Rick Simpson

I am a team-oriented Senior CAD Designer/ Design Engineer. I have designed and developed mechanisms and mechatronic components from concept to production, contributing to innovative, reliable, and efficient solutions. My passion for automotive design and track record of delivering high-quality products will align well with your team’s commitment to excellence.

In my previous roles, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to tackle complex engineering challenges, leveraging creativity and technical expertise to bring ideas to life. I take pride in driving projects forward, meeting deadlines, and exceeding expectations. I am eager to bring this dedication and problem-solving approach to your organization and contribute to advancing your product portfolio.

I am proficient in CATIA V5 and NX, with additional familiarity in SolidWorks CAD software. My expertise includes designing and developing complex components and systems with precision and efficiency.

Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can support your goals. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your innovative team.

Dana Incorporated – TM4 Maumee, OH                                                                          2022 to 2024

SR Product Designer – TM4                                                                                            

Served as a Design Specialist to the Advanced Engineering group to create feasible solutions to challenging product performance criteria. Created concepts that turned ideas into reality.

• Increased RPM capability by 65% in an Electric Vehicle drive motor concept by developing a unique emersion-cooled stator and rotor assembly.
• Reduced rotating mass by 30% by providing input for carbon fiber rotor concept which warranted the go-ahead of prototype samples for further testing and research. 
• Reduced mass by 20% by creating lightweight wheel hub assemblies for a GM electric vehicle program, which helped to meet stringent customer lightweight requirements.
• Team leader for a focus group that successfully exceeded the yearly objective goal of creating standardized engineering analysis reports across multiple disciplines.  

Tenneco Inc. – Monroe, MI                                                                                            2010 to 2022

Design Engineer

Developed vehicle suspension, clean air, and ride performance technologies.

• Special assignment in Belgium to develop mechatronics for Rivian R1T and R1S suspension technology. Efforts exceeded customer performance expectations and met the tight production launch schedule.
• Developed a patented Reagent Injector which significantly lowered nitrogen oxides in diesel exhaust applications. 
• Created a patented damper concept with integrated electronics, greatly improving vehicle control and handling, and adding to the company's technology portfolio.
  
  Magna Car Top Systems (absolved into Magna International) Troy, Mi                                2008 to 2010

Design Engineer                                                                                                               

Provided technical design expertise for convertible top and latch component development. 

• Developed linkage mechanisms for the 2011 Camaro convertible which successfully launched into production under a tight customer schedule.
• Served as liaison between engineering and prototype shop during initial prototype vehicle buildup. 
• Extensive use of CATIA V5 kinematics to check for component clearances in customer 3D environment.

Additional Relevant Experience

Karmann Technical Development (Webasto), Product Design Engineer Plymouth, Mi

Successfully production launched convertible top mechanisms for Chevy SSR, Chrysler Sebring convertible, and Pontiac G6 Retractable hardtop. VAVE activities to reduce cost and improve manufacturability.

ASC INC, SR Designer Southgate, Mi

Designed components for Concept vehicle builds and specialty vehicles showcased at the Detroit International Auto Show.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), Sienna Heights University, Adrian, Michigan

Associates of Applied Science (AAS), Mechanical Engineering, Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Michigan

Associates of Applied Science (AAS), Mechanical Design, Monroe County Community College,  Monroe, Michigan