Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC recently honored its engineers’ contributions to the development and manufacture of leading-edge active safety and braking system technologies, recognizing their efforts during Engineers Week 2013, February 17 to 23.
In 2012, Bendix was granted 20 United States patents and one European patent. At its annual patent recognition dinner, the company honored 23 engineers and their spouses. Honorees included seven first-time patent recipients, as well as a Bendix veteran with 32 patents to his name.
“In our nearly 85-year history, Bendix engineers have been a driving force behind the innovation and improvement of our highway safety products and technologies,” says Richard Beyer, Bendix Vice President of Engineering and R&D. “While we recognize their achievements during Engineers Week in particular, we are grateful year-round for their pursuit of engineering excellence. In addition, as deeply as we value our engineers’ contributions, we are also committed to their growth, as we take a progressive approach to keeping them on the forefront of active safety and braking system technology development.”
Bendix administers a number of employee programs that encourage innovation. The company launched the newest element, The Technical Skills Enhancement Program (TSE), in late 2012. TSE offers a wide selection of technical skills training and education. Featuring a broad spectrum of training to support business needs and the needs of the engineering corps, the program also features a partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology, for practicing engineers to earn an accredited certificate within a mechatronic curriculum. Participants can complete most of the electrical and mechanical engineering course elements online. The 18-month certification program is open to engineers at Bendix, as well as Knorr-Bremse sister company New York Air Brake.
Among its other efforts to support a culture of innovation, Bendix also offers a robust Engineering Development Program (EDP) aimed at engineers in the early stages of their careers. Established in 2011, the program guides college recruits through a three-year, full-time rotational employment with Knorr-Bremse, exposing them to a range of engineering challenges at a variety of North American facilities, in addition to possible assignments at a global KB location.
In addition to the rotational aspect of the EDP, a Technical Skills Enhancement component offers a contemporary engineering curriculum that caters specifically to the current group of product engineers. Specialized certification opportunities, distance learning and in-person workshops are part of the program.
“Whether they are new or experienced, all of our engineers are equipped with the industry-leading tools and knowledge to advance commercial vehicle technology and continue Bendix’s long tradition of improving highway safety for everyone,” Beyer says.
Engineers Week, a national program marked annually during the week of George Washington’s birthday (February 22), celebrates the contributions engineers make to society and serves as a catalyst for educational outreach. For directing the nation toward technical advancements, invention, and education, Washington is considered by many to be the United States’ first engineer.
