James Rau

 

Mechanical Engineer

 

Experienced Mechanical Engineer with over 20 years in designing and managing the production of medical and electromechanical products. Proven track record in project management, from concept to full-scale production. Expertise in design for manufacturing, machining, injection molding, polymer extrusion and thermoforming.
Contact

 

jimdrau@gmail.com

P.O. Box 861

Ferndale, WA 98248-0861

(360) 929-4804
Education

 

Western Washington University
Bachelor of Science, Plastics Engineering Technology

 

whatcom community college
Associate of Science – Transfer

linn-benton community college
Associate of Science – Manufacturing Technology

 

Highlights

 

–      Redesign of m-Series family battery switches.

–      Develop battery post mounted shut-off switch.

–      Develop waterproof fuse and bus blocks.

 

 

 

 

 

Experience

 

Mechanical engineer
Brunswick Corporation, NAVICO Group, Blue Sea Systems

June 2013 to Present
Design

–      Emphasis on new product development.

–      Design electromechanical components and assemblies for the marine and recreational vehicle markets, to ISO, SAE, ABYC and UL standards.

–      Design for ingress and ignition protection.

–      Bring concepts to life via 3D C.A.D. SolidWorks and prototype creation.

–      Create specification drawings and work with domestic and foreign suppliers for pricing and availability.

 

Development

–      Coordinate prototype to production activities.

–      Guide product development and production in Mexico and Bellingham facilities.

–      Stage gate development process.

–      Create bills of materials and generate product cost estimates.

 

Testing, Compliance and Support

–      Document control.

–      Coordinate with external test facilities.

–      Support customer base through technical support call center.

–      Assist ISO audit activities.

–      Aid RoHS, Reach and CE compliance activities.

–      Manage Underwriters Laboratories U.L. testing and compliance. In-house testing and data acquisition of prototypes and document validation activities, including:

–        High-current electrical components (1,000 Amp), Salt spray, thermal chamber, FLIR thermal imaging, ingress protection (IP 67) and Hi-Pot.

 

Manufacturing engineer
IDEX Corporation, Upchurch Scientific

January 2000 to June 2013
End-to-end Manufacturing support for injection molding and polymer extrusion shops (high-temperature engineering plastics and melt processable fluoropolymers) and polymer tubing cutting and forming shops (precision cut and precision formed tubing lengths).

 

Development and Design

–      Design for performance and manufacturability of medical devices and fittings for high pressure liquid chromatography equipment.

–      Manage customer expectations/requirements.

–      Vendor capability communication.

–      3D C.A.D. SolidWorks.

 

Manufacturing

–      Process monitoring and control.

–      Specify and support non-contact measurement systems including Zumbach and Beta LaserMike.

–      Manage bills of materials and routings for injection molded parts, Extruded polymer tubing, thermoformed and cut polymer tubing.

–      Facilitate manufacturing equipment service and repairs.

–      Specify and help maintain manufacturing support equipment:

o  Fluid and electric temperature controllers

o  Material drying and handling.

o  Extrusion equipment: vacuum tanks, pullers, spoolers.

 

plastic injection mold maker
January 1988 – June 1997
Manufacture plastic injection mold components and assemblies.

–      E.D.M. electrical discharge machining. Machine and use graphite and copper electrodes.

–      Machine setup and operation:

o   C.N.C. milling machine.

o   Manual milling machine (High precision mold and tool components)

o   Manual lathes.

o   Manual surface grinders.

o   Deckel universal cutter and tool grinder.

o   Cross-slide rotary table.

o   Manual and auto-feed bandsaws.

–      Interface with injection molding machine technicians for mold validations.