Dennis K. Hicklin

*** **** ****, ************, ** 72802

Mobile: 479-***-****

Email: ac48ql@r.postjobfree.com

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a position where I can utilize my engineering knowledge and hands-on manufacturing experience to benefit a company with future growth potential. I would like to use my extensive background in new product development, new product launch, continuous improvement through kaizen and lean manufacturing, troubleshooting and problem solving skills, product quality standards, mistake proofing, safety, and program management skills to exceed company objectives. I also would like to be engaged in new challenges and learning experiences.

SUMMARY of QUALIFICATIONS

Extensive experience in project management, new product development, new product cost estimation, process engineering, mistake proofing, mentoring, trouble shooting, problem solving, continuous improvement projects, kaizen events, innovative cost saving ideas and implementation, good communication skills within all levels of the organization, technical reviews with customers, design and process FMEA and PPAP. I am self motivated and can work well independently or as part of a team.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Stark Manufacturing LLC, Paris, AR

Senior Program Engineer / Manager 2007 – 3/14/18

•Managed daily activities of two prototype technicians and two engineering techs. Managed continuous improvement projects resulting in reduced scrap and increased efficiencies. Reports directly to Director of Operations.

•New product development including but not limited to new product cost estimation, product launches, PPAP documentation, customer technical reviews, tooling/equipment design and implementation, and operator training and process FMEA.

•Continuous improvement activities (kaizen events) to improve process efficiencies and quality measurables.

•Developed standard work flow procedures for new product development from initial design/cost estimation to production builds.

•Purchased capital equipment for new and existing manufactured product and stayed within budget and timing requirements.

•Designed tooling and equipment used to manufacture product. Once built trained operators how to safely use the tooling/equipment through work instructions and hands-on training to produce high quality product in a safe environment.

•Excellent communication skills with all levels within the company and all levels within the customer’s organization.

•Reduced new product lead times, reduced warranty costs, improved manufacturing processes, and improved product quality through solving manufacturability issues.

•Incorporated innovative methods and processes to improve existing manufacturing operations.

•Designed layout of equipment and workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency and eliminate wastes.

•Designed and fabricated brazing and leak testing equipment into the manufacturing cells.

•Provided technical support to various departments within the company and reviewed staffing requirements.

Hutchinson Fluid Transfer Systems, Livingston, TN

Sr. Project Engineer / Sr. Manufacturing Engineer 1994 to 2007

•Managed a group of three engineering technicians responsible for producing prototype assemblies for the automotive air conditioning market.

•Managed multiple projects adhering to budget requirements and exceeding company goals related to efficiencies, safety, and quality measurables.

•Utilized lean manufacturing techniques to production and office workflow.

•Vast knowledge of aluminum tube brazing, bending, leaktesting, endforming, crimping, cutting and welding.

•New product cost estimation, new product launch, designed tooling and equipment to manufacture automotive a/c hose and tube assemblies.

•Involved in troubleshooting manufacturing issues and determined resolutions to the issues with extensive follow-through to make certain the issues were resolved.

•Provided technical support to all groups within the company.

•Prepared documentation for new and existing manufacturing processes and engineering procedures.

•Reviewed product designs for manufacturability and completeness.

•Applied continuous improvement methods such as lean manufacturing to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness.

•Direct interface with customers for technical reviews of new and existing product.

Stark Manufacturing LLC, Russellville, AR

Project Engineer 1990 to 1994

•New product cost estimation, equipment and process time studies.

•Created timelines to help track various stages of projects and report to Management.

•Participated in various lean manufacturing events to determine waste within various processes and determined ways to eliminate the waste.

•Purchased materials and tooling associated with new and existing manufactured product.

•Tooling design and implementation.

•Balanced production lines with minimal line staffing and effective results.

•Implemented standard operating procedures within the manufacturing environment.

•Identified opportunities and implemented changes to existing product to reduce scrap and reduce costs.

•Reviewed and implemented changes to plant layout to maximize efficiencies.

•Investigated and resolved issues such as production bottlenecks.

EDUCATION

University of Missouri – Rolla Rolla, MO

Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering 1987

References furnished upon request

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