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SET lessons learned seminar series

Details:

The Art and Science of Product Development: A 25-Year Journey Through Automotive Design and Engineering

With David A. Slanec - Engineering Manager/Body Exterior and Interior Engineering, Roush Industries

Over the past 25 years I have helped develop exciting products that range from high performance vehicles, autonomous vehicles to theme park rides. This has allowed me to build a diverse career spanning: engineering, design release engineering, program management, and engineering management. I have worked at both OEM and Tier 1 supplier levels. This has led me to possess a deep understanding of the complete product development process and the vehicle as a system.

Throughout my career I have contributed to the successful design and launch of numerous automotive products from concept to production. I have held engineering responsibilities across multiple domains, including exterior lighting, interior trim, seating, exterior body, and open-air systems. I have collaborated closely with studio designers during the early concept phase of product development for many programs. Over the years I have consistently delivered innovative solutions that balance aesthetic vision, manufacturing feasibility, and program objectives.

In recent years, I have transitioned into engineering management. In this role, I have provided leadership, structure, and technical guidance to body engineering teams. This position has allowed me to leverage my extensive cross-functional experience to drive efficiency, product quality, and team development across complex vehicle programs.

Over the span of my career of engineering products, I have learned that there is always a solution to a design issue no matter how impossible the problem may seem at the time. I will take you through some real world engineering issues that I had to solve and the lessons that I learned along the way. I will also share with you general career lessons that I learned, which can help you to be successful as you start your careers.


  • December 3, 2025
  • 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • ET Building 116
Date: -
Time: -
Location: ET Building 116
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Sponsor: College of Science & Engineering Department of Engineering and Technology
Contact: Teresa Armstead ashle1tl@cmich.edu 989-774-7663