Thomas Helfen

Experience

• 

  Saarland University

  Jan 2010 - Nov 2014

  Ph.D thesis

  • Investigation of the fatigue process of high frequency loaded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)• Use of nondestructive testing and characterization methods such as advanced linear and non-linear ultrasonic techniques, resonance spectroscopy

• 

  Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing (IZFP)

  Aug 2011 - Mar 2014

  Scientific Engineer

  • Representative of the Fraunhofer IZFP at the Carbon Composite association (CCeV)• Development of a novel tension machine with integrated advanced ultrasonic inspection• Participation in workshops related to damage and technology for the automobile industry

• 

  University of South Carolina

  Oct 2012 - Dec 2012

  Staff Scientist

  Mechanical Department, Laboratory for Active Materials and Smart Structures•Working with Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems•Development and evaluation of two fiber Bragg grating systems

• 

  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

  Apr 2014 - now

  - Global Chrome technology leader in the Mercury facility in Dudelange- Member of the plant leadership team-Global Technical Project Manager of capital & technology projects (~$5M) - waste management and Industry 4.0 (manufacturing intelligence) projects-Key contact for consultant companies and leading edge suppliers - Global Chrome Technology Process Engineer (AM/ EMEA)- Leader of the global extrusion process council- Leader of different focus teams to improve the consistency of the Chrome process in Dudelange (EMEA) and Hebron (AM) - Material Science- Processing and Cure Technology- Post Cure Sealant Technology Process Engineer - Material Science- Processing and Cure Technology- Cure Compounder

  • Lead Engineer

    Aug 2021 - now

  • Senior Engineer

    Oct 2019 - Aug 2021

  • Staff Engineer

    Dec 2014 - Sept 2019

  • Engineer

    Apr 2014 - Nov 2014