ERIC KOENIGS
Stuart, FL • 860-***-****
****.********@*******.*** LinkedIn: eric-koenigs-936627271
MANUFACTURING LEADER – PRECISION MACHINING & OPERATIONS
Driving Predictable Manufacturing Through Lean Execution, CNC Innovation & Scalable Systems
Strategic and hands-on leader with over 40 years of experience across precision machining, manufacturing engineering, and operational leadership. Proven ability to scale operations, launch new products, and lead high-performance teams in highly regulated industries, including defense, firearms, and aerospace. Expert in CNC machining systems, lean manufacturing, predictive analytics, and operational transformation.
Delivering measurable results through a core philosophy of Predictable Manufacturing—minimizing variability, enabling data-driven decision-making, and optimizing performance from raw material to finished assembly. Skilled in building new facilities, revitalizing legacy operations, and leading capital investments with ROI-focused planning.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Executive Operations Leadership
CNC & Advanced Machining (7–11 Axis, HMC/VMC, Mill-Turn)
Facility Planning & Capital Projects
Predictable Manufacturing Systems
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
MES, SPC & Data-Driven Production
Automation & Lights-Out Machining
Machined Parts Strategy (Barrels, Receivers, Complex Metals)
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
ITAR, ISO & Defense/Aerospace Compliance
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Century Arms International – Delray Beach, FL
Director of Manufacturing 2023 – 2024
Oversaw expansion and machining strategy for a new firearms production facility focused on high-volume component and rifle assembly.
Planned and executed 5 full production lines and part flows for up to 12,000 units/month.
Designed facility layout, infrastructure, and receiving/warehouse strategy for 30,000 monthly SKUs.
Launched a Makino MMC system: 12 HMCs, 96 pallets, 48 unique part programs—achieving lights-out machining goals.
Spearheaded process engineering and SOPs for 4 new AK rifle variants, enabling scalable production.
Advised on M&A and product-line expansion opportunities to vertically integrate machining capabilities.
Sig Sauer, Inc. – Newington, NH
Senior Manufacturing Engineer CNC Supervisor 2015 – 2023
Led transformative initiatives in CNC operations and process engineering for one of the world’s top firearms manufacturers.
Designed and scaled barrel manufacturing systems to produce 26,000+ units/month with <1% scrap.
Increased pistol barrel production from 35K to 60K/month through lean changeovers and optimized layouts.
Directed a multi-phase relocation of all barrel machining equipment—65+ CNCs—to a new plant with zero disruption.
Integrated AutoComp systems to automate tool wear adjustments and reduce dimensional variance.
Reduced changeover time from 5 days to 24 hours on complex 11-axis turning centers (Nakamura NTY).
Supported international compliance efforts for military bids (US Army, Germany, France).
Colt Defense LLC / Colt Manufacturing – West Hartford, CT
Manufacturing Engineer 2005 – 2015
Led end-to-end process modernization and quality enhancement across critical machining operations.
Rebuilt the rifle barrel machining line with new equipment, tool design, fixtures, and gauging.
Improved first-pass yield from 62% to 90% in 6 months; sustained <2% scrap for 7+ years.
Delivered LEAN process improvements, created SOPs, and led ISO audits and operator training.
Previous Roles in Machining & Engineering
Wilson Arms Co., Niantic Tool Inc., Champion Manufacturing, DK Engineering, Aircraft Components
Roles included CNC Programmer, Design Engineer, Operations Leader, Apprentice Trainer
Deep hands-on experience with high-tolerance machining, team development, and job shop optimization
EDUCATION & TECHNICAL SKILLS
Mechanical Engineering Degree – Vermont Technical College
Machine Tool / High School Diploma – Ella T. Grasso SE Regional Vocation Technical School
Apprenticeship – Niantic Tool Inc.
Technical Proficiencies:
CNC Programming: Fanuc Macro B, OKUMA THINK, Allen-Bradley Logic
Equipment: 7–11 Axis Lathes, HMCs, Lasers, Punch Presses, CMMs, Vision Systems
Software: Fusion 360, AutoComp (Caron), SPC Systems, MES Platforms
Inspection Systems: Hommel Etamic, Optical & Shaft Measurement Tools
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Predictability is Profitability. I believe that safe, standardized, and continuously improving machining processes empower teams and unlock scalable performance. I lead by example, instill ownership, and build systems that allow machinists, engineers, and managers to succeed together.