Justin Rittenhouse, PhD
Problem Solver / Aerospace Engineer
Hello, I’m Justin, and I’m an engineer.
Expertise and Interests
Computational Methods
My expertise lies in the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM). However, my interests extend beyond these and include other computational methods, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Programming
My preferred language is Python, but I also have a background in MATLAB, C++, and Bash (Linux). Moreover, I have experience in compiling and maintaining libraries and software packages on Linux-based operating systems.
My experience also includes a foundational understanding of AI and neural networks.
Project Management
I have led engineering projects ranging from designing individual parts and assemblies to complete production lines.
Education
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, 2024
Western Michigan University
- Dissertation: Development of a Discrete Element Model for Artificial Turf
- Concentration Area: Computational Methods / Computer Science
M.S., Aerospace Engineering, 2018
Western Michigan University
- Thesis: Investigation of Discrete Element Methods for Stud to Turf Interactions
- Concentration Area: Structural Mechanics / Computational Methods
B.S., Aerospace Engineering, 2015
Western Michigan University
- Senior Design: Cold Gas Control System for a High Altitude Balloon
- Minor: Mathematics
Work Experience
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Aug. 2023 – Present
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Instruct a variety of engineering and non-engineering courses
- Faculty advisor for the Engineering Club
- Academic advisor for a subset of mechanical engineering students
Process Engineer (Project Manager)
May 2021 – Aug. 2023
J. Rettenmaier USA
Industry: Food
Main Product: Granular Fiber
- Applied engineering principles to analyze, evaluate, and design new or renovate existing production lines
- Collaborated with the safety team to analyze risks, ensure compliance, and assist in the development of the dust hazard analysis program
- Led multiple projects concurrently across the Midwest and Northeast, which required: providing leadership and organizing the workflow for multi‐disciplined teams, providing progress reports for all levels of upper management, developing budgets and timelines (Gantt Charts), creating P&ID’s (AutoCAD), and layout drawings (Fusion 360)
Engineering Manager
June 2019 – May 2021
Glassmaster Controls
Industry: Automotive
Main Product: Control Cables
- Daily tasks included approving all engineering change notices (ECNs), working with sales, drawing CAD (SolidWorks), and delegating responsibilities to engineering and non-engineering staff
- Developed or approved all operational procedures for new production parts (i.e., bill of materials (BOMs), sequence of operations, and routing)
- Assisted customers in selecting compatible components to ensure seamless integration into their end product, or collaborated with the fabrication team to design custom components
- Designed and verified testing procedures to help customers meet required safety objectives
- Assisted in maintaining all certifications (e.g., International Organization for Standardization (ISO))
- Assisted across all day‐to‐day functions of running the company, including: Accounting, AP, AR, Customer Relations, Production (OEE reports), Purchasing, Quality (Five Whys, Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEAs), Production Part Approval Processes (PPAPs), Risk Assessments, and Control Plans), Shipping, etc.
- Managed Request for Quotes (RFQs), including multi-million-dollar contracts with Fortune 500 companies
- Achieved 100% on-time quoting
- Evaluated continuous improvement activities, implemented plans to optimize performance and processes (5S/Kaizen/Lean)
- Engineered new and modernized old machines using spare parts and assisted in repairing broken equipment
- Developed software (via Python) to automate tedious office tasks and convert JobBOSS files into user-friendly files
- Implemented open-source programs to assist with day-to-day needs of the company
Software Engineer
Jan. 2019 – May 2019
University of Pittsburgh/Freelance
- Developed an easy-to-use interface for end users to plot data using MATLAB. Included a README and example files to ensure that no assistance was required, and ensured compatibility with Octave
Part-time Professor
Jan. 2019 – May 2019
Western Michigan University
- Taught Dynamics, Class Size: 66
Multiple Roles
May 2016 – June 2019
Denso
Industry: Automotive
Main Products: HVACs and Radiators
- Test Engineer: Co‐op (Jan. 2018 ‐ June 2019): Analyzed HVACs through various testing methods to ensure customer standards were met. Actively sought out and initiated automated testing practices, creating an embedded system control box via Arduino microcontrollers (code used: Arduino/C++). Integrated alternative open-source programs such as FreeCAD to expand the use of on-site technology such as 3D printing
- R&D Intern (Summer 2017): Awarded “Top 10 Summer Intern Award” (First year awards were offered). Assisted with prototype builds of radiator cores and measurement checks. Furthermore, designed a custom jig for height setting in SolidWorks
- Quality Intern (Summer 2016): Executed a variety of daily quality checks. Moreover, designed a custom stand for quality checks using NX Unigraphics. Insured minimum deflections in the stand using the finite element method (CalculiX)
Graduate Assistant
Sep. 2015 – Dec. 2018
Western Michigan University
- Conducted research using finite and discrete element methods on a supercomputer using Torque
- Compiled and maintained a variety of libraries and software packages on Linux-based operating systems
- Graded, held office hours, assisted in lectures, and taught labs for a variety of aerospace and mechanical engineering courses
Design Project Engineer
May 2015 – Feb. 2016
Glassmaster Controls
Industry: Automotive
Main Product: Control Cables
- Designed custom cable assemblies via AutoCAD. Worked side‐by‐side with machinists to help guarantee assemblies were built to tolerance. Tested assemblies to customers’ specifications to ensure safety objectives were met (e.g., tensile strength). Created accurate bill of materials (BOMs), sequence of operations, and routing. Updated CAD drawings for current production parts when engineering change notices (ECNs) were submitted
Academic Experience
Laboratory for Advanced Composite Structures – Team Member
Sep. 2015 – Dec. 2020
Western Michigan University
- Participated in and help organize weekly meetings to discuss and improve current research projects
Assistant Adviser
Sep. 2018 – May 2019
Western Michigan University
- This project was a continuation of the smart cane below, but upgraded to be a smart wearable (belt buckle then vest)
- Provided expertise to local high school students from Kalamazoo’s Area Mathematics and Science Center. Most notably, in the fields of programming and electronics. The students won the Southwest Michigan Intel ISEF grand Champion and first place team.
Developed a Fantasy Football Desktop GUI
May 2018 – Dec. 2018
- Built using Python and MySQL, utilizing Tkinter for the graphical user interface (GUI) and Beautiful Soup for the data harvesting
Engineered a Smart Cane via Open‐Source Programs
Sep. 2017 – Dec. 2017
Western Michigan University
- I designed, programmed, evaluated, and validated the hardware (a microcontroller paired with Bluetooth and ultrasonic sensors) and software (Arduino/C++ and Android Studio) of a smart cane for the visually impaired
Finite Element Methods Code Challenge Winner
May 2017 – June 2017
Western Michigan University
- Developed code in Octave (MATLAB) to solve 2D finite element problems. Integrated post‐processing capabilities (code produces VTK files to visualize results in ParaView). In addition, had the fastest code by a factor of approximately two
Engineered the Ability to Map In-Shoe Pressure Distributions
Nov. 2016 – Dec. 2016
Western Michigan University
- Integrated an Arduino, piezoelectric sensors, and a Bluetooth module within a shoe to transmit data to an Android phone. The phone had a custom app developed using Android Studio
Space Flight Dynamics and Control Laboratory – Team Member
Sep. 2015 – May 2016
Western Michigan University
- Participated in weekly meetings to report research progress
Scholarships/Funding
- SAE Doctoral Engineering Scholarship (twice), Elisabeth M. and Winchell M. Parsons Scholarship (ASME), Tompkins Scholarship (three times), ACPA Scholarship, WMU Graduate Assistantship (three years)
FE Mechanical Exam
Jan. 2015
- Passed
Publications
Journals
Journals are in the process of being published
Conference and Miscellaneous
- Justin Rittenhouse. “Development of a Discrete Element Model for Artificial Turf”. Doctoral dissertation. Western Michigan University, Apr. 2024.
- Justin Rittenhouse and Peter Gustafson. “Validation of Two Open Source Discrete Element Software Packages Against Theoretical Benchmarks”. In: ASME 2020 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Volume 9: Engineering Education. Nov. 2020.
- Justin Rittenhouse and Peter Gustafson. “Modeling of Artificial Turf With the Discrete Element Method”. In: Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering and Biotransport Conference. June 2020.
- Justin Rittenhouse and Peter Gustafson. “Modeling Turf Through Discrete Element Analysis”. In: ASC 33rd Annual Technical Conference & 18th US‐Japan Conference on Composite Materials. Sept. 2018.
- Justin Rittenhouse. “Investigation of Discrete Element Methods for Stud to Turf Interactions”. Master’s thesis. Western Michigan University, Apr. 2018.
Miscellaneous Poster and Oral Presentations
- Justin Rittenhouse and Peter Gustafson. Injury Prevention Based on Computer Modeling of Cleat Traction. Poster Presentation at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics. Aug. 2018.
- Justin Rittenhouse and Peter Gustafson. Mechanics of Turf to Stud Interactions Through Discrete Element Analysis. Poster Presentation at the 8th World Congress of Biomechanics. July 2018.
- Justin Rittenhouse and Peter Gustafson. Injury Prevention Based on Computer Modeling of Cleat Traction. Oral Presentation at the 36th Annual Kalamazoo Community Medical and Health Sciences Research Day. May 2018.