Academic Credentials
  • Masters, Automotive Engineering, Lawrence Technological University, 1999
  • Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, 1994
Additional Education & Training
  • Vehicle Level
  • Introduction to NVH Aspects of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, 2016
  • Applied Vehicle Dynamics, 2015
  • Certified Vehicle Electrification Professional, 2013
  • Powertrain Selection for Fuel Economy and Acceleration Performance, 2008
  • Tier 3 Certified Driver, Ford Romeo, Continental Tire, 2005
  • Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics, 2004
  • Bridgestone Winter Drive School, 2003
  • System Level
  • High-Performance Brake Systems, 2010
  • Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Engineering Academy, 2006
  • LMS NVH Training, 2005
  • Introduction to Brake Control Systems: ABS, TCS, and ESC, 2004
  • Advanced 4wd and Terramechanics, 2003
  • Design and Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), 2003
  • Component Level
  • The Essentials of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Bosch, 2026
  • Selecting and applying the right gasket maker, Permatex online training, 2026
  • Selecting and applying the right threadlocker, Permatex online training, 2026
  • Loctite Threadlocking Training certification, 2026
  • Bendix Online Air Brake Training Course ABT101, 2026
  • The physics and design for EMC compatibility, 2017
  • Balancing and vibration control technology training, 2013
  • Bearing Design and Selection by Timken, 2012
  • Fundamentals of Modern Vehicle Transmissions, 2009
  • Engine Design Seminar, 2009
  • Wet Clutch and Brake Seminar, 2008
  • Fundamentals of Gear Design and Application, 2008
  • Practical Problem Solving, 2008
  • Fundamentals of Gear Design, 2007
  • Introduction to ProE Modelling I and II, 2005
  • Introduction to Gears, 2005
  • Matlab Fundamentals, 2005
  • EV Motor Design Analysis and Test Verification, 2005
  • Superflow Engine components design, testing and validation, 2003
  • Structured Inventive Thinking, Intro to TRIZ, 2003
  • Solidworks Modelling, 2003
  • Eight Disciplines, 1998
  • Tolerance Stack-Up Fundamentals, 1996
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Leadership, 2014
  • Situational Leadership, 2006
  • Team Building, 2006
  • Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law, 2006
  • Engineering Project Management, 2005
  • Dale Carnegie Presentation and Public Speaking, 2002
Academic Appointments
  • Guest Lecturer at Lawrence Technological University and Oakland University, Master’s Programs on Powertrain Integration, 2000-2018
Professional Honors
  • SAE Fellow Grade, 2013
  • International Automotive Media Award, 2010
  • SAE Forest R. McFarland Award, 2007
Professional Affiliations
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Member
  • National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) Member
  • Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Fellow
  • SAE Master Instructor
  • SAE All-Wheel Drive Standards Committee – Contributing Member

Joe Palazzolo, M.S., SAE Fellow, is a senior manager in Exponent's Vehicle Engineering practice with over 30 years of experience in automotive propulsion systems, drivetrain design, and vehicle systems engineering. He advises OEMs, tier suppliers, and legal counsel on propulsion and driveline failures, product liability, standard of care, and aftermarket modifications.

Vehicle Propulsion Systems Expertise

Mr. Palazzolo brings deep, hands-on expertise across the full spectrum of vehicle propulsion and power distribution systems, including internal combustion engines (ICE), battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivetrains, hybrid electric systems (HEV/PHEV), automatic and manual transmissions, continuously variable transmissions (CVT), dual-clutch transmissions (DCT), transfer cases, all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, driveshafts, halfshafts, axles, power transfer units (PTUs), differentials, torque management devices, brakes, bearings, gears, and castings. He advises automotive OEMs, tier-one and tier-two suppliers, off-highway equipment manufacturers, and construction equipment companies on the design, performance, and failure of these systems. His 23 years of practice as an ASE Certified Master Technician and Undercar Specialist — combined with decades of hands-on fabrication and diagnostics — give him a practical, ground-level understanding of how these systems behave in real-world service conditions that few engineering consultants can match.

Automotive Industry Standard of Care

Mr. Palazzolo advises clients on automotive industry standard of care, best practices, preventative maintenance protocols, service and repair procedures, and warranty obligations. Drawing on his background as an SAE Fellow, Master Instructor, and credentialed automotive technician, he evaluates whether vehicle systems were designed, manufactured, serviced, and maintained in accordance with applicable industry standards and OEM specifications. He assists legal teams, insurers, and manufacturers in determining whether the conduct of engineers, technicians, dealers, or fleet operators met or deviated from the accepted standard of care in the automotive industry, a critical question in product liability litigation, warranty disputes, and regulatory proceedings.

Automotive Product Liability & Intellectual Property

Mr. Palazzolo supports clients facing product liability claims, defect investigations, safety recalls, and intellectual property (IP) disputes involving automotive systems and components. He evaluates alleged design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure-to-warn claims across propulsion, drivetrain, and chassis systems. In IP matters, he provides technical analysis in patent infringement disputes, drawing on his own portfolio of 16 issued U.S. patents covering power transfer units, torque management devices, differentials, and electric vehicle axle systems. Mr. Palazzolo has served as an expert witness in automotive product liability and IP litigation proceedings.

Automotive Design & Validation

Mr. Palazzolo assists clients with the full product development lifecycle for vehicle systems and components — from early concept inception through design verification, validation, and volume production launch. His methodology integrates failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), design verification plan and report (DVP&R), root-cause analysis (RCA), and systems-level engineering to identify design vulnerabilities before they reach the field. He has led cross-functional engineering teams at major automotive OEMs and suppliers, managing programs that span powertrain, chassis, and electrified drivetrain systems. This experience makes him particularly effective in evaluating whether a manufacturer's design and validation process met industry expectations, a central issue in many product liability and recall matters.

Aftermarket Retrofits

Mr. Palazzolo advises clients on the engineering, safety, and liability implications of aftermarket vehicle modifications and retrofit systems, including drivetrain upgrades, axle conversions, suspension modifications, brake system changes, and electrification retrofits. He evaluates whether aftermarket components and installation practices conform to applicable standards, OEM specifications, and industry best practices — and whether deviations from those standards contributed to a vehicle failure or accident. His published works on axle design and repair, combined with his decades of hands-on fabrication experience, give him authoritative standing to assess the technical adequacy and safety of aftermarket modifications across passenger vehicles, trucks, SUVs, and off-highway equipment.