Team Members


  • James McCandless

    James McCandless — CEO and Chief Engineer James McCandless is a mechanical engineer with more than 40 years experience in diesel engine and diesel fuel system design, development and executive management. Click here to read Mr. McCandless' resume.





  • Ken Duryn

    Ken Duryn — Manufacturing & Quality Ken Duryn has over 30 years experience as a master toolmaker, all around machinist, precision grinder and CNC programmer/operator. He ran his own business (J.D. Tool & Gage) for 18 years. Ken trained under a German Master Toolmaker and attended Oakland Community College (business) and Henry Ford Community College (CNC programming). Ken understands all aspects of precision manufacturing and serves as our "drawing checker" as well as a manufacturing engineer.

  • Stefan Panson

    Stefan Panson — Design Engineer & Analysis Stefan Panson is a recent graduate (Dean's List) of the University of Michigan with a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering (mechanical engineering in addition to courses in electrical and aerospace engineering). Stefan is well trained in computer aided engineering, including CAD, Matlab & Simulink simulation, FEA and CFD. His main interest is in design and analysis.



  • Amelia Pillarelli

    Amelia Pillarelli — Design Engineer & IT Amelia Pillarelli graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. She began work with AFT in 2006 as both a designer and IT specialist. She has experience in the design and analysis of diesel engine fuel systems and components. A Michigan native, Amelia enjoys traveling in her spare time.



  • Kathy McCandless

    Kathy McCandless — Office Manager and Accounting Kathy McCandless handles all of our indirect and administrative duties including accounting-bookkeeping, purchasing, human resources and project proposals. Kathy has an MA degree from Northern Illinois University and a BA from Arizona State University. Kathy was a special needs reading teacher for 15 years but has been involved in our various engine engineering businesses since 1996.