Timothy G. Rusk
Tullahoma
Summary
20 years + as a Dynamic leader in engineering and manufacturing management with a focus on process improvement and team development. Proven track record in driving key performance indicators across automotive, aerospace, and DOD sectors. Committed to enhancing safety, quality, and cost-efficiency through effective coaching and strategic decision-making.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Retired Sr. Manager of Process Engineering
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
Decherd
12.2024 - 12.2024
- Pursuing contract or part-time opportunities that utilize my skills and experience
Sr. Manager – Process Engineering, Raw Materials
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
Decherd
05.2019 - 12.2024
- Supported new and current models for forging, casting, and machining processes.
- Lead a team for the launch of the ZV9 project.
- Supported NM studies for KH1t cylinder block, cylinder head, and casting project to ensure alignment with project goals.
- Controlled operating budgets and capital appropriations for equipment installations to maintain financial discipline.
- Ensured comprehensive oversight of safety, quality, cost control, and timely delivery within business operations.
- Perform safety walks with Engineers and Supervisors on the Production floor to identify and correct safety issues.
- Led a Predictive Index Workforce team to implement a Behavioral Science method to assist in hiring the workforce of the future.
Sr. Manager – Manufacturing Machining Operations
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
Decherd
04.2016 - 05.2019
- Led a team of managers, supervisors, and production associates in machining blocks, heads, and cranks to ensure efficient operations.
- Achieved production KPIs by focusing on safety, quality, cost, and time.
- Directed Kaizen activity team to implement autonomous maintenance training, improving operator reliability.
- Facilitated individual growth and professional development for staff to enhance team capabilities.
Sr. Manager – Manufacturing Forging and Casting operations
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
Decherd
12.2014 - 04.2016
- Led quality and production improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed tool & die operations, production processes, and die engineering, ensuring efficient supervision.
- Supported the launch of the new linerless PRKO block in Casting.
- Facilitated continuous equipment monitoring using AI systems to optimize performance.
- Created a collaborative atmosphere to enhance teamwork in Forging and Casting.
- Responsible for meeting the KPIs for the department.
- Supported a staff for Crankshaft forgings and Casted Engine blocks.
Manager – Tool & Die Manufacturing and Die Engineering
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
Decherd
05.2007 - 12.2014
- Oversee the die manufacturing plan for new product launches that include Casting Tool & Die.
- Controls operating budgets, capital appropriations, die scheduling, maintenance schedules, and equipment installations.
- Promoted teamwork among Tool & Die engineers, supervisors, and technicians to enhance collaboration.
- Focused on safety, quality, cost, and time to optimize operational efficiency.
- Supported production and maintenance for forging and casting dies, ensuring operational readiness.
Manufacturing Engineer - Forging Tool & Die
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
Decherd
06.2005 - 05.2007
- Launched the Forging Die Manufacturing processes at Decherd.
- Coordinated daily die shop activities, managed disposition of processed dies, and assigned work to optimize workflow.
- Executed equipment installations and developed shop layouts to enhance operational efficiency.
- Controlled CNC data for die production.
- Oversaw cutting tool activity and maintained process sheets for Die Mfg. group to ensure accurate documentation.
- Multiple trips to Japan for training and benchmarking.
Manufacturing Engineer – Machining
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
Decherd
10.2004 - 06.2005
- Managed machining department projects to enhance coolant management, improve safety, and optimize ergonomics.
- Supported the manufacturing of blocks, crankshafts, and heads for 4cylinder, 6 cylinder, and 8 cylinder engines with tooling, machining conveyors, material handling devices and inspection automation.
- Implemented tooling, fixturing, and material handling devices.
- Coordinated cross-functional projects with suppliers and internal departments to streamline operations.
- Developed and implemented countermeasures to maintain high-quality standards for customer satisfaction.
- Provided test analysis, coordination and issued PMR documentation between machining and assembly.
- Managed expense and capital budgets.
Education
M.A. - Instructional Leadership
Tennessee Technological University
TNB.S. - Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Middle Tennessee State University
TNA.S. - Mathematics
John C. Calhoun College
ALTVA Boilermaker Training Program -
Muscle Shoals State Technical College
ALHigh School -
Lauderdale County High School
ALSkills
- Process Simulation
- CNC Programming
- Advanced Manufacturing
- AutoCAD
- 3D CAD Design
- Data Analysis
- Process optimization
- Budget management
- Project coordination
- Operations management
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Team leadership
- Staff development
- Microsoft Office Excel
- Microsoft Office Word
- Microsoft Office Powerpoint
- Casting technology
Special Groups And Organizations
- Member of Nissan Business Senergy Team
- Board Member of Franklin County Chapter of 'Raise the Reader' program
- Member of TAMA
- Mentor at Franklin County High School
- Board Member for Tennessee College of Applied Sciences 'Machine Tool Technology' Shelbyville TN
- Member of the 31st Annual Jimmy Carter Habitat for Humanity in Dallas Texas 2014
- Nissan representative for High School and Middle School Career day
- Attend Grace Baptist Church
- Volunteer – Bear Trace Golf Club, Winchester TN
Timeline
Retired Sr. Manager of Process Engineering
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
12.2024 - 12.2024
Sr. Manager – Process Engineering, Raw Materials
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
05.2019 - 12.2024
Sr. Manager – Manufacturing Machining Operations
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
04.2016 - 05.2019
Sr. Manager – Manufacturing Forging and Casting operations
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
12.2014 - 04.2016
Manager – Tool & Die Manufacturing and Die Engineering
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
05.2007 - 12.2014
Manufacturing Engineer - Forging Tool & Die
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
06.2005 - 05.2007
Manufacturing Engineer – Machining
Nissan North America Powertrain Division
10.2004 - 06.2005
M.A. - Instructional Leadership
Tennessee Technological University
B.S. - Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Middle Tennessee State University
A.S. - Mathematics
John C. Calhoun College
TVA Boilermaker Training Program -
Muscle Shoals State Technical College
High School -
Lauderdale County High School