Bret Hunley

About Bret Hunley

I’m an engineering and program leader with 17+ years of experience delivering complex vehicle systems across trucking, aerospace, and battery-electric mobility platforms. My work spans full vehicle development, concept architecture through production launch, with deep specialization in electrification, high-voltage systems, harnessing, mechatronics integration, and cross-functional execution.Most recently, I served as Director of Engineering – eMobility at ConMet, leading a 20+ person multidisciplinary organization across electrical, mechanical, CAD, software, applications, data, service, and program teams. I built the full system architecture and product roadmap for electrified trailer platforms, launched the nMotion TR160-45 TRU support system, implemented PMO-aligned program governance, and scaled supplier ecosystems for commercialization. I owned portfolio budgeting, workforce planning, leadership development, and technical strategy while partnering directly with executive leadership.Previously, as eMobility Engineering Manager, I grew the team from 5 to 20+ engineers and established scalable standards for HV/LV electrical architecture, CAN networks, harnessing, PDU design, and safety integration; while executing programs from concept through pre-production.At Daimler Trucks North America, I led electrical packaging for the eM2, eCascadia, WST 5700 and WST 4700 programs, directing global teams responsible for full-vehicle routing, ECU placement, cable topology, and CAN layouts. Other roles included Group Lead for Western Star platforms, delivering cross-vehicle architecture and cost-reduction initiatives adopted enterprise-wide. I’ve also supported safety-critical aerospace systems design at Gulfstream Aerospace under FAA/EWIS standards.Today, I work as an Executive Engineering Leadership Consultant, partnering with executives to assess commercialization readiness, build governance frameworks, scale teams, and execute high-impact development programs.Core Expertise• Engineering & program leadership (PMO governance, portfolio planning)• Electrified vehicle architecture (HV/LV systems, CAN, PDUs)• Harnessing & full-vehicle electrical integration• Mechatronics systems & validation• Platform launches & supplier development• Team scaling & executive communicationI hold a Master’s in Engineering & Technology Management, a BSMET and am PMP certified. I’m also an active inventor with issued and pending patents supporting EV power architecture, HV safety systems, monitoring platforms, and advanced axial-flux motor-pump cooling technologies.

Experience

1. Sr Manager Automation Engineering

   Walmart

   Mar 2026 — Present · Bentonville, AR, US

   Leading the development and deployment of advanced automation and electrification solutions across Walmart’s transportation network. Responsible for guiding the transition of fleet assets toward zero-emission technologies while improving operational efficiency, reliability, and scalability.Role focuses on evaluating and integrating emerging propulsion, power, and automation technologies; supporting cross-functional engineering initiatives; and building partnerships with internal teams and external suppliers to enable long-term transportation innovation. Work includes technical strategy, system architecture evaluation, supplier engagement, and supporting large-scale implementation of next-generation fleet infrastructure.

Education

• Portland State University

  Certificate, Project Management

  2018 — 2019

• Green River College

  Computer sciences, M.O.S. certification

  2002 — 2003

• Portland State University

  MS in Engineering Management & Technology, Engineering/Industrial Management

• Oregon Institute of Technology

  Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering

  2003 — 2008

Skills

• Catia
• Testing
• Systems Design
• Continuous Improvement
• Automotive
• Cad
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
• Mechanical Engineering
• Harness Design
• Machining
• Manufacturing
• Enovia Smarteam
• Engineering
• Nx Unigraphics
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Imacs
• Pro-E
• Capital Harness Systems
• Zeus
• Autocad
• Design for Manufacturing
• Quality Control
• Nx Electrical Modeling
• Lean Manufacturing
• Solidworks
• Project Management
• Smaragd
• Finite Element Analysis
• Capital Harness