Joseph Bell

Joseph (Joe) Bell is an automotive engineer and former truck and automobile technician who experienced the transition in automotive technology from mechanical systems to electronic controls. After several years of part-time studies, Joe became the first college graduate in his family when he received a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology from Purdue University becoming one of those engineers that technicians often despise. He then spent the next 30 plus years at International Truck and Engine (Navistar) and John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) as an engineer. Engineering responsibilities at Navistar included lead electrical test engineer for the High Performance Truck series, the first truck to make extensive use of SAE J1939. Joe also authored a self-study guide on truck electrical systems for Navistar technicians while traveling on business which is still used more than 25 years later. At John Deere, Joe was a senior diagnostic engineer in the customer support organization in Waterloo, IA. Responsibilities at Deere included the electronic service tool (Service ADVISOR tm) and acting as a liaison between engine controls engineering and the service organization. Joe was also an integral part of a team which developed Deere's extensive remote diagnostic capabilities through telematics.

Upon “retirement” from John Deere, Joe worked as a contract engineer for Navistar, Cummins, and John Deere. He is currently working part time as a technical communicator for a John Deere dealership group assisting technicians with electrical issues and diesel engine diagnostics.

Joe maintains his ASE Master Truck and L2 certifications and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). He is an inventor with 22 US patents related to truck electrical systems and diesel engine diagnostics.