Title: Senior Manufacturing Technical Steward
Company: Caterpillar
Location: Knoxville, Illinois, United States
Donald M. Currie, Senior Manufacturing Technical Steward at Caterpillar Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Electrical Engineering and Machinery Manufacturing.
Mr. Currie is recognized for his success and expertise in the fields of design and manufacturing, with a career spanning over 25 years in the industry. Employed with Caterpillar for over two decades, he has served in the capacity of a senior manufacturing technical steward since 2024, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s technological and environmental initiatives. His responsibilities include collaborating with colleagues to develop salvage processes, assisting in design modifications for multiple iterations of remanufactured products and rejuvenating electronic devices to prevent them from entering landfills. Mr. Currie has also been instrumental in mentoring team members, helping them cultivate advanced design skills and encouraging the application of modern concepts to legacy technologies. He actively promotes recycling and remanufacturing practices within the organization, exerting significant influence over both current technologies and the company’s future innovations.
Initially joining the manufacturing company in 2001, Mr. Currie spent just over 20 years as an engineering manager, leading teams responsible for critical product development and process improvements. During this period, he was credited with designing the first generation of electronic controls for Caterpillar’s electric drive systems between 2004 and 2005. This foundational work has had a lasting impact on the performance of Caterpillar’s bulldozers and large mining trucks, with Mr. Currie’s innovative controls remaining in production after undergoing approximately 12 design iterations. These advancements have also been integrated into various locomotives across four different Caterpillar brands as well as electric trains and trucks, underscoring the enduring significance of his contributions to the company’s technological progress.
Before his corporate career, Mr. Currie served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 1998. His military service provided him with invaluable experience in electrical and electronics engineering, as well as discipline and leadership. These qualities have consistently informed Mr. Currie’s approach throughout his professional journey.
In preparation for his future, Mr. Currie obtained an Associate of Science in electrical electronics engineering from the Community College of the Air Force in Montgomery, Alabama, graduating in 1989. He then earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Chapman University in Orange, California, in 1990. These academic achievements provided a strong foundation for Mr. Currie’s technical acumen and have been instrumental in supporting his many successes at Caterpillar.
In addition to his formal education, Mr. Currie holds a primary education teaching certificate from the Illinois State Board of Education. This credential has enhanced his ability to mentor others effectively, fostering a culture of continuous learning within his teams.
Mr. Currie’s expertise is further evidenced by his commitment to professional excellence through active membership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Beyond his professional commitments, he is civically engaged as a donor to the American National Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House Charities and United Way Worldwide. He also serves as an elder at his church and is a member of the Freemasons.
In light of his hard work and dedication, Mr. Currie secured four U.S. patents related to his work in design and manufacturing. He attributes much of his success to an openness to new ideas and collaborative problem-solving. Throughout his career, Mr. Currie has also benefited from the guidance of numerous mentors, each offering unique perspectives that have shaped his personal approach to leadership and technical development.
Looking ahead, Mr. Currie’s primary objective is to solidify his legacy by ensuring that the knowledge base and technical capabilities of his team remain robust and self-sustaining. He views this as essential for both organizational continuity and ongoing advancement within the field. Mr. Currie’s career stands as a testament to rigorous scientific inquiry, collaborative leadership and unwavering commitment to technological progress, all of which continue to define both his professional reputation and personal philosophy.
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