, DET and more
TELEMATICS EXPERIENCE
Senior Systems Resident Engineer June 2019 to July 2023
Flex North America
Face of the company to various customers
Development and launch on new and existing products for Stellantis and GM
STAR SET analysis on warranty claims
Root cause analysis for a wide range of issues and products
Travel to customers, local and international, for support and problem solving
Senior Systems Engineer
P3 North America October 2018 to June 2019
Feature Testing at Denso US for the Ford Phone As A Key system
Analysis and defect testing for Bluetooth Low Energy Modules
Documentation of testing processes via Jira and GitHub
Customer facing interaction
Senior Application Framework Systems Engineer
Panasonic North America June 2017 – October 2018
Duties
Interaction with FCA on root cause analysis of issues and new feature integration
Tracking and analysis of issues, such as AOTA, development of new features and security/ISO26262, and Body Control Module controlled systems, via DOORS and eCIMS
Cost analysis for new features and continuous improvement
Vehicle Connectivity and Systems Senior Engineer
NextGen Technology Limited February 2016 – June 2017
Duties
Direct design, specification writing and design of bench test equipment
Bluetooth specification creation for iOS and Android connected services of cutting edge mobile phones and future generation OEM infotainment head units
Managed testers on proprietary benchtop testers and in-vehicle, for telematics systems, sensor modules and IoT devices.
Accomplishments
Feature ownership of usage manual for ATAM (Automated Test Application Manager) bench top testing unit
Design Responsible Engineer
Feature owner for Performance Pages and OffRoad Pages
Fiat Chrysler Automotive (JDM Systems) February 2013 – February 2016
Duties
Coordinate design, development, and implementation of UConnect connected services applications: SRT Performance Pages, Off Road Pages as feature owner
Developing specification documents used by third party developers
Development of test cases and user scenarios for software, sensor modules and Body Control Module and issue tracking by Jira, eCIMS, DOORs et. al.
Implement test plans for in-vehicle and benchtop testers
Interpret log information for developers and issue-tracking systems
Responsible for pre-release and continuous improvement testing
Trained testing cadre for problem identification pre-release
Work to coordinate activities between hardware and software developers
Work with vehicle level features owners, marketing, management and finance
Define and procure funding for development work
Accomplishments
Led enactment of a new company-wide documentation specification format
Pioneered the initial development of OffRoad Pages for all upcoming trail-rated vehicles, wrote the first set of specification documentation
Led the transition from the Harmon VP3/4 head units into the Panasonic VP3/4
Initial development of stocking, testing, and OTA software builds with SiriusXM
Application Engineer
Movimento Group June 2011 – February 2013
Duties
Participated in initial testing for the Cadillac Cue In-Car Infotainment system
Performed routine and emergency onsite flashing and root-cause analysis for GM facilities in Kansas, Michigan, Mexico, Ontario, Ford Dearborn Truck and more
Served as onsite engineer for M/A-COM Technology Solutions at Ford Michigan Assembly Plant
Development of pass-through devices via GMLAN in development with DPS tools
Experience working with Captured Test Fleet
Extensive experience with GM NGI HMI
Accomplishments
Design and prototype for Puma Bulk Flashing Station
Design and prototype of module flashing display units
Managed teams of technicians on reflashing campaigns at Ford and GM facilities
Testing Engineer
P3 North America February 2010 – June 2011
Duties
Site lead at Ford Motor Company’s Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP) for the launch of SYNC software in the C34x, U38x, Fusion, and Focus
First point of contact between Ford MAP personnel and P3 North America
Oversee teams of testing technicians and manage their workflow and provide necessary training
Interact with plant personnel to ensure quality products and a continued flow
Plan for flashing with new or experimental software
Develop the process for mass flashing
Develop test procedures for the Ford SYNC Infotainment system
Accomplishments
Wrote a comprehensive manual on the Ford SYNC In-Car Infotainment system flashing utilized by P3 employees as well as Ford SYNC engineers
Worked on the flashing for the integration of Ford SYNC system in the new architecture on experimental breadboards for upcoming vehicles
Discovered new and innovative ways to flash software, work on software, SYNC system expert
Developed systems in and out of vehicles, to reduce the amount of Flash time
Designed and built a mobile testing apparatus to increase mobility and physical space within test vehicles
OTHER AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE
Plant Layout and Design Engineer
Ford Motor Company February 1993 – June 2008
Duties included the design and layout of a 2.5 million square foot production facility, for die stamping, hot form presses, spinform catalytic converters, aluminum and steel drive shafts and other automotive parts.
Power, ergonomic layout and supply chain access
Manpower considerations
Space acquisition and staged installation of machinery
EDUCATION
ITT Technical Institute Canton, MI
September 2008- August 2010
A.A., Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
National Education Center/RETS Livonia, MI
December 1989- December 1991
A.A., Electronics Engineering