| 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 Abstract: Over the past 25 years, David A. Slanec has played a key role in developing products across a wide spectrum of engineering applications—from high-performance and autonomous vehicles to complex theme-park ride systems. His work spans engineering design, release engineering, program management, and engineering leadership at both OEM and Tier 1 suppliers, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the full product-development lifecycle and the vehicle as an integrated system. In this presentation, Mr. Slanec will walk through real-world engineering challenges he has encountered and the innovative solutions required to resolve them. Drawing from decades of cross-functional experience, he will highlight lessons learned in balancing aesthetics, manufacturing feasibility, and program constraints. He will also share broader career insights for students and early-career engineers, underscoring his belief that even the most difficult design problems have solutions with the right approach.  David A. Slanec 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.
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| Date: | - |
| Time: | - |
| Location: |
ET Building 116 Mount Pleasant, Michigan |
| Sponsor: | College of Science & Engineering Department of Engineering and Technology |
| Contact: | Teresa Armstead ashle1tl@cmich.edu 989-774-7663 |