Loading profile…
John Gravelyn
Open to opportunitiesFounder
I lead automotive manufacturing operations from prototype launches to scalable, high-yield production systems.
United StatesFounder at First Principles Partners
About
I've led production launches and manufacturing transformations at Rivian and Ford, recovering delivery timelines, reducing scrap, and building systems that perform under pressure. My work spans prototype execution, vertically integrated drive-unit assembly, emissions certification, and global reporting platforms.
At Rivian, I scaled a process engineering organization from 2 to 25 members and led a 26-person, two-shift team that improved OEE to 75% and reduced scrap by 75%. I helped launch the Enduro production line, tripled weekly drive-unit deliveries, and built quality controls that saved $7,500 per day in scrap.
At Ford, I designed automated global prototype reporting that brought roughly 2,000 delayed prototypes back to on-time delivery and avoided an estimated $60M in lost test time. I also earned Ford's VEV Executive Excellence Award for fixing broken systems and improving operational performance.
I'm now applying that first-principles mindset through First Principles Partners, helping engineers make high-stakes residential real estate decisions with technical modeling, risk assessment, and practical strategy.
Experience
Founder
Residential real estate is a $45 trillion system currently running on marketing fluff and gut feelings. After a decade in engineering leadership, launching production lines and designing systems to recover $60 million in lost time, it became clear to me that the housing market is just a massive story problem in need of a better model. I built First Principles Partners to be the system patch for th
Real EstateResidential Real EstateReal Estate TransactionsReal Estate FinancingReal Estate Investment
Manufacturing Process Engineering Manager - Propulsion
Built and scaled a high-performing process engineering team from 2 to 25 members, establishing robust workflows and operational standards. Developed and implemented machine-specific protocols, guiding engineers through complex troubleshooting to prevent costly production downtime. Mentored team members and fostered a culture of accountability and ownership. Cultivated trust and inspired team engag
Manufacturing EngineeringCross Functional CollaborationRoot Cause Analysis
Education
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Grand Valley State University
University of Michigan- Dearborn
Grand Valley State University
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Pursued a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.