Consultant, Kevin Kennedy Associates Inc.
Providing expertise in automotive steering technology and design, automotive product engineering and manufacturing, automotive electrical pumping products and hybrid vehicle consulting,
failure analysis, forensic investigation and analysis,
patent infringement, and related expertise to a wide variety of clients.
Business and Program Development Manager-Disruptive Technologies, Dana Corporation, Rochester Hills, MI
Developed electrical pumping products for use by automotive OEMs and suppliers in Hybrid vehicle transmissions, fuel cells, and cooling systems. Provided interface between Dana design department and customers. Developed Statement of Work, DVP&R, and program timing plan. Successfully secured a major contract with GM Hybrid vehicle program.
Power Steering Technology Manager, Dana Corporation, Rochester Hills, MI
Led team that developed new steering technologies including a fail-safe Steer-By-Wire (SBW) system and an Electro-Hydrostatic-Steering-Assist-Module (EHSAM). Provided the vehicle development function for steering systems. Performed vehicle FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) testing for safety-critical systems. Coordinated the development and validation of an analytical NVH optimization system for automotive hydraulics (DVTR). Awarded patents for three U.S. inventions.
Steering Program Application Manager, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Managed the steering program for the Large Front Wheel Drive and Explorer/ Ranger Light Truck Vehicle Centers. Led steering system component engineers and was the primary interface between the steering component manufacturing group and the customers at the vehicle centers. Coordinated a cost-reduction project that resulted in $29 per vehicle savings, with improved customer satisfaction.
Product Engineering Supervisor, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Supervised team of engineers responsible for the design, testing, development and warranty analysis of automobile chassis and fuel system components. Supervised the Chassis Engineering structural analysis (CAE) group, which was responsible for loads, fatigue, durability and NVH analysis of chassis components and systems using PATRAN, NASTRAN, FEA, CFD and ABAQUS. Participated in the Chassis Engineering Process Improvement Team, which drove the re-engineering of the Ford Chassis way of doing business. Work received a prestigious Ford “Customer Driven Quality Award”. Directed and coordinated cross-functional teams that investigated and resolved significant field concerns.
Product Design Engineer, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Responsibilities included the design, development, and testing of steering column, steering wheel, and transmission shifting system components. Acted as interim resident engineer for the steering column manufacturing plant to minimize manufacturing issues with new product designs. Was a member of the team that conceived Ford’s first energy-absorbing safety steering column. Designed Ford’s first cable actuated transmission shift control system.
