Thomas J.

Gajda
190 Bridge St #4407
Salem, MA 01970
(508) 932-4589
thomasgajda@mac.com

Engineering Profile
Innovative Engineering Project Manager with a solid background in Mechanical Eng
ineering. Experienced in commercial and military product design from prototype
to production, program management and proposal writing. Skilled communicator an
d problem-solver as both a team member and leader of international multi-discipl
ine teams. Earned multiple awards by senior management for exceptional leadersh
ip on proposals and demonstration programs.
Highlights of Expertise:
* Six Sigma Methodologies * Product Design & Development * Project Managemen
t
* Structural Modeling * Manufacturing Liaison * Multidisciplinary Team Managem
ent
* CAD Modeling * Team Communication * Technical Problem Solving & Resolution
* System Integration * Work Prioritizing & Scheduling * Proposal Technical Lea
dership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
GE Aviation, Lynn, MA
Military Turbo Fan / Jet Integration Engineer
1997 -Present
Strong mechanical design background ranging from structural component design to
engine level systems design and integration leadership. Turbine stator componen
t design experience and selected as design liaison to lead cost reduction and th
ru-put projects with manufacturing plant. Engine thermodynamic and heat transfe
r experience leading an international team has lead to a current Project Managem
ent position on a flight test demonstration program. Additional responsibilitie
s include proposal leader for external customer proposals and internal proposals
for technology development.
* Engineering Project Manager for flight test demonstration program, leading mul
tidisciplinary team in the modification, integration and installation of a devel
opment derivative engine in the first single engine application for engine line.
Achieved FTY=1 integration with development aircraft.
* Technical lead for marketing team defining multiple derivative engine configur
ations for $500M to $1B international sales campaigns. This includes technical
vetting of configurations, program cost and schedules for programs ranging for $
10M to $400M in non-recurring cost.
* Recognized by business leadership with multiple managerial awards for deliveri
ng proposals on short cycles while meeting business requirements for competitive
offerings
* Technology leader responsible for communicating customer technology needs to t
he division technology road map owners to ensure Multi Generational Growth Plan
will be positioned to expand market share in fighter aircraft market
* Reliability Practitioner for department mentoring system engineers in the impl
ementation of reliability allocation, tracking and growth best practices.
Thomas Gajda * (508) 932-4589 * Page 2

Behr Climate Systems, Incorporated, Fort Worth, TX

Design Engineer 1996 -1997
Conceptualize, define and design HVAC systems and ducts for the heavy truck indu
stry.
* Responsible for the design of HVAC assembly comprising of injection molded hou
sings and blow molded ducts using CATIA
* Develop and review CAD models for tooling definition, detailed drawings, speci
fications and bill of materials
* Coordinated cost reductions and design changes with manufacturing, sales and p
urchasing departments

Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI

Contract Chassis Engineer 1995 -1996
Lead coordination and tracking of cost reduction projects pertaining to chassis
systems including brake, fuel, steering, suspension and frame components. Suppo
rted assembly plant vehicle teams with the incorporation of changes in chassis c
omponents on current production vehicles. Lead the research of customer complai
nts in the root cause investigation of brake related safety and warrantee claims
.

GTE Tactical Systems Division, Taunton, MA

Mechanical Engineer 1990 -1994
Managed the design and installation of training simulators for US Army Signal Co
rp Mobile Subscriber Equipment program. Responsible for project schedules, coor
dinating drafting support, supplier selection and change control. Conducted tra
nsient and steady state thermal analysis of vehicle mounted shelters and equipme
nt, vehicle center of gravity calculation and measurement, support of environmen
tal testing to military specifications.

EDUCATION
Masters of Science Degree, Mechanical Engineering, 1994
Boston University, Boston, MA
Bachelor of Science Degree, Mechanical Engineering, 1990
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH