David Hipwood

Canton, MI adi6v1@r.postjobfree.com 248-***-**** linkedin.com/in/david-hipwood-78b43634/

Senior Project Engineer

Technically-sophisticated professional with more than 15 years of experience leading OEM from inception to completion, meeting and exceeding cost targets for OEM/Tier 1 automotive and off-highway products. Demonstrated ability to foster long-term relations with large account management programs and encourage introduction to new OEM sales opportunities with existing customers. Skilled at collaborating with sales and product development teams across US, Europe, and Pacific Rim to clearly define customer’s requirements and propose a customized solution to meet their needs. Proven expertise in:

Project Life-Cycle Management

Team Leadership and Coaching

New Business Development

Product Development and Introduction

Customer Satisfaction and Retention

New Business Identification

Production Bonding Process

Strategic Planning and Analysis

Staff Training and Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Issue Resolution

Interpersonal and Negotiation skills

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Fiat Chrysler Group - Auburn Hills, MI

Project Manager – Axles and Driveline, March 2020

Successfully selected for the role of Project Manager at Fiat Chrysler through Brightwing Recruitment. Position was subject to an open-ended furlough due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Davco Technology Llc – Saline, MI

Senior Project Engineer, May 2012 to Sep 2019

Designed proposals, APQP requirement, and all facets of program management from identifying business opportunity, through award of business to production and resolution of Assy plant issues. Enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer support across North America and Europe. Directed an engineering team to launch new Diesel Fuel Filtration product lines for Global Marine and Off Highway markets in order to meet Tier 4 requirements. Applications include primary drive and auxiliary units for inland and coastal vessels, mining, oil industry, and locomotive. Planned, developed, and released fuel water separation equipment within limited time, budget, and resources.

Key Contributions:

Optimized business revenue and expanded company’s portfolio in terms of old and new product lines to Navistar, Volvo, Detroit Diesel, and Cummins Engine by spearheading an engineering team.

Introduced novel diesel fuel filtration technology for on and off highway markets to address cold weather gel concerns and new water removal requirements by leading an engineering team.

Steered project management and designed interface from initial inquiry through development and validation to PPAP and launch via collaboration with engineering team.

Maximized revenue by leading technical sales activities across Belgium, Sweden, Germany, and England.

DongAh America Inc., Taylor, MI

Senior Program Engineer, Sep 2011 to May 2012

Supplied powertrain and suspension components to US original equipment manufacturer (OEM’s). Interfaced with customer and conduit for information transfer to engineering and manufacturing in Korea.

Key Contributions:

Released powertrain mounts for the Dodge Ram 1500 through 5500 currents and 2013/2014 Model year.

Led design, development, and release of multiple new suspension components for Ford GM and Chrysler.

Flexible Products Co. – Auburn Hills, MI

Engineering Manager - Supplier of anti-vibration products and suspension components, Oct 2004 to Sep 2011

Led engineering team to launch Dodge Ram DS 4x4 platform suspension components via development of new front and rear bushings from design to production in < 8 weeks, typical timeframe ~ 20 weeks. Collaborated closely with manufacturing team to identify and resolve relevant Assy plant issues.

Key Contribution:

Boosted business in suspension components to OEM’s and Tier 1’s via development of engineer team.

Headed an engineering team for the purpose of design and development of new production bonding process, resulting in major programs with Chrysler.

Introduced PLM system to improve program management and reduce costs, customer base including Ford, GM, Chrysler Fiat, Nissan, Honda, and related Tier 1’s.

Additional experience as a sales application engineer at Trelleborg Automotive, Resident Project Manager - V184 Ford Transit Program at BTR Automotive - Anti-Vibration Systems, and Project Leader at Dunlop Suspensions & Components Ltd

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering - University of Wolverhampton, England

Authorized to work in the U.S. No sponsorship required.

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