Jason Schneider is a chief engineer and manager of DSD’s U.S. Electrified Powertrain function. He is responsible for motor design, motor control and power electronics design projects. In his nearly seven years at DSD, he’s supported the growth of the U.S. office with contributions ranging from algorithm development to leading some of DSD’s largest cross-functional projects.
With more than 10 years of powertrain consulting experience, Jason has developed a knack for understanding how DSD’s capabilities can deliver high value services to its customers. Prior to joining DSD, he worked at AVL and specialized in software development for automatic transmission clutch-to-clutch shifting algorithms.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from the same institution in energy systems engineering.
In his free time, Jason enjoys mountain biking, volleyball, running and spending time with his two daughters. He’s a big fan of live music and attends concerts with his family regularly.
Jon Brentnall brings more than 20 years of propulsion engineering consulting experience to his role as president of DSD. In 2014, he helped establish DSD in North America, supporting the company’s growth in engineering capabilities and testing. He has also focused on enhancing DSD’s transmission development for automotive, commercial truck and aerospace programs in North America, in addition to supporting product development projects in renewable energy, defense automotive and off-highway.
Previously, Jon was a chief engineer at an international consultancy, leading programs covering transmissions, e-drive transaxles and rear-axles, power-split electrical hybrid transmissions, CVT (wind-turbine) transmissions and dynamic modeling of shift systems. Jon was also a lead engineer for DaimlerChrysler in its hybrid joint venture with GM and BMW. Throughout his career, he has supported several programs with patented inventions.
Jon earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Newcastle University in England. In his spare time, he spends time with his four kids, snowboards, cycles and works on home improvement projects.
Ben Chiswick, director of Engineering Business Development at DSD, has been with the company since 2017. During his time at DSD, he has supported a wide variety of heavy-duty projects with specific focus on large tracked applications, hybrid and all-electric propulsion, and autonomous systems. Over the last several years, he has led North American business development, resulting in significant diversification within defense, off-highway, aerospace and other core verticals.
Before his current role at DSD, Ben spent nine years working in the development of cutting-edge transmission and actuation systems for motorsport, including Formula One, Le Mans prototypes, rally cars and automotive hypercars. Ben’s love of all things mechanical started from an early age, where he spent his time working on kit cars with his dad and rebuilding engines.
Ben earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Loughborough University in England.
Outside of the office, Ben likes to cook, travel and play frisbee with his bernedoodle Magnus.
Mohsen Aligoudarzi brings more than 10 years of experience to his position as Control Systems and Electrified Powertrain Function Lead at DSD. In his role he focuses on business development, staff and change management, strategic planning, project and organizational leadership and finance. He joined the company in 2022, starting as director of engineering for Control Systems.
Prior to joining DSD, he worked at IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc. in various positions including senior manager of Controls & Algorithm, project manager of Powertrain Controls and manager of Hybrid & Electrification and Future Powertrain. He also worked as an ADAS control engineer for IAV GmbH and research engineer at the German Institute for Automation and Robotics (Bundeswehr University Hamburg).
Mohsen earned an executive Master of Business Administration from Oakland University and a master’s degree in engineering from Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. When he isn’t working, he can be found spending time with family, enjoying sports and outdoor activities or cooking.
Rob Hoffman brings almost 20 years in the test and measurement industry, focused on automotive and powertrain electrification, to his role as Development & Test function lead at DSD. A mechanical engineer and gearhead at heart, he enjoys the fast-paced environments of small companies solving big challenges.
Prior to joining DSD in 2022, he served a variety of roles at Signal.X Technologies as the company grew from five employees working from their garages to a successful 25-person company focused on end-of-line noise, vibration and harshness powertrain testing.
Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. When he’s not at work, he can be found working on his ’67 Mustang, a ’78 F-250, electric go-kart, treehouse, sandbox or anything in-between with his three kids.
James Major recently joined DSD’s U.S. office as Mechanical Engineering Function Lead, following six years of working for the company’s U.K. operation. He has led some of DSD’s most challenging and diverse projects in marine, aerospace, commercial vehicle, defense and automotive markets, and has embraced electrification. James’ strengths and experience are in transmission mechanics with a sharp attention to detail and ability to execute fast-paced project timelines. As well as being a strong technical leader, he enjoys supporting the development and growth of DSD’s engineers and is passionate about helping them progress utilizing DSD’s development pathway and competency framework.
His career started in motorsport in the high-profile world of Formula 1, before focusing on precision engineering in the motorsport transmission industry.
James earned a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Hertfordshire in England. In his personal time, James competes in off-road motorcycling and has a number of classic motorcycle restorations underway.
Amie Freemantle brings more than 20 years of experience in the human resources (HR) field to her role as Head of HR. She first joined DSD in 2017, and currently is a member of the U.K. and U.S. Operation Board, and is responsible for HR, health and safety, facilities, compliance and quality.
Prior to joining DSD, Amie worked for a variety of small and medium enterprises in government, construction, consultancy and logistics settings.
Amie is chartered institute of personnel development (CIPD) qualified. She is a married, mom of three, who enjoys black coffee and, in her spare time, is an avid crime and psychological thriller book reader. As part of her bucket list, she hopes to one day take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey.
