3/28/2025 Taylor Parks
Written by Taylor Parks
Mechanical engineering alum Patrick McAuliffe (BSME 1987) has been named one of MechSE’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners. Now a board member emeritus of the MechSE Alumni Board, McAuliffe previously served terms as its vice president and president.
“I was looking to support MechSE any way I could,” he said of getting involved with the Board more than 15 years ago. “It’s been a positive and satisfying experience.”
The role of vice president is intimately familiar to McAuliffe, who currently serves as Vice President of Engineering, North America at ProDriven Global Brands (formerly WernerCo). As VP, McAuliffe has worked to drive significant advancements in new product development and value engineering while maintaining a sharp focus on market needs and operational efficiency.
The southern Illinois native, who holds 14 patents, has been continually grateful for his educational experience. “I loved everything about the U of I,” McAuliffe said of his time on campus. “I loved the engineering college and learning what would be my future trade, and I appreciated the challenges and the level of intellect and support [in MechSE].”
Following graduation, McAuliffe joined LECO Corporation as a project engineer, where he contributed to the development of analytical instruments including the company’s first axial inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometer.
“From the first thing I designed, I was hooked on product development,” McAuliffe recalled. “The experience of going from a concept in my head to holding a working prototype in my hands really solidified mechanical engineering as my career path.”
A few years into working at LECO, McAuliffe pursued his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He then continued with LECO as a senior engineer and product leader before following other opportunities, such as becoming the Director of Engineering and Manufacturing Coordination, Skil North America at Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. During his time at Bosch, he also moved with his family to Switzerland for three and a half years while serving as Director of Engineering Accessories—a role in which he built new local test facilities while leading new product development for power tool accessories.
He later became Vice President of Product Development at Chevron North America before assuming his current role. His service in these roles has been defined by his dedication to improve the safety and productivity of professional construction workers.
As a mentor, McAuliffe encourages students to think outside the box in terms of potential career paths. “Be open-minded about where you go [after graduation],” he said. “Throughout my career, I’ve cared more about the engineering challenges and opportunities each role provided than the name on the building where I worked.”
McAuliffe will be recognized at the MechSE Awards Banquet on April 11.