William Harkness

jalamdhara (@) hyperboreans (dot) com

 

 

Futurist Product Ideator

 

Think Tank leader & Innovator with 15+ years of experience in robotics, IT, aerospace and alternative energy sectors involving research and development of hybridized products created by overlapping disciplines.  Highly creative conceptual thinker and technology forecaster.  Proven ability to translate concepts into leading edge applications and products.  Portfolio of 9 patents pending across hardware and software categories.

 

Having the Knack for:

 

§      Human/Computer Interaction

§      Augmented Reality

§      Rapid Prototype Concepts

§       Emergent Technologies

§         Mobile Communication

§         Eco-Sustainability

Career Accomplishments

 

§      Led design team which developed basic template for a hybrid electric vehicle. Design was adopted by Toyota for the first generation Prius.

§      Redesigned stow bins for the Boeing 777 airplane by creating an innovative method of assembly, design, and manufacturing which saved $7 million per year and reduced 95% of parts needed for the stow bin.

§      Created conceptual software utilizing PUSH technology for Travel @ Boeing application, enabling a complete immersive solution that encompassed cloud computing and augmented reality

§      Led & Developed new structure system of data mining which reduced paperwork by 98%, and increased efficiency of data search by 20 times.

§      Led first Sustainability for Engineering Design Program utilizing biomimicry, design for manufacturing assembly, LEAN+, zero-waste, and Energy Harvesting to formulate a carbon neutral design. Program saved $ 4 million / year and decreased overall environment impact by 40%

§      Led first Green Roof Project at Boeing by developing feasibility study which assured tremendous savings by incorporating the urban heat effect, pollution damage thereby increasing the longevity of roofs by 3 fold.

 

Professional Experience

 

The Boeing company, Seattle, WA                                                     2008-present

Drawing Review Engineer (DRE) Materials Process & Technology (BCA FLAMMABILITY)       

§         Provide Flammability Engineering Drawing Review & Materials and Processes engineering support to the 7X7 programs. 

§         Provide input into the control of Parts, Materials and Processes (PM&P) used in the design, fabrication and production of electrical/electronic systems. 

§         Interfaces with the Boeing Materials & Technology (BMT) Team. Support the development and implementation  of top-level program M&P control plans/schedules and review and approve plans from subcontractors and  suppliers. Review part/material usage on engineering specifications and drawings and evaluate against 

§         Contractual requirements. Support the reduction of hazardous materials while maintaining product reliability.

 

 

The Boeing company, Seattle, WA                                                         2005-2008

Senior Engineer Concept Center           

Recruited to develop new concept products and substantially upgrade and improve existing products.  Developed over 19 concept products; 3 were implemented on production line. Established reputation as a futurist, anticipating potential and emerging technology applications.

 

§      Developed first augmented reality for air travel concept design @ Boeing as an experimental device showcase what’s possible on future flights.

§      Optimized the innovation process for new products by following Design For Manufacturing Assembly (DFMA) that increased the efficiency of how programs are managed by 60%

§      Developed and implemented methods for integration of future-research and strategic management by analyzing effects of global and regional trends on aviation

§      Developed comprehensive knowledge database which significantly improved the visibility of project status and progress across departments to cross-reference across multi-disciplines.

§      Established Video Phone Conferencing for the Deaf @ Boeing, reducing the need for sign language interpreters 90% for visual enabled phone conversations.

§      Created dozens of future travel concepts for Boeing and Airline companies, ranging from galley to lavatory design.

§      Developed innovative knowledge transfer method program which enabled retired engineers to share technical knowledge by participating in on-going projects.

§      Talent Scout for potential emerging technologies to be applied in aerospace industry.

 

Parker Hannifin, Rohnert Park, CA                                                                2004

Product Development Engineer

§      Spearheaded improvements to product process through new & advanced brainstorming techniques which optimized manufacturing cell by reducing parts numbers by 90% and increased performance by 60%.

§      Drove creation of complete electro-mechanical automation control process line that produced 35% more numbers of servo-motors when compared to previous assembly line.

§      Created new database to better capture techniques and analyze data for research projects.  System was used to identify and quantify the most promising concepts.

 

California State University, Chico, CA                                                       1994-2004

Research Assistant                                                                          1999-2005

§      Co-developed process for Zero Waste to Landfill showing feasibility of a biodegradable plastic.

 

Information Technologist                                                     1994-2002

§      Installed enterprise- wide network system; maintained and repaired computer equipment.

 

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, CA                                         1998

Engineering Intern

§      Developed new testing plans for military application testing methods. Upgraded all department current software infrastructures to support necessary hardware improvement. Created new knowledge database for personnel information exchange.

 

California State University, Chico, CA                                                  1994-1997

Project Lead

Developed Hybrid Electric Vehicle design, sponsored by Toyota and GM Corporation. 

§      Developed under-body for aerodynamic efficiency cutting the coefficient drag by 30%

§      Led brainstorming session on weight-reduction methods, coming up with several structural methods that can cut down the gross weight by 50%

 

EDUCATION

BS, Mechanical Engineering, California State University, Chico, CA

MS, Engineering Management, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

PhD Student, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla MO

(Dissertation will be on alternative/renewable energies)