KOSTA PLEVAKO
Bowling Green, KY 42104
Cell phone: 270-***-****
E- mail: *******@*******.***
Career Objective: A position of responsibility in Project/Process/Manufacturing/Quality Engineering, R&D, Continuous Improvement, integration and support, technical improvement, Stamping Engineering and Die Cast Engineering.
SUMMARY OF SKILLS:
Expert knowledge of metal stamping industry.
Knowledge of Die Casting Process and troubleshooting
Integration of Press equipment up to 4000T
Integration of Feeder lines up to 72” wide coil
Integration of transfer systems
Proficiency in Project Engineering, especially in launching Press lines.
Expert knowledge of DiePros and sensors
Hands-on experience in operating and tuning of equipment
Extensive experience of continuous improvement
KAIZEN and Lean Manufacturing proficiency, PFMEA
Management skills in technical field
Creative and undertaking approach to work
Excellent blueprint reading skills
Study new machinery and facilities and recommend or select efficient combinations, Material Flow
Develop flexible or integrated manufacturing systems and procedures
Conduct studies and implement program to determine optimum inventory levels for production and to allow optimum utilization of machinery, materials and resources
Analyze costs of production and reduce scrap
Evaluate or assess industrial facilities
Computer skills: Microsoft Office, Excel, Word processing, Spreadsheet, Lotus notes and AutoCAD.
Experienced with SAP.
Computer skills: Microsoft Office, AutoCAD.
Quality control, inspection and testing of finished products.
Using all kinds of manufacturing equipment
Applied knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerance
Extrusion forming of ceramic articles, including honeycomb and other complicated shapes, preparing compounds and operating high-temperature furnaces
Physical and chemical properties, preparation, testing of the fired finished products
Professional Experience:
December 2019- Present ESS - Expert Stamping Solutions
Consultant
January 2019- December2019 Rane Precision Die Casting Group. Russellville, KY
Process Engineer
Strategic planning for equipment processes in Die Casting
Optimization and improvement of production stages by studying time, speed of production and timely maintenance
Lube and chemical analysis
Documenting of present and future process flow, namely reviewing major equipment documents from all involved supervisors as well as suppliers before ordering and buying needed parts
Process evaluation and process speed up procedures through testing, development and implementation of new technology
Manufacturing engineering and instrumental time study by observing workers operating equipment to establish the actual time and rate of fatigue
R&D for production and Continuous Improvement providing technical guidance to the plant
Continuous improvement of Operational Processes, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis and corrective action suggestions
Overseeing all the equipment Run at Rate and Sign-off
Improve the design of the equipment and facilities to optimize production processes and costs to ensure every project meets both cost and high performance requirements
Facilitate effective coordination between the maintenance, tooling and production departments
August 2015- December 2018 Magna International. Bowling Green, KY
Process Engineer
Strategic planning for Press equipment processes
Optimization and Improvement of production stages
Documenting of present and future process flow
Process evaluation and press speedup procedures
Manufacturing engineering and time study
R&D for production and Continuous Improvement
Coordinating tooling and maintenance activities
June 2000 – July 2015 Electromac Group, Cannon Automotive,
Windsor, ON and Bowling Green, KY
Technical Manager
Configuration and integration of Mechanical and Electronic systems
Continuous improvement of Operational Processes
Implementation of new technologies and methods of manufacturing
Project research and development
Equipment operation and maintenance
Management of the operational activities and Technical Team
Overseeing all the equipment Run at Rate and Sign-off
Tuning of equipment and stamping processes
Transfer Presses programming, tuning.
Progressive Dies programming, tuning.
Evaluate and improve processes.
Conduct and manage assignments.
Improve the design of the equipment and facilities to optimize production processes and costs.
Facilitate effective coordination between the maintenance, tooling and production departments.
1984 – 2000 R & D INSTITUTE OF SUPERHARD MATERIALS
Senior Ceramist (1991 – 1996) Duties included Research and Development into sphere melt inoculation of advanced materials for catalyst support structures. Slip casting and extrusion processes were commercialized into production and manufacturing and processing variables and physical property testing techniques were developed.
Ceramic Engineer (1990 – 1991) Performed layout and engineering for the manufacture of 5Al2O32MgO5SiO2, Si3N4, TiN and AIN compounds. Work included specifying the forming presses, firing and final inspection. The products were used as catalyst support structures for automobile catalytic converters, diesel filters, dental ceramics and thermo-electric power plant components.
R&D Engineer (1984 – 1990) This facility was associated with the National Academy of Sciences and specialized in confidential defense related R & D. This location researched and manufactured artificial diamonds, ceramic armor etc. It utilized casting, hot pressing and other ceramic forming techniques. Most of the compounds studied were carbides, oxides and nitrides.
SPECIAL HONORS: Honored with twelve awards for engineering innovations. Frequent speaker/lecturer at national and international technical conferences on ceramic manufacturing. Invited speaker on catalytic converters for internal combustion engines.
EDUCATION: Master of Science in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering. Kiev Polytechnic University, Ukraine. June 1989.
REFERENCES: Gladly furnished on request.