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Duane Quam
Technical Program Manager
Professional Background
Duane Quam is an accomplished engineering professional with extensive experience in various facets of product lifecycle management, technical program management, and leadership. His career has seen him excel as a team lead, project manager, and department manager, showcasing his remarkable ability to harness and coordinate engineering prowess in diverse settings. Duane's expertise spans intricate domains including ASIC, optical transceiver design, PCB design, and signal integrity, making him a vital asset in any engineering-focused organization.
Throughout his professional journey, Duane has held significant roles in prestigious companies. As a Technical Program Manager at Aerotek, he demonstrated his adeptness in resource coordination and optimizing project outcomes. Before that, he was instrumental as a Development Engineer and Engineering Manager at CTG, where his leadership in project management propelled teams toward success. Moreover, Duane has made notable contributions at IBM, where he served as a Senior Hardware Development Engineer, culminating in impactful advancements in hardware technology and signal integrity.
Duane's experience not only encapsulates technical skills but also reflects strong leadership qualities. His management roles require the mastery of organizational strategies and the ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively, enhancing productivity and innovation within engineering projects. He holds certifications in Six Sigma Black Belt, underscoring his commitment to quality management and process improvements.
Education and Achievements
Duane's educational background lays a solid foundation for his expansive career. He studied for his Master of Science in Physics at The University of Texas at Dallas, further enriching his technical knowledge and analytical capabilities critical in engineering roles. Although specifics about his undergraduate studies are abbreviated, Duane's continual pursuit of knowledge and professional development showcases his dedication to excellence in his field.
Further enhancing his skill set, Duane has participated in numerous professional development opportunities, including advanced training in high-speed circuit design, integrated program management at Stanford University, and state-of-the-art analytical techniques at Charles Evans and Associates. His extensive training ensures that Duane stays at the forefront of engineering technology and methodologies.
Community Involvement
Beyond his professional achievements, Duane Quam has been actively involved in his community, showcasing his commitment to education and local governance. He has chaired the Minnesota State Academic Science Standards Writing Committee and served on various boards, including the ZED Governing Board and the Byron School Board. His engagement at these levels reflects a genuine desire to contribute to the academic and technological progress of his community.
As a member of the ISD 531 Technology Committee and the Olmsted United Way Community Resource Allocation Committee, Duane further extends his influence by advocating for effective educational standards and community resource allocation. Additionally, he has coordinated campaigns for local causes and assumes the role of an assistant coach for junior high football and youth sports, embodying the spirit of mentorship and community service.
Achievements
Duane’s professional achievements are a testament to his expertise and dedication to excellence. His solid track record in product integration, process development, and quality assurance methodologies sets him apart. He is well-versed in various statistical analysis tools, design of experiments (DOE), and methodologies such as FMEA and FMECA, which are vital for assessing risks and ensuring product quality throughout development phases.
Duane's background also includes significant contributions to project management methodologies. He is accomplished in using MS Project and other software, which are instrumental for effective planning and execution of engineering projects. His ability to multitask and maintain a strong focus on customer support throughout all product lifecycle stages is a hallmark of his approach to engineering management.
With a myriad of technical skills including proficiency in programming languages like C++, Pascal, FORTRAN, and VHDL, combined with competency in analytical tools such as Minitab, Lab View, and AutoCAD LT, Duane is perfectly positioned to tackle contemporary engineering challenges.
Summary
In summary, Duane Quam’s professional journey is characterized by his profound expertise in engineering, leadership abilities, and active community involvement. With a robust educational background, he continues to enhance his skills through continuous learning and professional development. His technical acumen, particularly in ASIC and optical transceiver design, coupled with a proven leadership track in project management, uniquely qualifies him as an expert in his field. Duane’s commitment to quality, community, and professional excellence places him as a figure of inspiration for both aspiring engineers and seasoned professionals alike.
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