32335 NORTHWOODS LANE • BREEZY POINT, MN 56472
PHONE 612.236.8169 • E-MAIL MICHAEL.PLUIMER@GMAIL.COM
MICHAEL L. PLUIMER
EDUCATION
2012 – Present, Villanova University, Villanova, PA (Fall 2015 Completion)
PhD Candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Research focus is on sustainable transportation
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Anticipated completion of coursework by the end of 2014; Research
project is underway and anticipated defense of thesis in Fall 2015
1996 – 2002, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)
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Completed Master’s Degree while working full-time in industry at Toro
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Completed a diverse range of graduate-level course-work including fluid
dynamics, vibration, heat transfer, engineering management, industrial
engineering, combustion, and environmental engineering to establish a
broad technical base
1991 – 1995, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
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Graduated top of engineering class, 3.9 GPA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
JANUARY 1, 2015 - PRESENT, CROSSROADS ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC
P RESIDENT / O WNER
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Owner of engineering consulting business focusing on sustainable
solutions for pipe and underground infrastructure systems, including
assistance with design, research and development, the incorporation of
recycled materials into plastic pipe formulations, and failure analysis.
MARCH 2013 - 2014, TEXAS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL - ENVIRONMENTAL
D IRECTOR OF E NGINEERING , P IPE S ERVICES D IVISION
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Responsible for Technical Direction and Management of TRIEnvironmental’s Pipe Services Division, including research, consulting,
testing, presenting, writing and reporting
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Principal Investigator on NCHRP 4-39, a study to evaluate the field
performance of corrugated HDPE pipes made with recycled content
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Clients include pipe and material manufacturers and suppliers, American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO),
state DOT’s, and NTPEP (National Transportation Product Evaluation
Program)
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Expert witness experience on several cases relating to pipe performance
and failure analysis
JULY 2008 – MARCH 2013, PLASTICS PIPE INSTITUTE, IRVING, TX
D IRECTOR OF E NGINEERING
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Work with the Federal Highway Administration and state Departments of
Transportation across the country, providing technical direction on plastic
pipe issues, assisting in the development of specifications and
standards, and working with national standards associations such as
ASTM and AASHTO
Transportation Officials)
(American
Association
of
State
Highway
•
Travel internationally to specifying agencies and engineering firms as the
primary voice of the corrugated plastic pipe industry for technical issues
related to plastic piping
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Act as an industry liaison between government agencies and member
companies
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Provide technical support and guidance to our member companies on
structural and material performance issues relating to pipes
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Manage all activities of the Corrugated Plastic Pipe Division of the
Plastics Pipe Institute
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Conduct and manage research on issues relating to plastic pipes and
materials
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Responsible for writing and presenting seminars to various groups within
the civil engineering community, including state DOT’s, local
municipalities, universities, and engineering firms
APRIL 2007 – JULY 2008, NOVA-TECH ENGINEERING, WILLMAR, MN
E NGINEERING D EPARTMENT M ANAGER
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Manage a team of 28 technical and engineering professionals, including
degreed mechanical, electrical, software, and chemical engineers, as
well as supporting technical groups including IT, production engineering,
test engineering, and technical writing
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Implemented process changes to streamline research and development
process, including design reviews, QC processes, establishment of new
leadership positions, and improvements in prototyping
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Conducted materials research on polymers, metals, and composites to
increase the durability and performance of production systems
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Established performance review system for employees, emphasizing
establishment and tracking towards goals and career development
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Led development team on modular automation equipment utilizing
infrared technology to treat hatchlings in the poultry industry
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Developing a new state-of-the-art bioenergy project utilizing a fluidized
bed combustor to convert various forms of biomass into thermal and
electrical energy
FEB 2005 – APRIL 2007, PLASTICS PIPE INSTITUTE, WASHINGTON, DC
T ECHNICAL AND E NGINEERING M ANAGER
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Responsibilities similar to current position as Director of Engineering of
Plastics Pipe Institute (see above), though on a more local level
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PPI is a trade association comprised of over 140 member companies
located primarily in the United States and Canada, with some
international members. Member companies include material and pipe
manufacturers, as well as technical professionals and consultants.
FEB 2002 – FEBRUARY 2005, PRINSCO, INC., PRINSBURG, MN
D IRECTOR OF E NGINEERING
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Responsible for management and direction of all technical aspects of the
Engineering Department
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Led engineering efforts on new designs, processes, and developments,
utilizing chemical engineering and polymer science to work on the
molecular enhancement of materials for improved pipe performance and
cost savings
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Utilized a diverse range of engineering skills including mechanical
engineering (design), civil engineering (installations and structural
analysis of buried pipes), quality engineering (developed quality control
program), and materials science (extensive work with polymers that
required an understanding of polymer science and chemistry to evaluate
the performance of materials on a molecular level)
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Conducted materials research projects to assess durability and
performance of plastic pipe systems as well as competitive materials
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Represented Prinsco on national technical committees
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Worked with many standards organizations (e.g. ASTM, AASHTO) in
writing and evaluating new and existing standards
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Responsible for writing and presenting seminars and promotions to
various groups within the civil engineering community, including state
DOT’s and engineering firms
MAY 2000 – FEB 2002, THE TORO COMPANY, BLOOMINGTON, MN
S ENIOR D ESIGN E NGINEER
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Leader of a Design team for a Utility Vehicle project – gas and electric
versions – including all aspects of design from concept to production
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Managed a team consisting of engineers, technicians, and designers
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Successfully completed projects on time and within budget
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Conducted and led several materials research projects to assess the
performance and durability of plastics, metals, and composites, utilizing
finite element analysis and fracture mechanics methodologies
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Involved in representing Toro at trade shows and product demonstrations
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Responsible for frequent communications with senior-level management
MAY 1996 – MAY 2000, THE TORO COMPANY, BLOOMINGTON, MN
S ENIOR T EST E NGINEER
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Responsible for complete testing, analysis, and reporting of new product
lines from concept to production
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Led a team of technicians, test personnel, and operators responsible for
complete lab and field testing of a new compact utility loader product
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Used extensive instrumentation and data analysis techniques to offer
guidance and solutions to design engineering team
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Analyzed failure modes of various products and components in
development and offered solutions to ensure long-term performance in
the field
SEP 1995 – MAY 1996, UNIVERSITY OF MN, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
T EACHING AND R ESEARCH A SSISTANT
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Research focused on the measurement of ultrafine (nanometer)
atmospheric particles within the Environmental Engineering group
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Teaching Assistant for a Junior-level measurements lab
MAY 1994 – SEP 1994, FORD MOTOR COMPANY, DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
M ECHANICAL E NGINEERING I NTERNSHIP
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Analyzed experimental emissions control systems with the Advanced
Systems Engineering group
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Worked with then state-of-the-art FT-IR instrumentation
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Utilized advanced exhaust gas oxygen sensor technology to convert a
lawnmower to propane with an air/fuel feedback control system for a
senior design project
KEY PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
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Accomplished speaker and presenter – give dozens of presentations and
seminars each year
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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Member of ASME, ASCE, ASAE, SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers),
ASTM, TRB (Transportation Research Board)
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Served on several committees within ASTM, AASHTO, and TRB
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Secretary of ASTM F17.62 and TRB Committee AFF70
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Membership Secretary of ASTM F17
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Former Chairman of Research Committee for Corrugated Plastic Pipe
Association (CPPA)
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High School Valedictorian
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Graduated top of Engineering Class at Calvin College, 3.9 GPA
INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Accomplished public speaker
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Competitor in numerous triathlons and marathons, including 14 Ironmans,
helping raise over $1.9 million for various non-profit organizations
REFERENCES
Available upon request