Jeff Gabalski

About Jeff Gabalski

Driven Innovator | Strategic Problem-Solver | Expert in Automotive Seat MechanismsI believe that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a mindset. From leading multimillion-dollar cost-saving initiatives to designing solutions that enhance safety and customer satisfaction, I’m driven by a passion for innovation, precision, and creating meaningful impact in the automotive industry.My mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every mechanism, system, and solution I touch exceeds expectations. Whether it’s reclaiming $1.14M in savings during the 2021 Ford Bronco relaunch or crafting engineering specifications that set a new standard for supplier communication, I thrive on solving complex challenges with creativity and collaboration.Key Highlights:Revolutionized Safety: Identified and addressed a recliner mechanism design flaw, preventing potential injuries in the Ford Escape MP1 launch.Elevated Supplier Consistency: Standardized critical processes, such as Manual / Power Recliner & Latch / Striker, Cable SCCAF, eliminating communication gaps and improving product delivery reliability across multiple departments.Pioneered Innovation: Co-authored foundational specifications for seat kinematics, integration, and mechanisms, ensuring clarity and precision for global teams and suppliers.My expertise spans Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD & T), Six Sigma methodologies, seat kinematics, and the integration of complex systems. As a trusted global leader, I’ve built bridges across 15+ nations, uniting diverse teams under a shared vision of excellence.Core Competencies: Continuous Process Improvement Root Cause Analysis & Strategic Problem-Solving Supplier Engagement & Negotiation Product Design, Testing, and Execution Leadership & People DevelopmentAt the heart of my work lies a commitment to fostering trust and collaboration—whether with colleagues, suppliers, or clients. My approach is tough yet fair, ensuring win-win outcomes that drive organizational success.Looking ahead, I’m focused on shaping the future of automotive innovation while mentoring the next generation of engineers to achieve their highest potential. Let’s connect and create solutions that move the world forward—together.

Experience

1. Subject Matter Expert Seat Structures & Mechanisms

   Ford Motor Company

   Dec 2011 — Present

   Originally hired as a Design & Release Engineer - Rear Seat Structure; repeatedly singled out by management to step into such extra roles Seat Core Mechanisms Engineer, Senior Engineer All Seat Structure Design & Release Engineer, Senior Seating Engineer - All Seat Structure Design & Release with a heavy focus on 1R Seat Integrated Restraints. Stepped into present role to capitalize on deep understanding of (1) mechanisms & how they operate & (2) supplier engagement in marshalling supplier resources, ultimately to uphold occupant safety.• Reclaimed $1.14M in savings that impacted production on the 2021 Ford Bronco relaunch by addressing - and tackling - inconsistencies affecting global suppliers• Totally abolished the prospect of serious occupant injuries regarding seats by co-identifying mechanism design flaw• Brought seat proven tactics into door mechanisms, hood & tailgate so that Company better clarifying clear-cut expectations• Eradicated communication inconsistencies among Company & its suppliers by standardizing Manual & Power Recliner SCCAF and Application Readiness (AR) Process. This action was so successful that other departments adopted this standardization. • Averted product recalls on several occasions by collaborating with chief engineers, directors, vice presidents, legal personnel & other key decision-makers in compiling the data & documentation for client to receive good, clean product from their suppliers• Centralized all requirements for each commodity mentioned below into just 1 document by co-authoring:• Seat Kinematics• Seat Integration• Recliner Component Engineering Specification (CES)• Easy Entry Subsystem Design Specification• Cable Assembly Engineering Specification• Ford Mechanisms 101 training curriculum• Garnered multiple accommodations from Company management citing analytical talents in avoiding a supplier-generated $1M excessive charge for a solution that was not always guaranteed to work

Education

• Western Michigan University

  BSEng Graphics, Engineering

Skills

• Manufacturing
• Cad
• Employee Benefits
• Succession Planning
• Quality Engineering
• 401k
• Retirement Planning
• Executive Compensation
• Insurance Planning
• Group Benefits
• Finite Element Analysis
• Dfmea
• Mutual Funds
• Asset Allocation
• Saving for Education
• Root Cause Analysis
• Investments
• Retirement
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Charitable Giving Strategies
• Retirement Savings
• Product Design
• Testing
• Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement
• Quality Auditing
• Components
• Estate Planning
• Program Management
• Automotive
• Disability Insurance
• Quality Control
• Pensions
• Retirement Income Strategies
• Health Insurance
• Term Life Insurance
• Long Term Care
• Gd&T
• Annuities
• Universal Life