David Drakes

About David Drakes

Dynamic and results-driven Program and Product Manager with over 8 years of experience in the consumer goods and automotive sectors with a proven track record of managing complex product portfolios, driving innovation, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products. I possess a strong expertise in product lifecycle management, competitive analysis, and leveraging consumer insights to shape product strategy. Adept at working within global, high-growth environments and continuously improving user experience through data-driven decision-making.

Experience

1. Technical Program Manager

   Cobra Moto, Llc

   Nov 2025 — Present · Hillsdale, MI, US

   Design and lead new 2-wheel competition programs •Drive implementation of new products and features through new development processes •Gather and create product requirements and specifications•Make sure project meet critical deadlines and are within budget•Lead weekly reviews with executive team to present program health•Monitor project costs, track progress and make adjustments as needed•Provide technical leadership to cross functional teams•Lead development teams through on vehicle testing and validation exercise to approve/alter designs•Present ideas, developments, and product progress to engineering management •Work with suppliers and procurement teams to develop new cost conscience systems and components •Analyze and obtained test data to improve parts and whole systems to meet program goals and cost targets

Education

• Lincoln Tech

  Certificate, Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician

  2008 — 2009

• University of Hartford

  Bachelor’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering

  2011 — 2015

• Enrico Fermi High School

  High School

  2004 — 2008

• Asnuntuck Community College

  Mechanical Engineering

Skills

• Motorcycle Industry
• Microsoft Office
• Public Speaking
• Engine Mechanics
• Program Management
• Analysis
• Solidworks
• Project Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Creo Parametric
• Finite Element Analysis
• Fluid Mechanics
• Engineering
• Leadership
• Windows
• Motorsports Retail
• Electrical Design
• Social Networking
• Mechanical Product Design
• Microsoft Word
• Strategic Planning
• Social Media
• English
• Thermodynamics
• Manufacturing
• Matlab
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Research
• Sales Management
• Customer Service