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Scott Simpson
Prototyping and design specialist at Northwestern University
Professional Background
Scott Simpson is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the manufacturing and tooling industry, particularly in mold making and machine building. He began his career shortly after completing his service in the Army, where he completed an apprenticeship as a mold maker in the late 1970s. This foundational experience set the stage for a fruitful career in the tool and die industry.
Early on, Scott showcased his technical skills as a tool room machinist at Federal Mogul’s carbide tooling division, as well as at Kester Solder/Litton Industries. His role here involved fabricating machine parts, sub-assemblies, and even constructing machines, which honed his expertise in precision manufacturing.
Scott transitioned to T.L. Swint Industries, a tier 1 automotive supplier known for its production of tail lenses and dashboard assemblies for General Motors. Here, he took on the role of mold repairman and machine builder, further developing his skills in tooling repair and production assembly.
With a passion for innovation, Scott then expanded his career into the realm of prototyping. Partnering in a small prototyping shop, he collaborated directly with inventors leveraged by grants from the Illinois Inventors Council. This role allowed him to contribute to the development of prototypes and short production runs, emphasizing his versatility and commitment to bringing ideas to fruition.
After an impactful three years, he pivoted to a new challenge with Valtec, which would later be acquired by Merrill Lynch Financial. In this position, Scott served as a machinery and equipment appraiser, where he performed important valuations of personal property for purposes such as inventory management, taxation, and sales. This experience brought a fresh perspective, as he combined his technical knowledge with financial appraisal skills.
Returning to the manufacturing sector, Scott assumed a toolmaker/machine builder role at DuoFast Corporation where he utilized his comprehensive background to manage and maintain high-quality tooling operations. His career has also included significant positions in various organizations where he led in-house tool rooms, including at SRAM (Gripshift), MPL Technologies (Dentsply International), and Schiffmayer Plastics Corporation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong aptitude for all aspects of daily tool maintenance, repairs, revisions, and tool tryouts in high-volume injection molding operations.
Education and Achievements
Scott’s education has greatly influenced his professional journey. He studied mold making at the Tool and Die Institute and graduated with a mechanical drafting specialization from Prosser Vocational. This academic background has provided him with the essential skills necessary to thrive in the manufacturing and design fields.
His continuous involvement in education and professional development is underscored by his role as a prototyping and design specialist at Northwestern University. His commitment to education and mentoring reveals his passion not just for manufacturing, but also for fostering innovation through collaboration and skill-sharing.
Notable Achievements
- Expert in plastic injection tooling design from a manufacturing perspective, emphasizing effective collaboration with designers and engineers.
- Proven track record of running successful tool rooms, managing daily operations, and improving production techniques in highly competitive environments.
- Proficient in debugging and performing engineering change revisions, showcasing Scott’s ability to interface with internal teams and external mold makers effectively.
- Skilled in managing relationships across various departments — allowing for cohesive production workflows and high-quality outcomes in all projects.
- Instrumental in developing prototypes for a range of inventors, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset in a rapidly changing industry.
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