James Allison

Current

Senior Applications Engineer at The MathWorks

Past

Consulting Engineer at Ford Motor Company
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Michigan
Research Assistant at University of Michigan

Research Assistant at General Motors Hybrid Powertrain Systems
Consulting Mechanical Designer at University of Utah Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
Mechanical Designer at University of Utah CHFE Lab
Assistant Service Manager/Quality Assurance Manager at Petersen Motor Company
Volunteer at ELM
Automotive Technician at Independent repair facility

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Education

University of Michigan
University of Michigan
University of Michigan

University of Utah
Weber State University

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2 more...

Recommended

1 person has recommended James

Connections

285 connections

Industry

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Websites

James Allison’s Summary

James Allison’s Specialties:

Design optimization of complex engineering systems, automotive engineering, mechanical design

James Allison’s Experience

Senior Applications Engineer

The MathWorks

(Privately Held; Computer Software industry)

July 2008 — Present (1 year 1 month)

I work in the Advanced Support Group in the Design Automation area. I work on challenging cases escalated from tier I and II technical support, as well as mentor engineers in the MathWorks technical support organization. I am the link between technical support and development. My focus is on modeling of engineering systems and system design optimization.
Consulting Engineer

Ford Motor Company

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; F; Automotive industry)

February 2008 — July 2008 (6 months)

Development of engine optimization software involving the integration of multiple computer simulations with the objectives of improving engine performance and cutting design optimization time. Designed and calibrated expert systems for engine durability constraints. Developed successive surrogate modeling techniques involving artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms. Utilized C++, Engineous iSIGHT-FD, and Matlab.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Michigan

(Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Higher Education industry)

January 2008 — July 2008 (7 months)

Engaged in design optimization research focused on complex engineering systems. Decomposition-based design optimization/multidisciplinary design optimization. Modeling of dynamic systems. Application experience includes automotive design (EV and HEV powertrain, vehicle dynamics), structural design, and product family design. Additional interests include sustainable energy systems, optical system design, bicycle design, optimization-based guidance for athletes, and engineering aspects of mountaineering.
Research Assistant

University of Michigan

(Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Higher Education industry)

September 2003 — December 2007 (4 years 4 months)

Engaged in design optimization research focused on complex engineering systems. Application experience includes automotive design, structural design, product family design. Additional interests include optical system design, bicycle design, optimization-based guidance for athletes, and engineering aspects of mountaineering.
Research Assistant

General Motors Hybrid Powertrain Systems

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Automotive industry)

January 2005 — February 2006 (1 year 2 months)

Developed the first industry implementation of analytical target cascading, a decomposition-based design optimization technique. Application involved a two-mode hybrid electric powertrain for a midsize SUV.
Consulting Mechanical Designer

University of Utah Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory

(Educational Institution; 5001-10,000 employees; Research industry)

May 2003 — August 2003 (4 months)

Designed custom precision lab equipment, including laser positioning system and building mounts for ultrasonic anemometers.
Mechanical Designer

University of Utah CHFE Lab

(Educational Institution; 5001-10,000 employees; Research industry)

September 2000 — June 2003 (2 years 10 months)

Designed custom mechanical equipment for a large chemical engineering lab. Also performed general lab engineering duties.
Assistant Service Manager/Quality Assurance Manager

Petersen Motor Company

(Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Consumer Services industry)

January 1999 — September 2000 (1 year 9 months)

Managed workflow in several large service departments. Developed, implemented, and led a new total quality management program.
Volunteer

ELM

(Religious Institutions industry)

June 1996 — June 1998 (2 years 1 month)

Voluntary (unpaid) service in communities near Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle England. Primary responsibilities include teaching, training, and leadership.
Automotive Technician

Independent repair facility

(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Automotive industry)

May 1994 — June 1996 (2 years 2 months)

Diagnosed and repaired automobiles. ASE certified technician. Experience in transmission repair and driveability related repair.

James Allison’s Education

University of Michigan

PhD , Mechanical Engineering , 2003 — 2007

Ph.D. Advisor: Panos Y. Papalambros
Affiliations: Optimal Design Laboratory, Automotive Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Activities and Societies:

Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Tau Sigma, Tau Beta Pi
University of Michigan

MSE , Industrial and Operations Engineering , 2004 — 2005
University of Michigan

MSE , Mechanical Engineering , 2003 — 2004
University of Utah

BS , Mechanical Engineering , 1999 — 2003

Activities and Societies:

Founding President: Utah Solar Vehicle Design Team
Weber State University

AAS , Automotive Technology , 1994 — 1998

Additional Information

James Allison’s Websites:

James Allison’s Interests:

Optimal design of complex engineering systems. Automotive, aerospace, and structural design applications. Design for energy efficiency and sustainability.