Kawasaki announces new applications engineer

Kawasaki Engines and Power Products, a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., announced June 19 that it has tapped a team member at the Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. facility in Maryville, Mo., to fill the open position of applications engineer. The announcement naming Jeff Streit to the important original equipment manufacturer (OEM) interface position was made by Troy Smith, applications engineering supervisor.

An experienced engineer and member of the Society of Automotive Engineers since 1995, Streit will be responsible for coordinating new product development between Kawasaki and the OEMs with whom the company has ongoing relationships.

Among Streit’s daily assignments will be conducting application reviews with the OEMs, providing technical support for developing new engine specifications, and working with OEM counterparts in support of field testing. He will also have primary responsibility for the investigation of application-related engine issues.

Streit began his career with Kawasaki in 2006, joining the manufacturing operations as a senior engineer in the Research and Development group. He was responsible for new test projects, working with outside contractors and vendors, as well as internal Kawasaki departments. He has worked on several projects evaluating engine performance and durability, both with single and v-twin, air-cooled carbureted and digital fuel-injection models.

Before joining Kawasaki’s Maryville team, Streit was a lead engine builder and test engineer for ASEC Manufacturing in Flint, Mich., where he spent six years in numerous facets of engine design and development.

“Jeff brings to our organization a depth of knowledge that will provide a valuable level of support to our OEM partners,” said Smith. “He blends technical know-how and an ability to foster relationships that will fit well with our existing team.”