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Timothy Matthews
Email: tpyles2@gmail.com           Cell:  (908) 461- 4649

Education

Master of Science in Communication, Leadership Program (GPA 4.0/4.0)

Northwestern University (NU), Evanston, IL– (Sept 2018- Aug 2019)

Master of Science Mechanical Engineering, Coursework Completed (GPA 3.8/4.0)
The University of Alabama (UA) , Tuscaloosa, AL – Research Experience (2010-2012)
Research Focus: Extending Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Tolerance in Spark Ignited Engines.

Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) , Ewing, NJ – (2 005-2010)
Minor- Civil Engineering – Structural Design

Qualifications and Skills

  • Management experience: 9+ years in total leadership experience. 4+ years in leadership roles at Navistar: Team lead role including Project lead, and Group lead on various efforts. 2 years Teaching Assistant at University of Alabama: Solely managed classes of 30+ Students. TCNJ Team Captain Senior Project - Mini Baja

  • Proficient in: Arduino μC Programming, Electrical Engineering design and diagnostics, Solidworks, ANSYS, Pro Engineer Wildfire, RAM Structural, MATLAB, C++, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCAD.

  • Extensive background in: Embedded Systems Design (Microprocessors), Electronic sensors, circuit design and prototyping, Internal combustion engine fundamentals, Engine/drivetrain testing/analysis, Mechanical systems, Thermal systems, Structural design including analysis of steel/concrete, and automotive design, analysis, and repair.

  • Skillful operation of: MTS Control Systems, Synergy Data Acquisition System, Pneumatic/hydraulic actuators, Exhaust analysis instrumentation, Superflow engine dynamometer control equipment/software, WINTEC Engine calibration software, Combustion instrumentation, Engine lathe/Mill, MIG/TIG welder, and CNC machining.

Work Experience

Navistar Inc.
Bus Body Integrated Product Development Engineer – Team Lead (03/2019-Present)
Provides technical and analytical support to Bus Body Engineering. Provides direction and guidance to less experienced team members. Refers problems that cannot be resolved to the next level. Serves as a central resource with design, process, manufacturing, test, quality and marketing as the product(s) move from design to production and distribution. Involvement may last throughout all stages of a product’s lifecycle including modifications, upgrades and maintenance of the product or product line.

  • Bus Body Engineering – Design lead on electric bus concepts, next generation school bus seats, and wheelchair lifts.

Test Engineer - Team Lead– Applied Mechanics and Body Validation Labs: (03/2016–03/2019)
Perform Test Engineer Sr. roles and responsibilities (stated below) and concurrently lead the following efforts:

  • Program lead - Manage all program specific tests for the department, communicate updates/scope to management, advise/communicate with Program, Design, and CAE for DVP, DFMEA development, and Concept builds. Execute/manage/organize resources, and delegate to appropriate personal for validation testing.

  • Hardware-in-loop (HIL) Lead- Lead build/design/development effort of an Electronic Stability Control HIL test rig. Projected savings $100,000 initial – 10K per future test.

    • Managed one Product Development Engineer.

    • Collaborated/ Communicated timing and deadlines with program /cross platform teams

  • Bus Door Testing and Development Lead - Communicate and guide Design on the test plan/DVPs/redesign efforts.

    • Spring pin Door design development - Managed two technicians for 2 years of durability testing

      • Lead Design and Validation teams for redesign effort

    • Controllers - Design/build specialized controllers for door cycling and durability testing

  • Embedded Monitoring Solutions- Lab Lead - Find opportunities for lean lab improvements, Design solutions for increased efficiency and reliability, Support Durability and Static Testin

    • Closed loop testing - Developed/fabricated (10) Pneumatic/motor controller closed loop controllers for both labs

    • Mentor/train other engineers on controller usage/Embedded system design

    • Door Slam controller carts - designed/managed build team. Project savings $250,000

      • Presented to Senior Leadership Team and Navistar Executives 05/2015


Test Engineer Sr. – Applied Mechanics and Body Validation Labs: (12/2012-2016)

Validation testing and design development for all International's diesel engines and vehicle product portfolio. This includes Vehicle body, system, and component level design efforts.

  • Collaborate with internal requestors, establish testing criteria, create complete test plans. Coordinates/executes test plans:Design and fabricate test fixtures, set-up pneumatic/hydraulic actuators, program controllers, calibrate sensors, resolve issues, run data acquisition systems, and analyze/communicate data.

  • Give recommendations/execute: design improvements, test specific improvements, process/lab improvements. Write formal reports for internal memory. Communicate to management: issues, solutions, and present accomplishments.

  • Maintain relationships, manage timing between unionized mechanics, machinists, and technicians, manage materials, resources, and project/test timing from Request through Testing/Analysis Complete phase.

  • Body Validation Lab: Support body structural product development via safety, reliability and durability testing, through project/test management, product validation and compliance verification testing to federal and internal standards.

  • Engine: Support Component level validation testing and test management, failure analysis, strain gage components for dynamic testing and data acquisition.

  • Lab and Test Supply manager: manage all capital spent for the dept. on test and lab supplies/obtain and negotiate quotes

Self - Directed

Projects

Integrated Product Development Engineer Sr. – Rotational Engineering Leadership Program (8/2012- 12/2012)

Roles supported: Base Engine Cooling and EGR System and Mechanical Development management teams

  • Design Heavy duty diesel engine EGR systems and component product development processes for MaxxForce brand diesel engines by deriving system specifications, performance predictions, and resultant hardware selection.

  • Lead EGR cooler failure mode investigation across Reliability, Manufacturing and Finite Element Analysis teams

Research Assistant - GK-12 Fellowship - (UA)– Tuscaloosa, AL/Livingston, AL (2011- 2012)

  • Full funding of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) research on Internal Combustion (IC) engines for Master’s thesis

  • Brought engineering exposure and research knowledge into a teaching environment for Livingston AL junior high school 7th grade students.
     

Graduate Teaching Assistant (UA)– (2010 –2011)

  • Lead class discussions, teach students in to develop solutions in design groups for their course required projects, and maintain grades. Classes included: ME 121, Intro to Mech. Engineering, and ME 489, Mech. Engineering Design I.

  • Related conference paper: Todd, B.A., T.M. Pyles, A.F. Randolph, “Mini-mesters as a Process to Enhance Freshman Education”, 2011 ASEE Southeast Section Meeting Proceedings, Charleston, SC, April 2011.

Honors and Awards

Embedded Systems Design and Development – Open Source based Prototyping

Arduino/ARM based Projects:

  • Self-taught electrical, embedded system and circuit design

  • Automotive Active RPM Matcher – Designed, built and tested an Adaptive Active RPM Matcher prototype for modulating the drive-by-wire throttle control system during shifting on 2007-2009 Mazdaspeed 3 Automotive Platform based on in-vehicle CAN protocol and signal modulation to the ECM.

  • Durability Testing Control &Monitoring Systems – Find lean opportunities/ design, build, and test: control and data logging equipment to monitor and automate actuation, speed and cycling of durability testing to reduced down time between shifts and ensure test operates within the specified testing criteria.

    • Projects include: Door slam cycling, brake pedal life cycling, and Bus entrance door durability test automation

Research Assistant - GK-12 Fellowship - (UA)– Tuscaloosa, AL/Livingston, AL (2011- 2012)

  • Full funding of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) research on Internal Combustion (IC) engines for Master’s thesis

  • Brought engineering exposure and research knowledge into a teaching environment for Livingston AL junior high school 7th grade students.
     

Submitted Patents:– Navistar - Fall 2012/Fall 2013

  • Method for Improving EGR Cooler Reliability by a Passive Pre-Cooler

  • Method for Optimizing EGR Cooler by Allocating Design for Thermal Expansion


National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellow (UA) – Summer 2011-Spring 2012
Pi Tau Sigma (UA) – Mechanical Engineering Honor Society – Inducted Spring 2011
The Vincent W. Dresser Service Award (TCNJ) – May 2010

  • Nominated by peers due to an outgoing willingness to support and mentor other engineers.

Dean’s List (TCNJ) – Fall 2009 and Spring 2010

Specialty Course Work

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Student Design Competition. – (Spring2010)

Kinematics and Mechanisms - Lead Design

  • Lead team to design, manufacture, and test an automated waste sorter using Arduino to conform to the competition’s requirements.

Senior Design Project – SAE Mini-Baja Competition (TCNJ)– (2008-2009)

Mini-Baja All-Terrain Vehicle Project: Lead Developer /Team Captain

  • Designed, manufactured, and tested a new drivetrain which included an innovative dual CVT system to transfer engine power to the wheels and give an advantage over the competition.

  • Directed a team of five people, ordered parts and aided in manufacturing/testing of the frame, braking system, front/rear suspension.

Volunteering Efforts

Mini Baja Graduate Advisor – SAE Mini-Baja Competition (UA) – (2010-2011)

  • Mentor the undergraduate Mini Baja team. Supported and lead the students through the design process. Advised the team during competition.

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