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BRYAN BUCHANAN
Osceola,IN
Summary
Senior Nuclear Mechanical Engineer and licensed Professional Engineer with 14+ years of engineering experience spanning commercial nuclear power generation, automotive product development, and U.S. Navy Nuclear propulsion. Extensive experience maintaining plant design and licensing basis through engineering changes, technical evaluation, equipment walkdowns, and cross-functional program coordination. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor engineers, resolve complex technical issues, and ensure safe, reliable, and compliant plant operation. Proven record of managing high-priority engineering initiatives while balancing operational, regulatory, and business objectives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
American Electric Power D.C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant
12.2022 - Current
- Maintain plant design and licensing basis through development and implementation of engineering changes and technical evaluations.
- Lead multidisciplinary engineering change activities ensuring compliance with NRC regulations, Technical Specifications, and station procedures.
- Perform equipment walkdowns and system inspections to evaluate equipment condition, identify degradation mechanisms, and support long-term asset management.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Work Mangement, and suppliers to safely implement plant modifications.
- Mentor and train developing engineers on engineering processes, design control, and plant modification activities.
- Coordinate engineering activities among stakeholders to support plant operational priorities.
Design Release Engineer
General Motors
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed and lead weekly PDT meetings with suppliers and various Global GM organizations to ensure smooth development and integration of the Virtual Key Backup Module (NFC), NFC cards and Hands-Free Assembly
- Responsible for product validation and PPAP
- Create and process Engineering Change Request needed to support design and production changes for the mentioned programs
- Generate sourcing packages for purchasing for supplier selection that include: engineering requirements, production requirements, tooling cost, piece cost, and R&D cost
- Led design validation processes to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Developed and managed project timelines, ensuring timely delivery of vehicle components.
Structural Development Test Engineer
General Motors
06.2018 - 12.2021
- Manage PC controlled, electric powered front and rear closure durability testing, using vehicle serial communication and Dewesoft DAQ for monitoring and recording signal and data transfer
- Design and develop ECU control panels that simulate CAN vehicle messaging and communication
- Reduced vehicle durability testing time 30%, working with suppliers and subject-matter experts updating and rewriting testing procedures
- Co-Authored GM testing procedure for Powered Front Closure Testing
- Led the power closure team of one other engineer and three technicians
Track Engineer (GM rotational engineer program)
General Motors
05.2016 - 06.2018
- Developed and managed a project timeline synched with program milestones to ensure project deliverables were met
- Conducted and lead weekly PDT meetings with suppliers and various GM organizations to ensure smooth development and integration of the manual and power Cushion Length Adjuster
- Designed and developed a 3-D printed power CLA prototype using current production components
- Managed PC controlled, pneumatic, and electric powered, front/rear closure durability testing
- Developed a test method for measuring Roof Bow and Roof Deflection for future programs
Undergraduate Engineering Intern
The Oakwood Group
01.2008 - 05.2016
- Assisted with the research and development of a recoverable turf underlayments system that led to being awarded the NFL Head Health Challenge II winner.
- Established best work practices for thermoforming safety plastics and recoverable materials for automotive head and side impact and athletic protection.
- Constructed prototype tooling for the development of a military blast mat used in transportation vehicles.
- Assisted engineers with PPAP process with parts for multiple automotive OEM's.
US Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program
US Navy
12.2001 - 12.2007
- Served six years as Nuclear Machinist Mate and Engineering Laboratory Technician aboard the USS La Jolla (SSN-701).
- Operated and maintained nuclear propulsion systems under rigorous procedural and regulatory requirements.
- Performed chemistry control, radiological controls, and equipment surveillance activities supporting safe reactor operations.
- Developed strong foundations in nuclear safety culture, operational discipline, and technical leadership.
Education
Master of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI04-2025
Master of Engineering - Electrical Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI04-2022
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI05-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI05-2012
Skills
- 145 years of product development experience
- Supplier coordination
- Mentoring and training
- Agile project management
- 9 years Nuclear Generation experience
- Client communication
- Engineering documentation
- Product lifecycle management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Six sigma methodologies
- Mechanical system design
Websites
Accomplishments
- Issue Resolution: Worked with cross-functional teams to resolve issues involving the MSR Crossovers and the SDG's.
- Testing Time Reduction: Reduced testing time by 30%, improving project development timelines significantly.
- Project Milestone Delivery: During the pandemic, material delays threatened to delay project timelines, but innovative thinking and cross-functional team cooperation led to meeting project milestones.
- New Product Conception: Designed and developed a 3-D printed concept for a powered CLA using existing CCC parts. Then selected supplier for prototype conception.
- US Navy Veteran: Served 6 years in US Navy. 4 years on board the USS La Jolla (SSN 701) as a Nuclear Machinist Mate/ELT.
Certification
- Professional Engineer (PE)
- Design For Six Sigma Black Belt
- PMP exam scheduled August 2026
- U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program Graduate
Interests
Timeline
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
American Electric Power D.C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant
12.2022 - Current
Design Release Engineer
General Motors
12.2021 - 12.2022
Structural Development Test Engineer
General Motors
06.2018 - 12.2021
Track Engineer (GM rotational engineer program)
General Motors
05.2016 - 06.2018
Undergraduate Engineering Intern
The Oakwood Group
01.2008 - 05.2016
US Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program
US Navy
12.2001 - 12.2007
Master of Engineering - Electrical Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Master of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn