2001 -   Present
RSI Materials Engineering
Hans coordinates laboratory services to provide client support and project analysis. He also performs root cause failure analysis, testing, accident reconstruction and fixture design and manufacturing. Hans specializes in mechanical component failures especially in rotating equipment, and in manufacturing troubleshooting. He is efficient at combining Weibull Analysis, as well as other statistical tools, with metallurgical / mechanical engineering tools in order to perform risk analysis and root cause failure analysis. He also serves on the Union Pacifics' Derailment Go-Team and helps investigate derailments.

1997 - 2001
Union Pacific
Director of Locomotive Engineering and Quality
Hans managed a staff of 12 engineers and was responsible for specifications and modifications, including safety elements, for the locomotive fleet. Hans was active in promoting the use of reliability measurement techniques and the development of predictive maintenance methods. He also served on the Union Pacifics' Derailment Go-Team and helped investigate derailments.

1992 - 1997
Union Pacific
Sr. Manager R & D
Hans was involved in developing a vibrations analysis system for locomotive predictive maintenance, and introducing statistical analysis methodology using Weibull Analysis and Duane Modeling to predict freight car roller bearing failure. He also served on the Union Pacifics' Derailment Go-Team and helped investigate derailments.

1989 - 1992
Union Pacific
Manager Metallurgy
He was responsible for rail, wheel and tool failure analysis and was a member of the UP's Derailment Go-Team.

1988 - 1989
Failure Analysis Associates
Engineer
Hans was responsible for accident reconstruction, materials failure analysis, vehicle dynamics calculations and laboratory testing.

EDUCATION:
M.S. Mechanical Engineering with Metallurgical Emphasis
University of Nebraska

B.S. Agricultural Engineering
University of Nebraska

PUBLICATIONS:
"Bonded Drive Failure - A Weibull Analysis", Case History, The New Weibull Handbook 2Ed. Dr. Robert Abernethy, July 1996, 9-22, 9-25.

"A Thermal and Metallurgical Analysis of Martensite Formation and Tread Spalling During Wheel Skid", ASME Winter Conference, RTD-Vol. 5, Rail Transportation, 1992.

Master's Thesis: "A Comparative Analysis Using Barkhausen Noise Analysis, Ultrasonic and Saw Cutting Techniques in Determination of Residual Stress in Railroad Wheels".

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Previously a member of the Association of American Railroads - Wheels, Axles, Bearings and Lubricants Subcommittee

American Society of Materials International - Great Plains Chapter (held offices of Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman)

Society of Automotive Engineers

International Metallographic Society