Robert Wirthlin

About Robert Wirthlin

As an executive technical leader, I led 100+ employees in sustainment upgrades of $3 billion capital investment on 4 systems with $300M/yr budget. System capabilities increased by more than 50%. At 2 of the top 5 global automotive OEMs, I led strategic deployment of multi-million, multi-year systems engineering plans with tools, upskilled and restructured engineering teams deployed across 5+ vehicle programs.I SPECIALIZE IN: LEADERSHIP: Developed strong team culture, retaining 10–100+ experts in technical teams SYSTEMS ENGINEERING: Led transformation at 2 of the \"big 3\" American automotive OEMs PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Led major DOD program ($300M) & managed upgrades on 4 fielded programs STRATEGY: Established vision and corporate roadmaps for 21st century transformation of systems engineering CAREER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Added $300+M for maintenance and further development of 4 DoD programs (akin to P&L responsibilities) Saved over $5M with storage solution avoiding loss of vital mission data at $7B, 24/7 data processing / comm facility Restored trust in Functional Safety (FuSA) – in a single year, 13 deviations completed, closed 16 hi-priority issues Named mid-level executive of the year for strategically realigning portfolio for Homeland Defense center of gravity Managed the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) project portfolio for 100+ s/w tools for global product start a conversation: J••••••••@gmail.comEDUCATION PhD Engineering Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MS Engineering and Managment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology / Sloan School of Management BS Engineering Sciences, United States Air Force AcademyMORE ABOUT ME:Corporate Career 30+ year career in engineering and management - focused application in Automotive OEMs, Aerospace and Defense. Lean Product Development expert 6-Sigma Black Belt Certification 4-year stint as Assistant Professor at USAF Graduate School - deep research into systemsU.S. Air Force Officer Hand-picked for 2 advanced engineering degrees and German language immersion. Decorated U.S. Air Force officer. Earned 2 Defense Meritorious Service medals, 2 Air Force Meritorious Service medals, Commodation Medal, and Achievement Medal Personal Twice nominated by the US Air Force to be an Astronaut Candidate for NASA. I enjoy family outdoor activities - boating, tubing, hiking, backpacking, snow skiing, and travelling globally.

Experience

1. Senior Technical Leader Global Oem Digital Engineering Pioneer Directing Elite Team of 30 Smes

   Ford Motor Company

   Jul 2019 — Present · Dearborn, MI, US

   Spearheaded revolutionary systems engineering transformation across 3 highest-revenue vehicle programs, modernizing development processes for next-generation automotive excellence. Realized growth in systems engineering capabilities for flagship vehicle development Secured & deployed $5M to revolutionize product development using model-based sys engineering Built corporate systems approach, implementing 70+ standardized systems & optimizing 10K+ requirementsDrove groundbreaking transformation of global product development, implementing agile methodologies and systems-driven approaches that doubled development speed, unleashed innovation potential, and elevated product quality across international markets.

Education

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Engineering Systems

  2005 — 2009

• United States Air Force Academy

  Bachelor's Degree, Engineering Sciences

  1988 — 1994

• MIT Sloan School of Management

  Master's Degree, Systems Design and Management

  1998 — 2000