Frank Kolcaj

About Frank Kolcaj

Engineering leader with over 18 years of experience driving engineering methodology evolution, product development excellence, and digital transformation across multidisciplinary global organizations. Proven ability to translate advanced technology strategy into scalable engineering execution aligned with next-generation product roadmaps. Expert in engineering governance, product lifecycle management (PLM), model-based engineering, and AI-enabled workflow transformation to accelerate development speed, improve technical quality, and enhance organizational capability. Recognized for building high-performing global teams and aligning engineering, manufacturing, and product management to deliver integrated solutions. CORE CAPABILITIES: Engineering Methodology & GovernanceCTO Strategy DeploymentAI/ML in Engineering WorkflowsDigital Engineering TransformationModel-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)Simulation-Driven DesignDFSS Black Belt certifiedValue EngineeringProduct Lifecycle Management (PLM)Cross-Portfolio Product AlignmentNew Product Development (NPD) & APQP ExcellenceEngineering Process StandardizationOrganizational Design & Talent DevelopmentGlobal Team LeadershipMultidisciplinary integration of mechanical, electrical, and systems-level technologiesProficiency in advanced CAD/CAE toolsExcellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience

1. Global Senior Engineering Manager - High Voltage & High Frequency Connector Systems & Components

   Stellantis

   Jan 2024 — Present · Auburn Hills, MI, US

   Led multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for product development, engineering standards, and technical execution across global teams.Engineering Methodology & Excellence:• Defined and implemented standardized engineering methodologies improving development consistency across multiple product platforms• Established governance frameworks ensuring design quality, configuration control, and lifecycle compliance across engineering teams• Led transformation of engineering workflows to reduce redundancy and accelerate product development timelinesTechnology Strategy Translation & Next-Gen Readiness:• Partnered with advanced engineering and technology organizations to translate emerging concepts into executable product-level strategies• Enabled smooth transition of early-stage prototypes into New Product Development (NPD) programs through early design risk identification• Aligned engineering execution with next-generation product roadmaps and market technology trendsAI & Digital Engineering Transformation:• Implemented data-driven decision frameworks leveraging predictive analytics for validation and quality improvement• Championed digital engineering initiatives including simulation-driven design and virtual validationCross-Portfolio Integration:• Coordinated engineering activities across product teams to enable integrated solutions rather than siloed development• Collaborated with manufacturing engineering to ensure readiness for emerging production technologies• Connected system-level technical requirements across mechanical and electrical domainsTalent & Organizational Leadership:• Built and developed global engineering teams across multiple regions and disciplines• Established performance frameworks, succession planning, and capability development aligned with future technology needs• Managed resource allocation balancing execution priorities with employee wellbeing

Education

• Wayne State University

  BSME, Mechanical Engineering

  2004 — 2009

• Wayne State University

  Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E, Mechanical Engineering

  2004 — 2009

Skills

• Systems Analysis
• Data Validation
• Procedure Development
• Validation Engineering
• Product Development
• Controls Development
• Hvac
• Instrument Validation
• Voice of the Customer
• Customer Satisfaction
• Shainin
• System Testing
• Competitive Analysis
• System Design
• Automotive Design
• Technical Leadership
• Dfss
• Automotive
• Mechanical Engineering
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Requirements Analysis
• Validation
• Customer Oriented
• Intercultural Skills
• Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Performance Metrics
• Communication Skills
• Technical Presentations
• Ppap
• Program Launch
• Red X
• Automotive Products
• People Skills
• Performance Measurement
• Test Planning
• Performance Testing
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership