Ken McClurg

Experience

• 

  Komatsu Dresser Co

  Jan 1986 - Jan 1988

  Design Engineer - Wheel Loader Machine Design

  Designed and analyzed loader linkages, engine enclosures, and light structures

• 

  Caterpillar Inc.

  Jan 1989 - Jan 2009

  • Managed payload measurement system update, including creating specs, and leading software, hardware, cab, and vehicle development. Set up and executed prototype testing at customer sites.• Led creation of an educational video on traction devices; this included developing the overall format, co-writing the script, advising during filming and editing, and approving the final version. • Organized competitive machine operator evaluation and World Wide Dealer Advisory meetings; results were instrumental in guiding new product development. Show less

  • Six Sigma Black Belt - Lower Powertrain: Large Loaders

    Jan 2004 - Jan 2009

  • Six Sigma Black Belt - Lower Powertrain: Medium Loaders

    Jan 1999 - Jan 2004

  • Senior Design Engineer - Lower Powertrain

    Jan 1996 - Jan 1999

  • Design Engineer - Fabrications

    Jan 1995 - Jan 1996

  • Developmental Staff Position - Marketing

    Jan 1993 - Jan 1995

  • Design Engineer - Wheel Loader Machine Design / Fabrications

    Jan 1989 - Jan 1993
• 

  Caterpillar Inc.

  Jan 2010 - Dec 2023

  Worked in progressive roles; performed many supervisory functions including assigning workload, maintaining budgets, tracking deliverables, and guiding the team. Reviewed and approved drawing changes and prepared project proposals, including resource requirements, cost estimates, and timelines.• Demonstrated superior leadership managing a diverse team through a new supplier ramp-up of brake housings on a tight timeline due to supply risk. Developed project plans, performed financial and solidification analysis, resolved technical issues, and managed project progress.==> Delivered production parts on time resulting in no missed orders and $570,000 annual savings.• Guided team through interim and permanent fixes of eleventh-hour brake failures. Directed root cause analysis, concept selection and development, validation, and parts procurement. ==> Delivered production parts on time resulting in no missed orders and $600,000 cost avoidance.• Led team to park brake fixes due to a new eleventh-hour requirement; this included selecting and validating friction material, design changes, and a new adjustment procedure.==> Delivered production parts on time ensuring regulatory compliance and $450,000 cost avoidance.• Established and led multi-departmental Braking & Retarding Systems Council. ==> Created an aligned mission and developed a roadmap for efficient system development. Instrumental to this plan were collaboration, council guidance, system reviews, and improvements to process definition, design guide, analysis plans, and validation plans. Show less Brought into program lead role; managed the multi-year development of three new axle designs simultaneously from concept to production. Held formal program reviews at development milestones.• Directed requirements reconciliation, concept development, financial estimates, project planning, design reviews, supplier collaboration, design development, analysis, life projections, validation planning, drawing release, procurement, prototype builds, testing, and issue resolution.• Guided multi-functional team in park brake configuration selection; assigned tasks, collected data, populated matrix with attributes and rankings, and achieved consensus.• Emphasized the importance of identifying and executing cost-reduction projects; coordinated product cost roll-ups at all facilities, participated in workshops, identified and executed projects.==> Earned production approval from stakeholders based on cost, timeliness, and quality success.==> Delivered $1,100,000 annual cost reduction, 2% improved machine productivity, $1,000 annual fuel savings, improved reliability and serviceability. Show less

  • Supplier Development Engineer - Heavy Fabrications

    Oct 2016 - Dec 2023

  • Senior Project Engineer - Brake Team Leader

    Jan 2014 - Oct 2016

  • Senior Project Engineer - Lower Powertrain

    Jan 2010 - Oct 2016

  • Senior Project Engineer - Technical & Program Team Leader: New Product Development

    Jan 2010 - Jan 2014
• 

  Retired

  Jan 2024 - now

  Enjoying an active retirement

  Current volunteer positions include:The Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit corporation (Director), Wheaton ILGlen House Food Pantry, Glen Ellyn ILSCARCE (an environmental education non-profit), Addison ILAnd projects with:Openlands, Chicago ILFriends of the East Branch DuPage River Trail, Lombard ILVersiti Blood Center of Illinois, Aurora ILOther hobbies include:Family time, home improvement, fitness including bicycle riding/racquetball/volleyball/walking, current events, travel, ping pong, pinball, cornhole, watching baseball, basketball and football. Show less