Fastener engineer serving as an expert witness with over 30 years of experience, this professional focuses on mechanical fasteners, bolting systems, and materials engineering, with an emphasis on product and process reliability, manufacturing, and application performance. Their work in legal matters includes leading investigations involving critical component failures and providing expert testimony, with over 5 years of experience in an expert witness capacity supporting analysis of fastener-related failures and material behavior.

The expert’s technical work includes fastener manufacturing and metallurgy, addressing raw materials, forming processes, heat treatment, and coating systems such as electroplating, galvanizing, phosphating, and emulsions. Their experience extends to quality assurance, manufacturing engineering support, automated inspection methodology, lean manufacturing, and cost reduction. Applications engineering forms a central component of their practice, including joint analysis across automotive, structural, machinery, pipeline, and pressure vessel systems, as well as fastener selection, fastening methodology, and evaluation of torque, preload, and stress. Laboratory and testing capabilities include failure analysis, applications testing, and fastener laboratory design, with particular attention to hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion cracking, and the performance of high-strength and ultra-high-strength fasteners.

In a current leadership role as Director of Engineering Technology at a major fastener industry association, this expert oversees technical activities and contributes to engineering guidance and industry resources. Their professional background also includes service as Managing Director of a hydrogen embrittlement research facility and President and Principal Engineer of an engineering consulting practice focused on fastener-related research and development. Earlier roles include Director of Applications Engineering and Quality, Metallurgist, and Process Engineer/Quality Manager, with responsibilities spanning applications engineering, metallurgy, process control, and quality systems.

The expert holds a Ph.D. in materials engineering, a master’s degree in materials engineering, a graduate diploma in business management, and a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering. They are a registered professional engineer in Quebec. Professional contributions include leadership and committee roles involving ASTM, ISO, ASME, SAE, and the Research Council on Structural Connections, including work on fastener standards and hydrogen embrittlement. Recognitions include a technology award for contributions to materials and finishes affecting hydrogen-induced failures in high-strength fasteners and an award for contributions to fastener standards development.