Jeffrey A. Abell

Jeffrey A. Abell, PhD, FSME, CMfgE, PE, is chief scientist for global manufacturing and director of manufacturing systems research at General Motors. He is responsible for global manufacturing research strategy and implementation at GM focused on vehicle electrification, lightweight systems manufacturing, automation and smart manufacturing. Abell led a research team that played a key role in bringing the Chevy Volt advanced battery to production and has held other leadership positions in product development and manufacturing at GM, Delphi and DaimlerChrysler, including two international assignments. Abell has written numerous technical publications, been granted several patents and has a strong track record of successful manufacturing technology implementation. He was twice presented with the Boss Kettering Award, GM's highest recognition for technical innovation. Abell has served in various capacities with SME such as a member of the International Awards & Recognition Committee and chair of the Education & Accreditation Committee. He has served on SME’s North American Manufacturing Research Institution (NAMRI) Board of Directors and is an SME Fellow. Abell currently is a member of the Corporate Member Council of the American Society of Engineering Education, the Industry Advisory Board of ASME and the Smart Manufacturing Executive Council of CESMII. He is past chair of the Industrial Advisory Council and former member of the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Abell has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from GMI (now Kettering University), graduate degrees in systems engineering from Oakland University, and is both a licensed professional engineer and an SME Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE). SME Member Since 2006.