Shawn Burgan

I am a Rotational Development Welding Engineer at Caterpillar, starting my third year long rotation. My experiences in the past two years have helped me develop and understanding of international weld codes, how to plan projects, communicate outcomes, and create repeatable weld quality. I am always looking to better understand new ways to predict weld life and improve weld quality.

Third Rotation - South Milwaukee Factory

• Responsible for floor support of Electric Rope Shovel buckets weldments
• Interpreted drawings to create standard work for floor welders to increase repeatability and quality
• Determined weld sequencing to reduce weld distortion on new designs

•Lead projects to further safety of welders via alternate lifting designs

Second Rotation - Linkage Pins and Bearings Group

• Scoped, lead, and executed projects related to new linkage pins or sleeve bushing research
• Created multi-generational project plan for 3 projects that I started
• Co-created a method for determining fatigue life of a flag pin bolted and weld joint
• Coordinated part testing of new heat treatments for a potential increase linkage pin fatigue strength
• Led talks with sleeve bearing suppliers to understand performance and failure modes of a new material

First rotation - Manufacturing Technology Services and Ground Engaging Tools

• Led a cross-functional part design and FEA validation for a new hydraulic mining shovel cutting edge which concluded with the chief engineer’s approval in 8 months.
• Interpreted internal, AWS, and ISO standards for supplier weld quality support
• Coordinated the Caterpillar welding technical community and increased viewership by 33% in 6 months
• Executed the design, modelling, and fabrication of an external deliverable for the 2023 SkillsUSA natl.

competition

• Supported an internal effort to promote welding as a viable career path for highschoolers

Received a bachelors in Welding Engineering from The Ohio State University in May of 2022.