Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
Generic

Paul Simmons

Spotsylvania

Summary

My passion is to save lives by leveraging public and private sector experience, combined with creativity to address challenging societal and safety problems through high performance leadership and cohesive team building.

DOT 2010 Secretary’s Transportation Safety Award - Unintended Acceleration NHTSA - Team Leader for Active Safety FCAM, FCW, CIB, V2V NHTSA Leadership Development Prog. Federal Toastmaster (1037 Treasure) DOT Certificate of Appreciation FIRST Robotics Phelps HS, Washington, DC Eight US Patents One World Trade Sect. NHTSA Leadership Development Program.

Overview

52
52
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Strategic Planning Division

US DOT – NHTSA
02.2021 - Current
  • Strategic Planning Division (SPD) provides timely and comprehensive administrative, information and financial management, procurement, quality assurance, and training services to support all program areas within ODI to effectively administer premier defects investigation and recall processes.
  • SPD provides the essential functions needed to maintain operations in Office of Defects Investigations (ODI), enabling the workforce to better focus on its core missions.
  • SPD aims to create a differentiating experience by providing the best services to meet the needs of internal and external ODI customers.
  • SPD is comprised of employees in seven functional areas: administration, procurement (contracting officer representative), outreach, technology coordination, records management, training, and quality assurance.
  • SPD is leading the strategic path forward preparing ODI to fulfill its mission, to save lives as the automotive world advances into autonomous vehicles.
  • Researching new AI and MLL technology to drive the future of ODI.

Chief, Vehicle Defects Division

US DOT – NHTSA
06.2017 - 02.2021
  • Leading the newly formed Vehicle Defects Division – C.
  • Established meeting cadence with manufactures and presented potential safety issues to Senior Management.
  • Lead, and direct highly talented multidisciplinary staff in the planning, direction, coordinated investigations of global vehicle manufactures and opened public investigations of potential safety defects, using engineering and technological understanding and creative approaches keeping pace with rapidly changing deployment of new technologies.
  • Recommend, and if necessary, direct manufacturers of motor vehicles and equipment found by NHTSA to have a safety defect, to recall the motor vehicles or equipment for repair or replacement.
  • Recommend to NHTSA’s Office of Chief Counsel the assessment of civil penalties for failure to conduct timely recalls of motor vehicles or equipment and supports related litigation efforts.
  • Coordinate with NHTSA’s Office of Communications and Consumer Information to publicize safety related information that will promote the agency’s goal of enhancing motor vehicle and vehicle equipment safety.

Safety Defects Investigator

US DOT – NHTSA
03.2007 - 07.2016
  • VDD-A and Vehicle Control Division investigating complex embedded controls systems.
  • Initiating and performing investigations based on EWR and Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data.
  • During the investigation of unintended acceleration (UI) participated in design reviews of embedded electronic throttle control system in Glen Bernie, MD.
  • I received a team awarded for outstanding effort, from the Secretary of Transportation for contribution to public safety investigating unintended acceleration.
  • I perform daily research of new battery technology as it applies to electric and hybrid electric vehicles.

Acting Crashworthiness Division Chief

US DOT – NHTSA
07.2008 - 08.2008
  • Assure the validity of vehicle manufacturer’s compliance to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that relate to crashworthiness.
  • Planning and executing yearly compliance test programs to determine if vehicles meet performance requirements for 200 and 300 series FMVSS, including standards that relate to airbags, side impact, interior impact, interior impact protection, frontal impact protection, fuel system integrity, and school bus safety.
  • Manage in-depth investigations when vehicles fail compliance tests, provided technical arguments supporting the agency’s position that the manufacturer must conduct a recall and remedy any safety issue.
  • I assisted in the development of new Rulemaking (NPRM’s 222, 208, 207, and 210) with technical research, establishing new safety standards and validating societal benefits.
  • Planned and directed the division’s seven engineering and technical staff.
  • Developed and administered vehicle procurement, test contracts, test matrices, within division test budget.
  • I provided status reviews to the Office Director on the progress of investigations and any emerging issues.

Research Supervisor

Ford Motor Company
11.2004 - 02.2007
  • Project managed research and development of new safety technology.
  • I represented the Scientific Research Lab on Ford’s Safety Steering Team to research automotive safety issues and provided a technical strategy to address them.
  • I authored technical specifications, statements of work, and functional specifications to develop new safety technology.
  • Lead the development of vision-based sensing system that used an embedded DSP control system.
  • Dual stereo cameras were used to digitally identify a disparity image and track 3D objects in the passenger seat.
  • Using Ford’s Design for Six Sigma Technology Development process composed of Technical-Kick-Off, Tech Strategy, Concept Ready, Application Ready, and Implementation Ready gateways, successfully managed the introduction of new high frequency accelerometer-based sensing technology to improve sensing performance.
  • Developed hardware and methods to modify airbag inflation and improve occupant protection with a single cross vehicle inflator design (received a US Patent).

Supervisor CAE

Ford Motor Company
08.1999 - 11.2004
  • Leader of Electrical CAE analysis for all North American Light Truck applications electrical/electronic systems, including electric and hybrid electric vehicles.
  • I increased customer confidence in CAE analysis by establishing systemic documented methods, and by increasing analysis from 50 to 1,500 per year.
  • I led the development of Ford’s New Global Circuit Numbering System (NGCNS) that consolidated seven circuit-numbering systems into one global standard.
  • This system allows a seamless transfer of electrical design data leveraging the synergies between the powerful engineering design tools and service diagnostics.
  • Co-authored and presented a technical paper at the 2004 SAE International Congress in Detroit Michigan.
  • I launched Current Based Testing (CBT) using CAE generated test limits, in all Ford assembly plants.
  • Over 30% improved capability by using test limits obtained from electrical CAE analysis.
  • I led the deployment of new engineering software tools and methods for developing electrical systems on Ford Trucks (State Mate, Mentor Graphics).
  • I was called to lead a team to resolve inadvertent airbag deployments that caused three assembly plants to stop production.
  • I led the team that identified the root cause in the software start-up routine.
  • Tested and verified the design solution allowing the assembly plants to resume production.

Program Management Team Leader

Ford Motor Company
01.1998 - 08.1999
  • Explorer – Sport Track, lead vehicle safety team to deliver side air curtain, and rollover protection systems.
  • Designed and developed side impact systems in response to public injury data and future regulations.
  • Developed and implemented side impact test programs to obtain FMVSS certification.
  • I developed test procedures for the New Truck and Car Programs on the Explorer, F250, and other Ford vehicles in Europe and the USA.
  • I was called upon to assess the competitive strengths of Ford cars and trucks to other manufacturer’s vehicles sold in the USA.
  • Established methods and techniques by which crash test data from side impact and vehicle information about side impact, can be made available to better educate customers about the benefits of side impact protection in the marketplace.
  • I established a network of international contacts within the field of automotive safety throughout industry.
  • I assessed the impact and applicability of new safety devices and supplier design changes on occupant safety in side impact (eight patents for developing new safety technology).
  • I analyzed information from side impact data from laboratory crashes, real world crash files, and computer simulations to determine the best methods for protecting occupants in side impacts and rollovers to address the injury severity indicators for consumers.

Resident Engineer

Visteon (Subsidiary of Ford Motor Co.)
12.1986 - 01.1998
  • Led airbag deactivation switch development for aftermarket applications in anticipation of NHTSA ruling (1/19/98).
  • Airbag deactivation system was developed to address 112 after market vehicle types from 1988 through 1998.
  • The intellectual property rights enabled Ford to make over $35,000,000.
  • I sold the first Visteon product to Chrysler.
  • I was selected to be the sensing systems Technical Expert for Ford of Europe, lived in Cologne (Köln), Germany.
  • Provided technical expertise on cross vehicle airbags for the complete system implementation including 1993 Ford Mondeo (European Car of the Year).
  • I had design and development responsibility for embedded control electronic airbag system modules for distributed sensing systems used in the USA and Japan.
  • Developed the electronic module and system level control specifications for the embedded system designs used in safety systems.
  • Using CAE saved $1.5/ vehicle across all Ford Vehicle lines with more efficient DC-DC backup power supply.
  • Resolved long-term warranty issues with 'Low Current Measurement Circuits' during master’s research and identified fretting corrosion as major contributor ($14,000,000/yr. warranty cost).
  • Introduced 'Bulk Current Injection' to improve EMC noise immunity to radio frequency affecting communication of airbag system electronics.
  • Designed and released Ford of Australia’s engine, and transmission control module with embedded control systems, six high side solenoid drivers.
  • I developed a design verification plan and report (DVPR) for the functional performance of the module.
  • I presented a paper on Automotive Power Electronics and hosted panel discussion of electronics and the automobile at the 1988 Energy Conversion Convention in Denver, CO.
  • I supported assembly plant launch and development of the 1988 Tempo/Topaz passive restraints system.
  • Developed and trained plant production personnel to use system diagnostic equipment and concurrently earned Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Oakland University.

Laboratory Supervisor

Macomb Community College
Mt. Clemens
06.1982 - 12.1986
  • I supervised eight health laboratories including Veterinary, Dental, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, EMT, Optical, and Office Medical.
  • I managed the development of a predictive computer ordering system to help identify supply budget needs for the following year (Controlled $2M budget).
  • Lead negotiator for equipment allocation budget between faculty and administration.
  • Lead development of specifications for the acquisition of new equipment used in the health labs $4M capital budget.
  • Directed implementation of all State and Federal regulations imposed on the college.
  • Setup new equipment and made new Health and Human Services building fully operational for grand opening and concurrently earned Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Oakland University.

Laboratory Technician

Chatham Supermarkets
Warren
06.1976 - 12.1980
  • Performed chemical and microbiological analysis in a large modern meat processing plant USDA certified laboratory.
  • Developed advanced technology for reducing shrinkage and improving shelf life using a sodium hypochlorite wash system (Morton Biocide).
  • I was a representative at the government industry meeting at Michigan State Department of Agriculture.

Tractor Trailer Maintenance

Blue Star Trucking
Warren
06.1973 - 09.1974
  • Worked in the summers performing routine and heavy engine maintenance of Peterbilt Tractor Trailers and 425 hours power Caterpillar diesel engines with 18 speed road ranger manual split shift transmission.

Education

MS Electrical & Computer Engineering -

Oakland University
Rochester, MI

BS Electrical Engineering - RF Communications

Oakland University
Rochester, MI

BS Microbiology/Chemistry - with honors

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Mott HS
Warren, MI

Pershing HS
Detroit, MI

Endon HS
Staffordshire, England

Timeline

Chief Strategic Planning Division

US DOT – NHTSA
02.2021 - Current

Chief, Vehicle Defects Division

US DOT – NHTSA
06.2017 - 02.2021

Acting Crashworthiness Division Chief

US DOT – NHTSA
07.2008 - 08.2008

Safety Defects Investigator

US DOT – NHTSA
03.2007 - 07.2016

Research Supervisor

Ford Motor Company
11.2004 - 02.2007

Supervisor CAE

Ford Motor Company
08.1999 - 11.2004

Program Management Team Leader

Ford Motor Company
01.1998 - 08.1999

Resident Engineer

Visteon (Subsidiary of Ford Motor Co.)
12.1986 - 01.1998

Laboratory Supervisor

Macomb Community College
06.1982 - 12.1986

Laboratory Technician

Chatham Supermarkets
06.1976 - 12.1980

Tractor Trailer Maintenance

Blue Star Trucking
06.1973 - 09.1974

MS Electrical & Computer Engineering -

Oakland University

BS Electrical Engineering - RF Communications

Oakland University

BS Microbiology/Chemistry - with honors

Michigan State University

Mott HS

Pershing HS

Endon HS

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