James Lee
Senior Level R&D Professional
My Profile
I have over 17 years of R&D development experience at internationally acclaimed OEM manufacturers in many sectors, such as aircraft, automotive, agriculture, construction, and related equipment. My vast experience gives me a clear perspective to foresee all challenges and anticipate market trends or fluctuations to achieve industry success.
My primary strength is having full knowledge of the entire R&D process and development from project kick-off to launch. My role involves three main pillars during this process. (1) Team management includes leadership, mentorship, guidance, and team participation. (2) Creative direction comprises design exploration, concept development, design process planning, and overall styling direction. (3) Business planning involves foreseeing downstream feasibility, execution, and manufacturing problem-solving.
As each organization has its challenges, objectives, and unique vision, I would love to have an opportunity to meet to demonstrate my intricate knowledge of the R&D mindset, along with my dedication and commitment to furthering the goals of your organization.
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Human-centric development
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Vehicle design
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Research analysis
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market analysis
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Brand management
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Technology & competition benchmarking
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Strategic product planning
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Team leadership & planning
Professional Experiences
CNH INDUSTRIAL
BURR RIDGE IL
OEM Agriculture / Construction Equipments and on Highway Industrial Capital Goods
Sr. Creative Design
2017–Present
Support the design role of Transform 2 wins corporate strategy in alignment with World Class R&D development. Integrate best practices from automotive development to strengthen and streamline the R&D development.
HONDA R&D
OF AMERICAS
TORRANCE CA
Automotive Design
2008–2017
OEM Automobile
Design development of North American production models. Apply Honda's philosophy through processes and core values. Develop a continuation of brand legacy through research, creativity, planning, and strategy. Seek game-changing factors & ideas. From concept to execution of downstream manufacturing while meeting schedule, budget. Produce the highest quality of marketable solutions for the segments.
Projects
2008 Fuel Hydrogen station / 2009 NSX early stage study / 2010 Pilot MMC / 2011 Alternative propulsion vehicle / 2011 Sema show concept / 2010 Pilot FMC / 2012 Odyssey FMC / 2014 RDX FMC / 2015 Pilot FMC
HONDA AIRCRAFT
GREENSBORO NC
Contract Lead
Interior Design
2006–2008
Japanese OEM Manufacturing of Light Jet Category Aircraft
Led a diverse design team developed the best in class interior styling and customer experience through the correctness of the concept. Starting with fail-proof pilot ergonomics while meeting FAA regulation yet modern and advance. Fuse Automotive styling / comfort with superior and functional intuitive user experience. The result was named as the game-changer of the industry.
RAZOR USA
CERRITOS CA
Chief of Design
2005–2006
Consumer Toys and Gaming Products
Served as Chief Design officer for the Razor and Pyramat brand in the consumer gaming and toy segment. Created a line of superior gaming products. Implement the design process for the Shanghai satellite digital design studio, focus on efficiency and output. Improved the quality
control of downstream manufacturing with suppliers by setting up protocols and processes.
SUBARU MOTORS
MITAKA JAPAN
Automotive Design
2004–2005
Automotive OEM
Advance Automotive design staff for the Japanese market, responsible for the exterior and interior research projects. Involvement with MMC models. Focus on OEM development practices, and standards to meet objectives.
Projects
Forester/ Outback/ R1/ Impreza
MIM DESIGN
YOKOHAMA JAPAN
Automotive Design
2003–2004
Design consultancy for OEM manufacturers
Joined as a member of Advance automotive design consulting. Clients are of OEM brands, Japanese, Korean and Chinese manufactures. Involved in brand research, styling, product engineering, future market trends, and concept vehicles. The works cover and support the entire development phase for the automotive industries.
Clients Projects
Great wall / Cheery / Jac / Geely / Chery / Toyota / Suzuki / Nissan / Kia / Hyundai
Education Background
BACHELOR OF DESIGN
Major: Industrial Design
1999–2003
Emily Carr University of Art & Design
Vancouver BC Canada
Major: Industrial Design
Degree: Bachelor of Design 2003
Languages
English
Mandarin
Japanese