Jim Rau

2019 Professional Practice Hall of Fame Member

Jim Rau image

Education 

B.S. ’69, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University
M.S. ’71, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University

Professional Career 

With over 50 years in the Automotive Business with TRW Inc. varied Business Units and Consultation Advisory role with ZF-TRW, now ZF; Jim Rau brings a balanced contemporary view of the past, current and exploding market opportunities for new innovative products. Starting as a co-op Student with International Harvester Motor Truck Div. in 1965, then Ross Gear Div. TRW in 1969; currently Jim is Executive Advisor to ZF; operating from his consulting company JLRau&Associates LLC.

Jim has participated in many TRW New Business Development Plans; Start-Ups, and Joint Ventures around the Globe. He chaired TRWInc. Technical Board for 2 years as an Honorarium CTO position; cross linking TRW’s vast Global Automotive Technologies with its Aerospace / Electronics Capabilities.

Now retired from TRW Northrop Grumman; Sr. VP Technology; Quality and Electric Powered Steering Systems Business Units; Jim still is involved in the growth of the Automotive Industry with ZF. Jim has also served on the SAE International Board of Directors; has on-going RealEstate Development Projects as Manager Brownstone Development LLC, Local Youth Sports Clubs Dance Moves and Gymnastics Inc. and supports the Mechanical Engineering, Cooperative Engineering and Student Athletics Scholarship Programs at Purdue University.

Co-op Alumnus

Jim Rau completed a 5-Session co-op with International Harvester Motor Truck Division. He then continued his career with TRW, now known as ZF.