Engineering & Maintenance Leader, Program Management

WALTER WAHLSMITH

ENGINEERING, MAINTENANCE, FACILITY LEADER & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Dyer, IN 46311 219-***-**** **********@*****.***

SUMMARY / CORE COMPETENCIES

Engineering, maintenance and program management-professional with extensive experience leading multi-million-dollar capital projects, facility operations, process optimization, and preventive maintenance programs. Proven success in driving efficiency, improving safety, and managing cross-functional teams within automotive and manufacturing environments.

Maintenance Planning & Downtime Evaluation • Budget Forecasting & Management • Safety Process Review & Evaluation • Critical Parts Re-Stock Planning • Supplier & OEM Management • Training Development (Classroom & Floor) • Engineering Change Management • AutoCAD / CMMS / SAP / Big Foot / Dude • PM / TPM Design & Management • FTT & Throughput Analysis • Error Proof Design & Evaluation • pFMEA Evaluation & Design • Project Management & Scope Definition • Apprentice Program Development • KPI Design & Reporting • Strong Team Leadership & Communication

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Strack & Van Til – Customer Relations / Loss Prevention

2024– 2025

• Saved $1,200/month through theft prevention observations.

FORD Chicago Assembly Plant – VOME Engineer

2020 – 2023

Responsibilities: Production problem solving, implementing assembly line changes, and managing suppliers.

Achievements:

• Resolved long-term camera error-proofing failures on Engine-Transmission VIN stamping equipment.

• Managed installation of two conveyor upgrades allowing operators to maintain line speed.

• Designed and installed ergonomic torque equipment reducing employee back strain and production delays.

• Developed a camera-trigger method ensuring proper fuel line installation.

Dakkota Integrated Systems – Engineering Manager / CAPEX Manager ($20M)

2015 – 2020

Led electrical and mechanical engineering, plant maintenance, and facilities operations.

Achievements:

• Managed equipment buy-offs for headliners, chassis, and corner assemblies in Michigan & Chicago.

• Oversaw temporary equipment placement maintaining 100% production continuity.

• Installed full-building generator without production loss.

• Designed predictive and preventive systems across departments.

• Implemented new CMMS system (DUDE) and developed all new PM schedules.

• Improved JPH on all lines by 5% through cross-functional team management.

ZF Lemforder – Engineering Manager / CAPEX Program Manager ($7.5M)

2006 – 2015

Oversaw maintenance, program management, and process improvements.

Achievements:

• Managed new model equipment installations and annual model changeovers across 4 lines.

• Directed design, installation, and commissioning of 4 robot cells increasing JPH by 7%.

• Oversaw engineering change management and SAP cost entries.

• Completed Six Sigma Green Belt coursework and initiated two projects.

• Led preventive maintenance implementation and quarterly backup process tests.

• Conducted 8 overseas buy-offs in Germany for new assembly equipment.

PRIOR EMPLOYMENT

• Summit Automation – Project Manager, Control Engineer 2005–2006

• Tower Automotive – Engineering / Facility Manager 2002–2005

• Manufactured Systems Technology – Electrical Engineer 2001–2002

• General Physics Corporation – Senior Training Specialist 2000–2001

• Verson Press – Senior Field Service Engineer 1989–2000

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Purdue Cal – Management by Objectives

IVY Tech – Basic Electricity, PLC Programming, Design & Troubleshooting

IBEW – Journeyman Electrician (4-year Apprenticeship Program)

Midwest Management Association – 120-hour Facilitation & Employee Relations

CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate, Foster Safe House for Dogs

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Microsoft Excel & Word (Advanced), AutoCAD, CMMS (SAP, Big Foot, Dude), AIAG Core Tools (APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC), Fanuc & Kuka Robotics, 8D Problem Solving, LOTO, Confined Space & Harness Training, Six Sigma (Green Belt Coursework)

Further references available upon request

Contact this candidate