Christopher L Gates

** ********

Conway AR, *****

870-***-**** cell

aczara@r.postjobfree.com

SKILL SUMMARY

I am proficient in problem solving and process improvement, with outstanding Team Building and troubleshooting skills. I possess knowledge and the ability to use lean tools such as Kanban, 5s, Takt time, Kaizen events, one piece flow, and quick change over. I am accomplished in every aspect of the computer, including but not limited to AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite.

2009-2015 Southern Arkansas University

Adjunct professor for the Engineering Graphics class. Taught basic AutoCAD skills and general graphics practices to students of different majors and education backgrounds.

EDUCATION

2002 Bachelors of Science (Industrial Technology), Southern Arkansas University

EMPLOYMENT

2016-2017 Manufacturing Engineer, The Crosby Group- Jacksonville, AR

As the Manufacturing Engineer for products for critical lifting applications. I oversaw production lines with both manual and CNC machines used to machine forged parts into finished products. I performed minor CNC programming for new versions of product. I designed and had a rework stop manufactured to allow a CNC machine to turn scrap end pieces into useable parts. Prior to this rework stop this process was previously done in a manual lathe at a time of 4-5 hours per order of parts. This rework stop allowed the operator to turn the scrap end piece into parts in 30 minutes in the CNC. Redesigned fit check fixtures to eliminate loading errors by operators. Implemented equipment to reduce changeover time from 30 minutes down to less than 5 minutes on all products in that cell.

2015-2016 Contract work, various clients -Little Rock, AR

Automobile sales and AutoCAD draftsman for different manufactures of multiple products.

2014-2015-Manufacturing Engineer, Hydmech-Conway, AR

As the Manufacturing Engineer for a low volume, high precision industrial band saw manufacturer, I oversaw line layout and staffing for the manufacturing lines. I joined the two lowest volume saws that had no interchangeable parts into one assembly line saving valuable floor space and man power. I created and maintained the work instructions for the assembly lines. I also wrote and tracked all Non Conformance Reports for all of the different part vendors. I served as local Quality Engineer for incoming vendor parts based on my experience of tracking all Non Conformance Report for all part vendors. I served as the local IT coordinator and assisted Corporate IT when they could not perform functions remotely.

2013-2014 - Manufacturing Engineer, Zodiac Aero Elastomer America-Magnolia, AR

I oversaw the vacuum bagging area for all fuel cells. I created and maintained work instructions for vacuum bagging cells. I worked with the fuel cell build and repair areas to create new cure tooling, find new bagging materials and find new techniques to further reduce fuel cell defects. I also worked closely with R&D for developing vacuum bagging techniques and creating tooling for new and existing high defect fuel cells. My team reduced the defect rate of one high volume cell from over 700 defects to averaging less than 100 defects per cell. I was also part of the 5s/increase efficiency team in the cement house, working to 5s and increase overall efficiency in the area where all the cements are mixed for the manufacturing areas of the plant.

2010 – 2013 - Continental Structural Plastics-Sarepta, LA

Jan 2013 – Dec 2013 Tooling/IT Engineer:

I worked closely with outside machine shops and other vendors to maintain customer and company owned molds, tooling, and fixtures. I tracked and monitored tooling wear and maintenance. I maintained the tooling log with pictures, descriptions, and locations. I maintained and oversaw all computers, software deployment, phone system, network system, and in house servers. I oversaw all BOM and part routings in QAD. I was responsible for writing Authorization Requests to our corporate offices for Capital Expenditures.

2010-2013 Manufacturing Engineer/ IS Technician:

I oversaw multiple compression molding pressing applications for plastic components sold to customers ranging from GM, Ford, Mercedes, Nissan, and multiple home interior door manufactures. I was responsible for the day to day press settings to maximize part performance and throughput. I wrote, maintained, and updated the manufacturing work instructions for the various parts we manufactured. I researched and developed new processes and equipment to maximize press and operator efficiency. I worked with the sales department on quoting the manufacturing of new potential parts for existing and new customers. I performed trial runs for parts for potential new business and new materials for existing parts for cost savings. Wrote and maintained Manufacturing Instructions including FMEA’s of the existing product lines under my control as well as generating for new incoming products that fell into my product range. Served as project manager for bringing a new product line in the plant. I performed line layout and worked with an in house maintenance team and outside contractors to make sure that electrical, pneumatic, and cooling water drops were in the correct locations when equipment arrived for the new product line.

2007-2010 Mechanical Engineer II, Esterline Defense Technologies- Camden, AR Facility

I oversaw production processes and equipment at a deployable countermeasure manufacturer whose final customer is the U.S. Department of Defense and various other countries. I held design reviews with the safety department and other departments to assure designs were compatible with our energetic materials. I wrote Capital Expense Requests, Purchase Orders, and maintenance work orders to solve dilemmas that impeded safe production. I oversaw the process of product lines, using quick change methods to allow multiple products to be assembled on a single production line to change from one product line to another with little or no downtime. I used Value Stream mapping to show how a change will improve a process. I used Workflow diagrams to show how a change of process improves workflow while removing unnecessary movement of product by operators. I also participated on several “Lean Teams” looking at mini Kaizen events to improve process and material flow throughout our facility while removing operator exposure to our hazardous products. I designed and implemented an assembly line using one piece flow that reduced labor requirements by 66% saving 5.2 million dollars over the life of a three year contract. I lead Kaizen events and DOE’s that revived a dormant product line that had not been manufactured in 10 years and actually got product to meet and exceed the minimum performance requirements that had not been done before by any supplier of this product to the US Military. Using a Kaizen event our team designed a line layout for one-piece flow and gave all operators equal emergency egress from the assembly line.

2005-2007 Manufacturing Engineer, Milbank Manufacturing- El Dorado, AR Plant

I oversaw paint line performance, wash system, and waste water treatment of a meter socket manufacturer. I researched, located, and implemented a key piece of equipment to reduce plant water consumption by 76%. I located and worked with a chemical vendor to cut chemical costs by 50%. I located and contracted a vendor for hearing tests, saving the company 45% of hearing test costs. Working with the Corporate Safety Director, I oversaw the writing and enforcement of new safety policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Working with the Arkansas Department of Labor, I decreased our repetitive injury rate by 90% with the use of ergonomic equipment, and policy changes and enforcement. I assisted in the conversion and setup of quick changeover manufacturing lines to speed up production 25-30% using one piece flow and a Kanban system for the parts used by the assembly line. I also performed new employee training, as well as all powered industrial truck training and licensing. I oversaw all Engineering Change Order requests for our plant. Participated in multiple Kaizen events throughout the facility to reduce waste and implement 5S plant wide.

2003-2005 Manufacturing Engineer, Amfuel-Magnolia AR

I oversaw the production of rubber fuel cells and rubber coated fabrics for the United States Military and various commercial customers, such as Bell Helicopter and Boeing. While with this company I was responsible for Bill of Materials, Manufacturing Specifications, and Drawings. I provided customer support for continuous improvement and development of products. I reviewed compounds and materials for changes for the products I oversaw. I worked with the Research & Development department with the development of new projects. I implemented manufacturing processes that reduced the scrap rate by 25% by close monitoring of daily production techniques and making changes to techniques based on daily part results after curing of parts. I was responsible for eliminating all defects in one product line, saving 4-5 hours of rework per part. I reported to the Vice President, Head of Engineering, and Production Manager.

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