This is a past event.

ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker Series

proudly presents

Thomas Seel

(Retired) Chief Vehicle Engineer, Stellantis

Abstract

Engineering is about leveraging science to make decisions. In its simplest practice it is about completing an analytical assessment framed by an objective which provides a basis for a decision. Technology and complicity change analytical assessments and as such the role of the engineer.

Comparing the simplicity of the first mass produced automobile, the Model T to today’s highly complex SUVs provides some evolutionary trends of engineering practice. The model T was basic utilitarian transportation and engineering was based on the scientific method, physics, and mathematics. Experiments generated empirical relationships applied to decisions. The engineer’s role was perhaps one of a technical generalist. Today’s SUVs are highly capable, sensually complex systems and engineering is based on organizational knowledge, procedures, and structures. Embedded knowledge and computational capabilities drive decisions. The fundamentals of engineering practice can be overshadowed by complexities and procedures. The engineer’s role has become one of a technical specialist and in some cases procedural agent.

Looking forward in time, engineering of these complex vehicle systems will be driven from the virtual world. The application of AI tools will seemly reduce complexity. However, these new tools will be based on dated embedded organizational knowledge. The challenge for future engineers to understand the decisions in the development process through cross discipline collaborations. The future engineer’s roles will be multi-discipline systems based.

Bio

Thomas Seel is a ’85 BSME graduate from MTU and a retired automotive executive with over 35 years of experience. Most recently Thomas was Chief Vehicle Engineer RWD SUV programs at Stellantis, engineering responsible for the 5th generation Grand Cherokee L, Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee PHEV. Accountable to senior leadership, his specific duty scope included technical and financial management of vehicle systems development and execution as well as coordination of manufacturing production launch. Key accomplishments in the 5th generation Grand Cherokee included enhanced offroad capability, 3 row seating, weight reduction, new electrical architecture, level 2 autonomy, and electrification. The successful production launch was executed at a new plant, Detroit Assembly Complex Mack during the global pandemic.

Prior to the Chief Vehicle Engineer role, Thomas was Head of Current Production Quality for FCA North America responsible for development of vehicle warranty, quality improvements and business systems. His technical foundation is within body engineering, a former Unit Responsible Body Engineering at FCA with over 20 years of body engineering experience which included LX-Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger/Challenger, and Dodge Dart.

Thomas’s career experience spans 2 OEMs Chrysler to Stellantis as well as Ford Motor Company and the supply base, U.S. Steel. He has worked in or with engineering teams in Japan, Germany, Italy, and Asia. His scope of responsibilities has spanned Design Engineering, Validation, Quality, Marketing, and Finance. In retirement, his current focus is contributing to academia or in his words “sharing what I learned.”

Invited by: Radheshyam Tewari