SERAPID Inc.

US Director of Engineering

An international manufacturer of Rigid-Chain lifting and drive systems for theater, military, architectural, and industrial applications.

Responsible for US engineering operations, and for global collaboration of engineering efforts, research, and development. A leading member of the team tasked with rebuilding US operations and organization.

•Hired engineering staff to increase the technological depth of the engineering department.
•Instituted PDM documentation to organize and leverage existing intellectual property.

•Organized and led a global engineering conference to share technology among various engineering efforts. Conference held in France with attending engineers from France, England, Germany, and the US.

•Presented a seminar at the global conference and in the US office on bearing tribology and industrial bearing applications and design methodology.

•Brought licensed engineering approval “in house” reducing the need for outside Professional Engineering certification.

•Established standard methods and calculations for sizing elevator-style theater/stage lift systems, drives, gearing, and bearings. Approval documents can be followed and validated by professional engineers from the customer.

•Concepted and led cross discipline design team to develop remote-controlled omnidirectional theater and stage cart for remotely moving scenery on-stage during theatrical performances.

SERAPID Inc.

Global Director Research and Development

Robert worked at SERAPID Inc. as a Global Director Research and Development

Tribis Engineering, Inc.

President

An automated test systems manufacturer and testing laboratory, specializing in wide spectrum tribological testing.

Founded Tribis to market and capitalize on technology developed based on PhD dissertation research.

•Developed research equipment and methods aimed at replacing the industry standard PV limit model with a Heat Generation and Design Map wear rate model to more comprehensively characterize tribological material properties. Resulted in the "Wide Spectrum" testing technology.

•Designed and developed unique testing equipment and machine control methods capable of determining dry sliding wear rates by up to 200 times faster than conventional test equipment, making "Wide Spectrum" testing economically feasible. Replaced industry standard PV limit model with Heat Generation and Design Map model.

•Tested and evaluated novel and nano-composite bearing materials to define wide spectrum performance characteristics.

•Secured several "early adopter" contracts to conduct "Wide Spectrum" testing for several customers, globally, and including Fortune 100 members.

•Awarded SBIR contract from US Navy to develop new “Slipper Bearings” for aircraft carrier arresting systems.

•Built a lean, skilled staff to grow and develop this start-up company, adding experienced sales, marketing and administrative talent for business development needs.

Welker Bearing Company

Engineering Manager, Executive Operating Committee

Responsible for the strategic direction, R&D, testing, engineering design and field product service teams for all new and installed products

• Recognized as the Tribology and mechanisms expert that expanded the corporate product lines beyond plane bearings into automation equipment, utilizing plane bearing technology, resulting in sales growth of over 100%.
• Played a major leadership role in the development and execution of the corporate business growth plan and the strategies that led the company to continue its sales velocity and maintain competitive market share position.
• Introduced Finite Element Analysis and reproducible and verifiable testing methods for product development that resulted in more durable and longer life products.
• Established the use of 3D CAD design systems and standards that guided new product development resulting in greater effectiveness, accuracy and product visibility.
• Chaired and provided leadership for the Advanced Product Quality Planning & Operating Committee.

Oakland University

Adjunct Professor

Courses:
ME-475 & ME-575 Tribology: Introduction to Lubrication, Friction, and Wear
ME-675 Advanced Tribology

Oakland University

Teaching Assistant

Responsible for teaching laboratory concepts and methods to undergraduate and graduate engineering students.

• Undergrad engineering laboratories taught: Mechanics of Materials
• Graduate engineering laboratories taught: Manufacturing Processes
• Taught and required clear and well documented lab reporting
• Guided students in understanding lab and homework requirements
• Graded laboratory reports and homework
• Maintained availability for tutoring and assistance on the subjects

Society of Tribological and Lubrication Engineers

ASME

Society of Tribological and Lubrication Engineers

ASME

Society of Tribological and Lubrication Engineers

ASME

Society of Tribological and Lubrication Engineers

ASME

Society of Tribological and Lubrication Engineers

ASME