Benjamin Kowalski

As the leader of Advanced Engineering at Fortune Brands Innovations, I oversee a global team of 20+ associates, driving next-generation product development and breakthrough innovations. My team plays a critical role in shaping the future of our product lines, which represent over $1B in market value. I have successfully led over $100MM in top-line growth initiatives from concept to New Product Development (NPD) kick-off, with multiple patents pending. By spearheading the Technology Readiness Process, adapted from NASA, I ensure that bold ideas move efficiently from concept to proof of feasibility, accelerating innovation while mitigating risks. In addition to new product innovation, my team specializes in advanced material science, simulation, packaging engineering, and other critical technical functions that enhance performance, sustainability, and consumer experience. With a passion for technical excellence and a commitment to fostering an exceptional culture, I strive to empower my team to push boundaries and deliver engineering solutions that drive measurable business impact.

As the leader of Advanced Engineering at Fortune Brands Innovations, I oversee a global team of 20+ associates, driving next-generation product development and breakthrough innovations. My team plays a critical role in shaping the future of our product lines, which represent over $1B in market value. I have successfully led over $100MM in top-line growth initiatives from concept to New Product Development (NPD) kick-off, with multiple patents pending. By spearheading the Technology Readiness Process, adapted from NASA, I ensure that bold ideas move efficiently from concept to proof of feasibility, accelerating innovation while mitigating risks. In addition to new product innovation, my team specializes in advanced material science, simulation, packaging engineering, and other critical technical functions that enhance performance, sustainability, and consumer experience. With a passion for technical excellence and a commitment to fostering an exceptional culture, I strive to empower my team to push boundaries and deliver engineering solutions that drive measurable business impact.

I spearheaded a dynamic team of 17 engineers, including one manager, overseeing a diverse portfolio encompassing entry doors and their associated wholesale and retail systems, storm doors with retractable screens, and a comprehensive range of lock, safe, and security products. Within a 12-month timeframe, we successfully revitalized two now in-aisle storm door products, achieving accretive margins and significantly enhancing our market position.

I led recitation sections for ME 2030 (dynamics) where I helped review material from lecture by doing practice problems for and with the students. I also held office hours and conducted review sessions to help students master the material.

- Led Vendor Data Transfer investigation to improve process of sending 2D/3D welding cell data - Led and assisted multiple equipment builds and buyoffs at vendor to ensure safety standards and general requirements were met - Contributed to investigation at TMMMS of welding cell and robotic weld tip measurements - Produced and reorganized robotic base drawings with CAD

MS Thesis - "SH-Wave Interaction with a Cohesive Interface" Coursework: Finite Element Modeling - application based Finite Element Modeling - theory based Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Fracture Mechanics Linear Algebra Continuum Mechanics Tribology Advanced Strength of Materials and Elasticity