Professional
What do you do at Design Engine?
I teach Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Using Pro/Mechanica, Ansys, and Solidworks Simulation (Cosmos). In addition, I teach Solidworks solid modeling classes as well.
“FEA Training”, “Ansys Training”, “Solidworks Training”
What is your educational background?
BSME from University of Pittsburgh
What is your professional background?
I’ve been working in product development since 2000, when I got my first Engineering co-op job at Eaton/Cutler Hammer working on Low Voltage Switchgear. From there, I did a rotation at Westinghouse EMD working on water pumps for nuclear submarines. After I graduated I worked at Northrop Grumman where we designed electro-mechanical and electro-optical systems for military and aerospace applications. After being an engineer there for a little while, I became the CAD/CAE Applications Engineer, and this is where I had a lot of fun managing training, hosting user groups, and establishing relationships with software vendors for a user base of 150 engineers and designers. After Northrop I worked at Bowe Bell + Howell as a product development engineer and CAD/PDM administrator, until we were aquired by Eastman Kodak. After continuing my role with Kodak for a little while, I left to start focusing on my freelance and independent consulting work. It is through networking that I met Bart and the rest of the team at Design Engine, and now have the awesome opportunity of helping train new CAD/FEA users as well as work on some really cool projects!
Favorites
What is your favorite quote?
“I swear by my life, and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.” – John Galt
What is your favorite Chicago spot/event/thing to do?
Go to all of the neighborhood block parties in the summertime, eat new food, and meet new people.
Favorite industry resources?
1 word: The Internet… Linkedin, matweb, mcadcentral, mcmaster-carr, wikipedia
Favorite internet meme?
(definition: to describe a concept that spreads swiftly via the internet.)
Techno Viking
Favorite project that you worked on?
Northrop Grumman “Guardian” System for commercial aircraft
How would you explain Finite Element Analysis [FEA] in three sentences to an 8-year old?
Remember that time when you accidentally broke your moms kitchen window with a baseball, and how expensive and time consuming it was for mom and dad to replace? Well, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software is used to virtually break something using computer software, and this way engineers can “virtually” break hundreds of windows all day long, without having to actually pay to pay to replace them! Design engineers use what they learn to design a stronger window, so they can build one that won’t break!
If someone wrote a biography about you, what will the title of the book be?
“Who is Jim Shaw?”
Other Interests
I enjoy hobbies which require helmets: Motorsports and Snowboarding.
Every once in a while I get a chance to slow down, and when I do I enjoy reading about: new technology, business management, leadership, economics, and knowledge management concepts.
Likes: Indian food, Formula 1.
Dislikes: People who don’t use their blinker.
I own all of the James Bond movies.
