Experience | Senior Program Management & Engineering Leadership

Explore Tom Goodrich’s experience leading cross-functional engineering teams, NPI programs, and regulated product development initiatives.

Program Leadership – Regulated Product Development

Managed cross-functional engineering and operations teams delivering complex regulated products from concept through production.  Responsible for  program schedules, risk registers, resource planning, and executive communication while coordinating design, quality, and manufacturing functions.

Engineering & NPI Leadership

Managed new product introduction efforts including requirements definition, development planning, verification, validation, and production readiness.
Partnered closely with manufacturing and suppliers to ensure smooth transitions from development to volume production.

Cross-Functional Execution

Served as the integration lead across engineering, quality, operations, supply chain, and leadership—driving alignment on scope, schedule, and technical decisions to keep programs on track with business objectives.

CAI / Recon Optical

Technical Director & Program Manager

Defense EO/IR systems / 18 years

  • Led the first embedded software engineering team and built a full microprocessor development lab from the ground up, implementing development tools and methodologies that strengthened documentation control and accelerated delivery. Additionally managed all engineering computing systems to ensure reliability and performance.

  • Managed $5M R&D EO Framing Camera program with Naval Research Laboratories.  Supported two successful P-3 flight demonstrations.  Coordinated data compression subcontract with Utah State University / Space Dynamics Laboratories. Doubled contract value with added scope increases.  Received the "President's Award" for exceptional leadership and on-time delivery.

  • Program Manager for F-16 Theater Airborne Reconnaissance System (TARS) EO Framing camera ($20M contract value). Managed the manufacturing of twenty 25MP EO Framing Cameras, pod integration with Lockheed, and supported flight test activities at Edwards AFB and Tucson ANG. Achieved 5% profit over plan.

Spitfire Controls

Director of Engineering & Program Management

Developed appliance control systems / 11 years

  • Established engineering organization, documentation system & UL internal testing facility.

  • Transitioned company from loss to $500K pre-tax profit in one year. Managed high volume product manufacturing in Mexico, China and Vietnam. Achieved first year product sales of $10M.  Within 5 years sales increased to $50M.

  • Implemented Verification & Validation  methodology enabling robust production launches.

  • Initiated power relay R&D program to study the effects on relay firing techniques to increase product reliability.  Gained UL recognition for high current switching of oven element loads.

  • Captured $20M+ new/add-on business

  • Key contributor to ISO 9001 certification.

 Jarden Safety & Security

Project Manager (Contract)

Smoke/CO & consumer security / 1.5 years

  • Project engineer for the development of a next-generation home security Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system using the TI DaVinci DSP platform, achieving a 15% cost reduction compared to the existing solution.

  • Managed the end-to-end development of the DVR Linux-based graphical user interface, including oversight of subcontractor design for the DVR, web browsers, and mobile platforms.

  • Collaborated with hardware and software consultants to define system architecture, develop design concepts, and guide implementation.

  • Authored comprehensive system specifications and developed detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) and coordinated vendor selection.

  • Led ASIC enhancement development across in-house and externally sourced smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, including adaptation of a European-sourced design, delivering cost reductions across multiple product platforms.

  • Resolved complex technical issues, coordinated tooling activities, and supported agency testing and product  start-up in Mexico and China.

Plexus Corporation

Senior Program Manager

Contract Manufacturer / 10 years

  • Managed multiple customer tactical business relationships simultaneously while maintaining strong rapport and high satisfaction levels.

  • Led cross-functional customer-focused teams across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance, aligning priorities to deliver successful program execution.

  • Served as an internal auditor and actively participated in FDA and customer audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.

  • Developed and maintained an automated program-status dashboard to enhance visibility and reporting for the site’s Program Management team.

  • Successfully managed numerous medical device NPI programs, guiding them through launch and seamless transition into full production.

Community Involvement

"As a volunteer, I believe the benefits include developing new skills, gaining

valuable experience, helping others, and giving back to the community"

Schaumburg Jaycees

  • Current Associate Member

  • Past Chapter President

  • Served as Membership VP and Treasurer​

  • Committee chairman for Haunted House fundraiser - Four years.

  • Honored as JCI Senator (Highest Award)

PTA / School District 54

  • Churchill Elementary School PTA President

  • District 54 Citizens Advisory Committee Chirman

  • Certified Illinois PTA Trainer

  • PTA Life Member

Hoffman Estates High School      District 211

  • Membership Chairman Hoffman Estates Loyal Parents (HELP) Booster Club - 1 Year

  • President Hoffman Estates Loyal Parents (HELP) Booster Club - 3 Years

Village of Schaumburg

  • Village Cultural Commissioner - 3 years

  • Septemeberfest Committee member - 2 years

  • Past board member and officer of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates United Way - 4 years