MICHAEL R. GROSS
SEYMOUR
Summary
Aspiring to advance career within Valeo by transitioning into research and development role with the expectation of enhancing skills and knowledge in automotive lighting sector.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
MECHATRONICS DESIGN LEADER
VALEO
Seymour
01.2015 - Current
- Led global meetings to coordinate project updates and timelines.
- Collaborated with customers almost daily via in-person meetings, online sessions, and discussions by phone.
- Supported R&D and Program Management in numerous ways along product development
- Mentored onboarding staff on automotive lighting design best practices, along with Catia and Target PLM usage.
- Fostered a positive work environment by recognizing individual achievements, extra efforts, or simply a willingness to support the team when it was needed.
- Converted customer deadlines into project timelines.
- Engineered diverse mechanical systems, including headlamps, taillamps, fixtures, tooling, and assembly lines.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure design alignment with specifications, and the willingness to adjust and adapt designs as needed.
- Conducted feasibility studies to evaluate design concepts
- Maintained clean, neat areas for inspection readiness, per company guidelines.
EXHAUST SYSTEM DESIGNER
FAURECIA
07.2011 - 01.2015
- Designed hot-end and cold-end exhaust systems for various Ford Motor Company automobiles.
- Led development of exhaust systems for 2016 Ford Edge program, comprising over 60 variants.
- Collaborated with Faurecia and Ford teams to analyze 2D and 3D data transfers via Teamcenter.
- Facilitated daily, weekly, or monthly data transfer processes based on program timelines.
- Tracked and reported on annual goals aligned with company’s employee development system.
- Utilized co-design team in Bangalore, India, to enhance project collaboration.
DESIGN ENGINEER / LEAD LAMP DESIGNER
VALEO SYLVANIA
06.2006 - 07.2011
- Designed and ensured feasibility of headlamps, tail-lamps, and fog lamps for Chrysler, Ford, GM, and Nissan.
- Developed product lines including Dodge and Chrysler minivans, Aspen, Durango, Commander, F250, Fiesta, Malibu, Nissan Sentra, and 2013 GMC Acadia rear lamps using patent-pending design concepts.
- Led lamp design team by acquiring Class ‘A’ surface data and environmental data from OEMs.
- Organized data according to company data storage guidelines and PDM systems to prioritize development with onsite teams and co-design teams in Wuhan.
- Utilized CATIA V5 to create parametric 3D solid models and corresponding 2D drawings for each lamp component.
- Collaborated with multiple departments including tooling, FEA, kinematics, optics, and suppliers to address design feasibility concerns before product launch.
- Maintained communication with customers regarding development progress and potential design changes affecting optimal outcomes.
- Managed all data conversions and transfers between Valeo Sylvania and tool shops to meet OEM specifications.
EXHAUST SYSTEM DESIGNER
ARVINMERITOR
01.2000 - 06.2006
- Developed and redesigned exhaust systems, including 3D models for die tooling.
- Created designs for free-form cones, converter body resonators, stamped mufflers, and complete exhaust systems.
- Produced corresponding 2D drawings for part verification and supported jig and gauge manufacturers.
- Collaborated with engineering staff and prototype shop to ensure design standard alignment.
- Operated within strict QS9000/TS16949 guidelines to uphold quality assurance throughout projects.
- Executed workflows in compliance with Daimler Chrysler's specifications and preferred manufacturing processes.
INJECTION MOLD DESIGNER/APPRENTICE TOOL MAKER
PREFERRED TOOL COMPANY
01.1997 - 12.1999
- Responsible for generating 3-dimensional Plastic Injection Mold models and their corresponding 2-dimensional prints for all components used in a particular mold design for in-house build in company’s Tool & Die/CNC shop.
- Also responsible for bill of material generation and product ordering of various steels & components from a multitude of vendors/suppliers used in the build up of each injection mold.
- Injection mold designs ranged from simple 2-cavity open & close molds to 4 & 6-cavity thermoplastic or thermoset molds with side action, hydraulic assisted with proximity switches for a wide range of parts used in the Medical to the Automotive Lighting Industries.
- Also worked as an Apprentice Toolmaker & Mold Technician learning various types of tool-making & plastic part manufacturing processes to help develop my skills as a Designer/Drafter in the Injection Mold Industry.
- Gained experience as apprentice toolmaker and mold technician, mastering diverse tool-making techniques.
- Enhanced design skills through hands-on involvement in plastic part manufacturing processes.
- Oversaw component ordering to ensure timely availability for mold construction projects.
- Applied proximity switches in advanced mold designs to improve functionality.
Education
Associates of Applied Science Degree - Mechanical Computer Aided Design Drafting
LOUISVILLE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
12.1996
Timeline
MECHATRONICS DESIGN LEADER
VALEO
01.2015 - Current
EXHAUST SYSTEM DESIGNER
FAURECIA
07.2011 - 01.2015
DESIGN ENGINEER / LEAD LAMP DESIGNER
VALEO SYLVANIA
06.2006 - 07.2011
EXHAUST SYSTEM DESIGNER
ARVINMERITOR
01.2000 - 06.2006
INJECTION MOLD DESIGNER/APPRENTICE TOOL MAKER
PREFERRED TOOL COMPANY
01.1997 - 12.1999
Associates of Applied Science Degree - Mechanical Computer Aided Design Drafting
LOUISVILLE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE