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Industrial Engineer/ Cost Estimator

Location:
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Salary:
Open 75,000 to 100,000
Posted:
July 15, 2025

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Resume:

**** *. ***** *****, *********, WI. ***** • *********@***.*** • 248-***-****

JOHN BRAATZ

Industrial / Cost Engineer

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Self-directed, consultant level Industrial Engineer with vast knowledge of manufacturing processes: stamping, welded frame assemblies, high pressure castings and coating processes, in combination with a Cost Engineer background, producing process improvements and completing supplier recovery projects on time with savings of 1.4 million annually. Great Team player applying team communication, lean manufacturing and value engineering principles to lower the bottom line.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

SENIOR COST ESTIMATORMay 2021 - Jul 2024

Canoo IncRemote, MI

Develop cost estimation architecture to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs using Team Center and aPriori tools.

Implemented aPriori tool, optimizing cost estimation for three years.

Created a roadmap reducing sourcing needs by 18% for welded structures.

Enhanced communication between engineering and supply chain teams.

Formulated strategies achieving up to 40% reduction in total buy.

COST ESTIMATORJan 2020 - Mar 2020

FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles/Aerotek ContractorAuburn Hills, MI

To Provide analysis and support to purchasing for all variable and tooling changes under the chassis commodity using FCA cost models and self-developed analysis tools.

• Stamping, and Weld Cost Model Expert which included Frame line design assembly review.

SENIOR COST ESTIMATORNov 2017 - Nov 2019

GM/AerotekWarren, MI

Assigned to General Motors, provided analysis and support to purchasing for various commodities in the chassis and other commodities using GM Cost tools and other self-developed tools.

• Part of Cost team produced 98 million in piece cost and tool savings during launch of new Silverado Truck.

• Team lead for $17 piece cost savings on Corvette body panel yielding a 2.5 million annual savings.

SENIOR COST ESTIMATORJul 2002 - Sep 2017

Ford Motor CompanyDearborn, MI

Established estimates for the cross-car beam and frame assembly commodity for negotiation and sourcing with various suppliers. Additional duties included: development of cost models, assisting buyers in negotiations, and providing detailed analysis of cost using Ford 8 Bin tools.

• On average leveraged 10-30% reductions consistently and assisted engineering in product design improvements which lead to piece cost reductions.

• The cross-car beam commodity gap was reduced from 20% to 2% in 2-3 years using stamping, welding, and high pressure casting models.

• Low volume police vehicle interior console was reduced 50% due to manufacturing experience for low volume. This result was solely based on my many years of manufacturing experience which led to an award from the Chief Engineer.

SENIOR INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERSep 1974 - Dec 2001

A.O. Smith CorporationMilwaukee, WI

Established time standards using stopwatch and predetermined time. Additional duties included: project studies, capital justification, line process changes, and new line development for frame assembly defining direct and indirect manpower and expected cycle time for welded assemblies.

• Reduced piece cost on new Ranger Line 10% to get new business award from Ford.

• Solved space constraint problem to get new business award from Ford using an (8) man station which defied all the company critiques.

• Developed optimum use of sub assembly operators using job rotation, reducing the total number of operators per shift.

• Using Witness simulation, isolated line issues before the line was completed to provide solutions immediately to start up making the change a success.

EDUCATION

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN ENGINEERING/INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENTJan 1972 - Dec 1974

Milwaukee School OF EngineeringMilwaukee

Grade Point Average 3.2

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGJan 1970 - Dec 1972

Milwaukee School OF EngineeringMilwaukee

Grade Point Average 3.2

SKILLS

Team Center (Experienced), MTM (Experienced), aPriori (Experienced), Witness Manufacturing (Experienced), Strategic Negotiation (Expert), Cost Estimation (Expert), Process Planning (Experienced), Lean Manufacturing (Experienced), Value Engineering (Experienced), Production Processing (Expert), Assembly (Expert), Stamping (Experienced), Welding, Communication, Team Leadership.

LINKS

J and J Costing Web Page: http://jandjcostestimatingandanalysis.godaddysites.com

REFERENCES

Robert Yates, Global Commodity Lead Lean (*******@****.***, 313-***-****); Kalyanaraman Bharathan, Engineering IP Manager (********@****.***, 313-***-****).

HOBBIES

Restoring collector cars, building models, Restoring old Lionel trains

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AWARDS

Who's Who of Manufacturing

Nominated based on experience and accomplishments in manufacturing in the Auto Industry • December 2019



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