Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Interests
Timeline
Affiliations
Certification
Additional Information
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Quote
Work Preference
Music, Fine Arts, Sports
playing accordion and multiple instruments
Generic
Ali Mete Özcan

Ali Mete Özcan

Experienced Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Üsküdar,İstanbul

Summary

Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Multi-purpose engineer with extensive experience in research, development, and innovation, particularly in fields such as automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Expertise includes designing specialized machinery, developing cutting-edge AGV systems, and pioneering new engineering solutions that integrate technology and creativity.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
9
9
Certificates

Work History

Chief Technology Officer

AGV PLUS A.Ş.
İstanbul
05.2021 - Current
  • Key achievement: Established an electronic design lab and modern machine workshop, bringing previously outsourced work in-house. This investment not only improved speed and quality but also reduced costs by 50%
  • Led groundbreaking research and development projects, achieving key innovations
  • Launched successful new products with extensive research on market trends combined with collaborative input from various departments
  • Key Achievement: Invention of Flat-Type AGV for heavy loads, capable of lifting at least 3 times the weight of counterparts with the same height and footprint, while being approximately 20% more cost-effective
  • Key Achievement: Patented design of Stackable Modular U-Racks, offering lightweight, robust, and cost-effective solutions with added benefits of easy transport and suitability for rapid production, ultimately generating 100% of the company's revenue from U-Rack sales
  • Key Achievement: Spearheaded development of production machines for U-Rack systems, resulting in multiple inventions
  • Key Achievement: Innovative metal sheet forming machine, named 'BAS-ÇEK,' which offers tenfold advantages over traditional roll-forming lines in terms of cost, space efficiency, and productivity, while achieving a 90% reduction in personnel requirements, footprint, and weight
  • Key Achievement: Innovation of new motor-wheels and suspension systems
  • Key Achievement: Invention of Sheet Metal Profile Bending Machine for thin open profiles, eliminating tearing issues during bending process of thin materials
  • The support of projects by "Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Turkey" (KOSGEB) review panels is a testament to the success of the planning, reporting, and presentations
  • Key Achievement: Successfully managed and leveraged the KOSGEB R&D support program, ensuring all projects were completed on time and to a high standard
  • Conducted advanced research in solid-state energy storage devices
  • Additionally, directed research in intelligent warehouse automation and AI-based navigation for autonomous mobile robots
  • Evaluated emerging technologies for potential adoption, staying ahead of industry trends to maintain competitive advantage
  • Developed and implemented long-term strategic technological blueprint
  • Enhanced system performance with thorough testing methodologies, identifying areas for optimization and improvements
  • Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration
  • Represented organization at industry conferences and events
  • Launched successful new products with extensive research on market trends combined with collaborative input from various departments.
  • Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.

R&D Manager

2M / MARCA A.Ş.
İstanbul
08.2014 - 09.2020
  • Key achievement: Established electronic design lab and modern machine workshop.
  • Numerous R&D projects supported by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Turkey (KOSGEB) and The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) have been successfully completed.
  • Key achievement: Multiple patent applications have been filed.
  • Fostered an environment of open communication between R&D staff members to promote collaboration on complex projects.
  • R&D personnel costs, equipment, and trade show expenses were partially covered by government incentives. The successful completion of numerous projects brought added value and enhanced the company’s reputation.
  • Key achievement: These innovations not only placed the company among the top 100 global manufacturers but also distinguished it with technological superiority.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Managed R&D budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to support project goals and overall company objectives.
  • Secured intellectual property rights by coordinating patent applications, protecting company assets and fostering innovation within the organization.
  • Supported collaborative projects and worked closely with technical partners to deliver against portfolio roadmaps.
  • Developed and implemented plans to qualify alternate suppliers or new materials for manufacturing.
  • Achieved successful product development by leading cross-functional teams and implementing innovative research strategies.
  • Mentored junior researchers, fostering a culture of learning and professional growth within the R&D team.

Shareholder, Director of Engineering Projects

EGM Ltd.
İstanbul
09.1995 - 05.2014
  • Key achievement: Established an electronic repair/testing lab and modern machine workshop, leading to 30% reduction in repair times and a 25% increase in production efficiency, while achieving 25% cost advantage by bringing previously outsourced work in-house for faster and more efficient production
  • Key achievement: Secured partnerships and agreements with some of the world's leading companies in sales, solution integration, and technical services, contributing to 15% growth in annual revenue.
  • Key achievement: Successful execution of key innovative R&D projects, such as the invention of new tobacco machinery and actuators for weapon platforms, which doubled the company’s revenue.
  • Key achievement: Designed and implemented material transfer systems, robotic handling systems, and various grippers, including major automation project at one of Europe’s largest manufacturers, which increased company’s annual revenue by at least 50%
  • Evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for integration into existing systems or develop innovative solutions.
  • Conducted CNC retrofits/rebuilds on various machine tools, including advanced tool management and robotic systems
  • Mentored junior engineers in best practices and provided ongoing guidance on professional development opportunities
  • Championed innovation, encouraging new ideas from team members and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
  • Streamlined engineering processes for increased efficiency, leading to faster project completion and reduced costs
  • Evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for integration into existing systems or develop innovative solutions
  • Led successful product launches by coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints
  • Streamlined engineering processes for increased efficiency, leading to faster project completion and reduced costs.
  • Presented technical findings at regional conferences sharing knowledge within the field while enhancing networking possibilities.
  • Collaborated closely with sales teams to develop customized solutions that met client needs while driving revenue growth.
  • Spearheaded research projects that led to the development of cutting-edge technologies translating into competitive advantages for the organization.

Chief of Motor Drive Service Division

Siemens Automation
İstanbul
09.1992 - 08.1995
  • Successfully led critical installation, start-up, and troubleshooting operations for motor drivers, resolving complex issues and optimizing system performance across diverse industries
  • Key achievement: Previously, these tasks were performed by engineers from abroad, resulting in high costs and long project timelines. By proving that these jobs could be done locally with domestic engineering talent, reduced costs significantly, contributing at least 20% to department’s budget
  • Key achievement: Significant career milestone following successful commissioning of POLİNAS/Manisa BOPP plant, which earned letter of appreciation, 100% salary increase, and well-deserved promotion
  • Key achievement: Spearheaded major project that reduced downtime by 30% through innovative repair techniques and strategic field engineering
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement

R&D Project Manager

Emerson Electric (EKA A.Ş.)
İstanbul
08.1989 - 04.1991
  • Key achievement: Directed research and development efforts in power electronics and analog circuit design, doubling product development and diversification, and significantly boosting company profits (nearly 20%) through exports to Northern Europe
  • Utilizing reverse engineering skills to innovate advanced solutions
  • World Record: Led the creation of the world’s smallest 10 kVA UPS
  • Award: Successfully completed the work through extraordinary effort and determination, resulting in the company awarding me a bonus exceeding my annual salary
  • Developed new products for market introduction, resulting in 20% significant increase in company revenue.
  • Managed stakeholder expectations through clear communication of project goals, progress, and challenges faced during implementation
  • Enhanced team collaboration for successful project completion with regular communication and progress updates
  • Created innovative solutions to architectural problems, enabling successful project completion.
  • Guided teams through product validation testing phases ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting for informed decision-making processes.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering

YILDIZ TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
Istanbul, Turkey
09.1987 - 02.1990

Electrical Engineering

İstanbul Technical University
İstanbul
09.1981 - 09.1986

Skills

Project Management

Software

C

Phyton

SolidWorks

GIMP

3DSmax

EAGLE

Eplan

Presonus StudioOne

QT

Microsoft Visual Studio

OpenGL

MATLAB

Interests

History of Science

Physics

Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence

Inertial Navigation Systems

Collaborative Motion of AGVs

Wireless Communication

Optics, Sensor, Interface

Electro-optics, Photonics

Unmanned Vehicles

Timeline

Chief Technology Officer

AGV PLUS A.Ş.
05.2021 - Current

R&D Manager

2M / MARCA A.Ş.
08.2014 - 09.2020

[CNC-FANUC], [GE-FANUC] - [2 weeks]

08-2007

[GEARBOX] Training - [1 months]

03-2007

[SINUMERIC] Training - [2 months]

07-2004

[SINUMERIC] Training - [2 months]

07-2002

[CNC-NUM], [Group Schneider] - [1 week]

03-1997

[Electric Motors], [BauMueller] - [1 week]

07-1996

Shareholder, Director of Engineering Projects

EGM Ltd.
09.1995 - 05.2014

[SIMATIC S7], [SIEMENS] - [2 week]

05-1994

[SIMOREG] Training - [2 months]

07-1993

[SIMATIC S5], [SIEMENS] - [1 month]

01-1993

Chief of Motor Drive Service Division

Siemens Automation
09.1992 - 08.1995

R&D Project Manager

Emerson Electric (EKA A.Ş.)
08.1989 - 04.1991

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering

YILDIZ TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
09.1987 - 02.1990

Electrical Engineering

İstanbul Technical University
09.1981 - 09.1986

Affiliations

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  • Accordionists Forum

Certification

[SIMOREG] Training - [2 months]

Additional Information

· Completed University-level Coursework: Linear Algebra, MIT Open

· Completed University-level Coursework: Probability Theory, Khan Academy

· Completed University-level Coursework: Photonics, Indian Institute of Technology NPTEL

· Completed University-level Coursework: Computer Vision, Columbia University Open

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse

Accomplishments

  • 20 inventions, 5 of them are patented
  • Executor of 8 R&D projects supported by government
  • Establishment of electronic repair/testing lab and modern machine workshops 3 times
  • Supervised team of 30 in the development of AGV
  • Conducted total 35 CNC retrofits/rebuilds on various machine tools, including advanced tool management and robotic systems
  • Achieved energy transfer by completing Magnetic Resonance Coupling Project with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Managed Explosion-proof installation projects
  • Worked on big cranes and mobile lifting vehicles for the steel industry and harbors
  • Modernized roll-forming machines and flying cutter systems in the sheet metal industry
  • Implemented motion control systems using servo motors, hydraulics, and pneumatics in packaging and cable industries
  • Repaired and rebuilt printing machines for textile, paper and packaging industries
  • Designed embedded systems and PCBs
  • Programmed PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems
  • Developed software using C++ and Visual Basic
  • Designed and simulated machines using CAD tools like SolidWorks and Eplan; performed dynamic strength analysis
  • Transported, assembled, and started up industrial plants and production machinery overseas
  • Developed offers, electrical/mechanical project plans, user manuals, and provided customer training
  • Designed and implemented material transfer systems, robotic handling systems and various grippers
  • Experienced with CANOpen protocols since 2016.

Quote

Everything we see hides another thing; we always want to see what is hidden by what we see.
René Magritte

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract Work

Location Preference

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Work-life balance

Music, Fine Arts, Sports

  • Playing and composing music
  • Drawing pictures
  • Hiking

playing accordion and multiple instruments

I have been playing the accordion and mandolin since I was 8 years old. During middle and high school, I played the bağlama intensively and have continued to play it occasionally over the years. I started playing the piano in university and have been playing it ever since. At the age of 50, I began taking violin lessons, and I have been playing the violin for nearly 10 years. At 55, I started learning the cello. I have music notebooks for each instrument, and I enjoy writing sheet music and composing. I am also capable of making digital recordings using Presonus software

Ali Mete ÖzcanExperienced Chief Technology Officer (CTO)