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Technical fellows

At Oshkosh Corporation, innovation drives everything we do. Our prestigious Technical Fellows Program recognizes and elevates top technical leaders who shape our organization’s future. This three-tiered program provides a unique path for professional growth, allowing individuals to lead critical technical areas and guide our innovation strategy beyond traditional engineering roles.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Our technical fellows are experts and problem-solvers, tackling complex challenges and influencing key projects across Oshkosh. From advanced vehicle systems to critical technologies, our fellows are entrusted with upholding a culture of excellence, actively participating in technical design reviews and strategic sessions.

These positions allow for deep specialization in our key innovation focus areas including electrification, autonomy and active safety, intelligent products, digital manufacturing and advanced analytics. Along with tackling the industry's most pressing challenges, our technical fellows mentor the next generation of leaders, leaving a lasting impact on both our people and the communities we serve.

Meet our technical fellows

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Louis Bafile

Senior Technical Fellow – Access Vehicle Systems

Read Louis' bio

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Steve Nestel

Technical Fellow – Systems Engineering

Read Steve's bio

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Tim Snyder

Technical Fellow – Defense Vehicle Systems

Read Tim's bio

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Dave Steinberger

Technical Fellow – Electrification Systems

Read Dave's bio

Headshot of Louis Bafile

Louis Bafile

Senior Technical Fellow – Access Vehicle Systems

Louis Bafile is a senior technical fellow at Oshkosh Corporation with 26 years of experience leading teams focused on vehicle control systems, functional safety and electromagnetic compliance. He has been a key driver in developing the control system architecture and advanced technology for Oshkosh across multiple platforms. In his most recent role, Louis leads a team of 40 engineers across three locations to develop and validate software and electronics for vehicle control systems. His leadership experience includes overseeing advanced technology teams and creating technology demonstration vehicles for industry-leading trade shows.

Prior to joining Oshkosh, Louis worked as a research and development engineer at FES Systems. He holds 10 U.S. patents and three world patents, reflecting his passion for fostering innovation and shaping the future of technology. Louis is also active in his community, supporting his church and engaging with universities to mentor students and support internship programs.

Louis holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a master’s degree in systems engineering from Penn State. He is excited about the opportunity to influence broader Oshkosh initiatives and collaborate with teams across the organization to help guide the company’s vision and purpose.

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Steve Nestel

Technical Fellow – Systems Engineering

Steve Nestel is a technical fellow at Oshkosh Corporation with over 20 years of experience leading groundbreaking projects in ground support equipment. His expertise centers on developing platforms designed to operate in extreme environments, particularly for defense customers. Most recently, Steve served as director of product engineering, where he spearheaded innovation and new product development, driving advancements in ground support technology that continue to push industry boundaries. His leadership will be instrumental as Oshkosh advances its commitment to cutting-edge solutions.

Steve joined Jetway, now part of Oshkosh Corporation, where he has spent two decades guiding engineering and program management efforts for various defense ground support equipment projects. Prior to his time at Oshkosh, Steve served as director of engineering and new product development at Chromalox Precision Heat and Controls, accumulating nine years of experience. His passion for innovation is reflected in several U.S. patents, including breakthroughs in airport electric vehicle charging systems and integrated heating and cooling technology.

Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. He brings a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise that will continue to influence innovation within the organization. He is excited to collaborate across the company's diverse business segments, using innovations to shape the future of products at Oshkosh, and finds being at the forefront of its technology thrilling.

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Tim Snyder

Technical Fellow – Defense Vehicle Systems

Timothy Snyder is a technical fellow at Oshkosh Corporation with over 34 years of experience in the design, testing and development of tactical wheeled vehicles, including more than 20 years focused on armor systems and five years on combat vehicles. Most recently, Tim served as director of engineering for Oshkosh Defense, where he managed engineering teams responsible for combat vehicles, armor and survivability, and cab and capsule engineering. His extensive knowledge and leadership will be vital as Oshkosh continues to evolve its vehicle technology.

Tim began his career at Oshkosh in 1990, working on the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) program, and has since contributed to key projects across Oshkosh Defense's product line. His engineering leadership has driven the development of numerous mission specific technologies for Oshkosh's Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR), Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), among others. His work on armor systems and blast protection features has earned him several patents, including the JLTV’s blast attenuating seat.

Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University of Science and Technology. His expertise in vehicle armor and systems development, combined with his close collaboration with suppliers and government agencies, positions him as a key leader within the organization. He is excited about the opportunity to drive innovation, shape the technology strategy at Oshkosh and contribute to the company’s global leadership in industrial manufacturing through advanced solutions and efficiencies to ensure long-term growth.

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Dave Steinberger

Technical Fellow – Electrification Systems

Dave Steinberger is a technical fellow at Oshkosh Corporation with 24 years of experience driving innovation in electrification. Most recently serving as senior chief engineer of electrification, Dave has been instrumental in advancing Oshkosh’s electrified vehicle initiatives. Having extensive experience in new product development, he has supported or led projects across the organization, making a significant impact on key programs such as Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV), Electro-Mechanical Infinitely Variable Transmission (EMIVT) and Land 998.

Dave’s expertise in electrification has earned him 24 U.S. patents, reflecting his commitment to advancing technology and shaping Oshkosh’s electrified future. His technical leadership continues to play a vital role in the company’s efforts to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring Oshkosh delivers cutting-edge solutions that meet customer needs.

Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Over his two decades with Oshkosh, he has contributed across multiple areas, always with a focus on pushing boundaries and delivering results. His community involvement includes participation in Oshkosh Corporation’s Feed the Body, Feed the Soul, where he is dedicated to giving back. He is excited to help shape the company’s innovation goals, particularly in electrification, and to drive technologies forward to ensure long-term leadership in a rapidly changing industry.

“The Technical Fellows Program is a vital part of Oshkosh Corporation’s innovation strategy. It empowers our top technical minds to lead in critical areas, solving complex challenges and driving meaningful advancements. This program strengthens our commitment to excellence and our purpose of making a difference in people's lives, while fostering the next generation of leaders at Oshkosh."

Jay Iyengar, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Strategic Sourcing Officer

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