Kao Akana
Valuestream Leader at Alliance Machine Systems International, LLC- Claim this Profile
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Topline Score
Bio
Mike C.
Mr. Akana is a true professional and it would be an honor to work along side him again. A great leader and mentor.
Ximena Blanco, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
I worked with Kao when he was part of the Continuous Improvement Team at Exotic Metals, for which I still work for. During the time we worked together, I found Kao to be a very effective mentor. He trained me as a new employee and made the transition seamless. His actions speak of a desire to teach, inspire, and empower the team. He is always in the pursuit of knowledge, at the same time that he is not afraid of saying "I don't know". His work ethics are remarkable and exemplary! Working with Kao was not only positive, but inquisitive in nature as he was always willing to 'find the best way' by asking for other perspectives and challenging the status quo. He is a true continuous improvement role model. Ximena
Mike C.
Mr. Akana is a true professional and it would be an honor to work along side him again. A great leader and mentor.
Ximena Blanco, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
I worked with Kao when he was part of the Continuous Improvement Team at Exotic Metals, for which I still work for. During the time we worked together, I found Kao to be a very effective mentor. He trained me as a new employee and made the transition seamless. His actions speak of a desire to teach, inspire, and empower the team. He is always in the pursuit of knowledge, at the same time that he is not afraid of saying "I don't know". His work ethics are remarkable and exemplary! Working with Kao was not only positive, but inquisitive in nature as he was always willing to 'find the best way' by asking for other perspectives and challenging the status quo. He is a true continuous improvement role model. Ximena
Mike C.
Mr. Akana is a true professional and it would be an honor to work along side him again. A great leader and mentor.
Ximena Blanco, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
I worked with Kao when he was part of the Continuous Improvement Team at Exotic Metals, for which I still work for. During the time we worked together, I found Kao to be a very effective mentor. He trained me as a new employee and made the transition seamless. His actions speak of a desire to teach, inspire, and empower the team. He is always in the pursuit of knowledge, at the same time that he is not afraid of saying "I don't know". His work ethics are remarkable and exemplary! Working with Kao was not only positive, but inquisitive in nature as he was always willing to 'find the best way' by asking for other perspectives and challenging the status quo. He is a true continuous improvement role model. Ximena
Mike C.
Mr. Akana is a true professional and it would be an honor to work along side him again. A great leader and mentor.
Ximena Blanco, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
I worked with Kao when he was part of the Continuous Improvement Team at Exotic Metals, for which I still work for. During the time we worked together, I found Kao to be a very effective mentor. He trained me as a new employee and made the transition seamless. His actions speak of a desire to teach, inspire, and empower the team. He is always in the pursuit of knowledge, at the same time that he is not afraid of saying "I don't know". His work ethics are remarkable and exemplary! Working with Kao was not only positive, but inquisitive in nature as he was always willing to 'find the best way' by asking for other perspectives and challenging the status quo. He is a true continuous improvement role model. Ximena
Credentials
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Project Management for Experts
GoSkills.comJan, 2022- Nov, 2024 -
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) (FMECA)
GoSkills.comDec, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Project Management for Engineers
GoSkills.comDec, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Scrum for Product Owners
GoSkills.comDec, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
LEADING ORGANIZATIONS AND CHANGE
EmeritusNov, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Design Thinking for Innovation
CourseraMar, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Listen like a Leader
Berry Wehmiller UniversityNov, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Culture of Service
Berry Wehmiller UniversitySep, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
5 Whys and 5 Hows
ASQ - World HeadquartersFeb, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Improve like a Leader
Barry-Wehmiller UniversityAug, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Mistake Proofing Training Course
ASQ - World HeadquartersJul, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Learning Culture and Employee Engagement
BizLibraryAug, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Essentials of Lean Project Management
Villanova UniversityJan, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Budgeting and Scheduling Projects
University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing EducationMay, 2016- Nov, 2024 -
Initiating and Planning Projects
University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing EducationMay, 2016- Nov, 2024 -
Managing Project Risks and Changes
University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing EducationMay, 2016- Nov, 2024 -
Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management
University of VirginiaJun, 2015- Nov, 2024 -
Project Management: The Basics for Success
Coursera Verified CertificatesApr, 2015- Nov, 2024 -
Introduction to Systems Engineering
CourseraJun, 2014- Nov, 2024 -
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
SimplilearnNov, 2013- Nov, 2024 -
Creativity, Innovation, and Change
Coursera Verified CertificatesOct, 2013- Nov, 2024 -
Six Sigma Green Belt
University of WashingtonApr, 2013- Nov, 2024 -
National Career Readiness Certificate
ACTJan, 2013- Nov, 2024 -
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
Society of Manufacturing EngineersNov, 2012- Nov, 2024 -
Fall Protection Awareness Training
Oxarc, IncOct, 2012- Nov, 2024 -
Fall Protection Competent Inspector
Capital SafetyOct, 2012- Nov, 2024 -
Steel Heat Treatment
Society of Manufacturing EngineersJan, 2012- Nov, 2024 -
Computer Aided Drafting Certificate
Spokane Community CollegeJun, 2000- Nov, 2024 -
Security Clearance
Department of DefenseDec, 2012- Nov, 2024 -
Element 2, Technician Class
National Volunteer Examiner CoordinatorFeb, 2011- Nov, 2024 -
Finance for Non Financial Managers
Villanova UniversityMay, 2017- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Alliance Machine Systems International, LLC
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United States
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Automation Machinery Manufacturing
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100 - 200 Employee
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Valuestream Leader
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Dec 2022 - Present
Value stream leader of 67,000 SQ FT facility housing three Back End Automation (BEA) product lines representing 60% of business revenue. Responsible for approximately 65 employees across two manufacturing shifts and the Manufacturing Engineering team. - Purposeful in establishing the plant culture by establishing formal communication sessions such as monthly all-hands meetings, Plant staff meetings, open door policy. - Scheduled morale and plant training events and revised Quality and Continuous Improvement promotion policies to establish CI and Quality as values. - Focused on improving production performance through leadership development. Advised, coached, and mentored Manufacturing leadership (Supervisors, Leads and Level IV Mechanics) on conducting performance discussions, applying Lean Manufacturing and Load Leveling work. - Improved On-Time Delivery and Quality metrics through extensive focus on plant Continuous Improvement events focusing on Visual Workplace Controls and strong information access/ flow. - Modified and Expanded Plant Quality Control system in response to Negative Customer feedback and lagging adherence to established QC procedures resulting in a three-tier approach to Inspection and corresponding improvements. - Led Combined Mfg. And Mfg. Engineering team in contracting out the assembly of the Load Master and Plastic Belt Conveyor products to open labor capacity over an 8 month period. - Contributed to the organizations growth and sustainment through talent assessment, Management and succession planning. Show less
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Continuous Improvement Manager
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May 2022 - Dec 2022
-First Continuous Improvement Manager in the history of the company. Designed and executed training curriculum and infrastructure to establish organic growth capabilities.Championed enterprise level improvements: -Championed BW Way Operational and People Excellent playbooks which included Visual Leadership training and implementation, Gemba and 7S as well as the Elevate tool kit for Truly Human Leadership. -Organize and execute enterprise level Target To Improve projects for CEO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT). -Designed and led Continuous Improvement reporting systems as part of Policy Ownership and planning. -Coordinated with company leadership (Supervisors, Managers) to support Kaizen/ Kata training or events.-Maintained Company level Visual Workplace systems and training. -Coached Improvement Kata techniques to new Lean Six Sigma belted employees. -Owned and managed execution, training, vendor partners and standards for Manufacturing Work Instruction program.-Supported Quality Management documentation and training including In-process Quality Inspection sheets, Departmental Quality Roadmap to Excellence Quality Plan, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports and Quality Overview, Quality documentation and Sampling, Fishbone, 5-Why, Is/Is not training. -Conducted Business Excellent Staffing Model (BESM) analysis for CEO regarding Application Engineering department resulting in analysis of departments' structure, skills, and abilities with final recommendation to CEO and HR Director, including dept. staffing and structure change.-Facilitated multi-departmental Return To Vendor (RTV) improvement project focused on system digitization and improved status visibility.-Assessed/ Evaluated Field Service operations during customer installs. Show less
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Engineering Manager
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Aug 2021 - May 2022
-Developed and conducted Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for numerous issues effecting Thirty one case erector machines for $3m Hershey Chocolate Co. Project resulting in Engineering Action plan and improved process controls, Cost of Quality (CoQ), Is/ Is Not, Fishbone, 5Why/ 5How training and report out to VP, Engineering and Senior Hershey leaders. -Developing Application and Manufacturing Engineers to be the best Engineers they can be. Coaching resulted in improved team capabilities such as Sr. Engineer promotion to Supervisor and two Engineers gaining Six Sigma Green and Black Belt credentials. -Supported Company strategy and department scalability through training, coaching and mentoring engineer’s in Monthly and Quarterly performance measures (KPI). -Implemented SolidWorks Composer software through development of strong business case resulting in numerous efficiency benefits when developing visual work instruction at an $1100 seat reduction cost. - Used Quality Control improvements as opportunities to coach Engineers on how and when to implement in-process quality checks to support cost reductions and improve workflow performance. Show less
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Manufacturing Engineer Supervisor
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Apr 2018 - Aug 2021
-Reporting to the VP, Manufacturing, created Alliance’ first Manufacturing Engineering Department with responsibilities over policy and procedures, team culture, and Department staffing resulting in 3-fold team growth from 2 to 7 engineers and one remote contract Engineer over 4 years.-Developed and implemented an improved Work Instructions process applied to strategic product lines enabling improved labor efficiency contributing to 15% market share growth and 10% margin growth.-Developed and applied Alliances’ 5S program as part of BW-Way production system rollout. Program built around four key components (visual locations, visual standards, visual metrics, and visual mistakes-proofing) resulting in a company visual standard, full training curriculum, visual metrics displays and integration into Safety and Maintenance programs across two facilities.-Developed and drove a co-operative leadership training program with regional Industry Partner Manufacturers (SyTech & Unitech) to develop an expanded understanding around Quality Management components resulting in the co-coaching of 19 Alliance Supervisors over a 9-month period.-Developed and managed Alliance’s first Onboarding program and training team, utilizing SHRM’s 4C model to support Organizations’ Strategic Quality and Retention goals resulting in over 125 new hires across 8 departments in 1 year and program expansion within 6 months of inception.-Led 5-member cross functional Engineering team in Design Thinking methods to balance business, human and technology needs in robotic End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) redesign resulting in accepted design improvement method and cost reductions over $54,800 annually. Show less
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US Army Reserves
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Buckeye, Arizona, United States
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S-4, HHC 492nd CA BN
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Feb 2020 - Nov 2021
Completed my 8 year obligation to the Army’s Officer Corp as the Logistics Officer for 492nd Civil Affairs BN. Completed my 8 year obligation to the Army’s Officer Corp as the Logistics Officer for 492nd Civil Affairs BN.
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Washington Army National Guard
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Washington
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S-3 Plans Officer, HHC 181 BSB
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Apr 2011 - Jan 2020
Officer Candidate (Apr 2011-Aug 2013) I trained in Military Leadership, Skills and Tactics in order to lead Army Soldiers at the platoon level. Platoon Leader (Aug 2013-Oct 2014) A Co. 181 BSB Platoon Leader (Nov 2014-May 2017) G Co 181 BSB Executive Officer (June 2017- Jan 2019) B Co 181 BSB S3 Plans Officer (Jan 2019 - Present) Officer Candidate (Apr 2011-Aug 2013) I trained in Military Leadership, Skills and Tactics in order to lead Army Soldiers at the platoon level. Platoon Leader (Aug 2013-Oct 2014) A Co. 181 BSB Platoon Leader (Nov 2014-May 2017) G Co 181 BSB Executive Officer (June 2017- Jan 2019) B Co 181 BSB S3 Plans Officer (Jan 2019 - Present)
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Exotic Metals Forming, a Division of Parker Aerospace
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United States
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Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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300 - 400 Employee
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Lean Engineer
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Nov 2015 - Apr 2018
Contributing leader of the plant development team responsible for promoting positive Corporate Culture (an environment of participation, ownership, learning) and Continuous Improvement knowledge for Exotic Metals 130+ employee Airway Heights plant through professional development and Lean training, mentoring and influential role modeling. Key contributions and successes include: -Acted as consultant to Managers & Supervisors on behalf of the Site Director in order to improve Value Stream efficiencies and maintain alignment with Corporate Strategic goals. -Promoted an environment of communication and participation through strong Team Leadership techniques. -Implemented pull system plant wide supporting single part flow, enabling Company record breaking production rates. -Lean Mfg Subject Matter Expert for the Senior Project Manager with focus on Value Stream development (Flow) while transferring three aerospace parts programs from Western to Eastern Washington. -Lead operations of internal product development through Minimum Viable Product development. -Conducted plant wide lean training for employees in 5S, Waste, Pull vs Push, poka yoke, 5 why, TWI/Jibs and Kata. -Temporarily Supervised Wastetube Value stream with focus on executing Production recovery plan resulting in company record 1800+ part week and 3 weeks ahead of schedule for Q4, 2016. -Director of the Plant fabrication shop with a focus on iterative (minimum viable product) product development, shop inventory, labor requirements and design facilities. Responsible for all infrastructure needs of the fab shop including training personnel. Show less
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Kaiser Aluminum
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United States
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Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Production Supervisor
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Sep 2015 - Nov 2015
My role as a Production Supervisor focuses on collecting and adjusting OEE metrics for casting aluminum ingots as well as attending to union staffing needs such as attendance records, over time management, safety observations/ reports and administering the collective bargaining agreement. My role as a Production Supervisor focuses on collecting and adjusting OEE metrics for casting aluminum ingots as well as attending to union staffing needs such as attendance records, over time management, safety observations/ reports and administering the collective bargaining agreement.
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Colmac Industries
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United States
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Machinery Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Production Manager
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Jun 2013 - Sep 2015
-Contributed to 36% Company profit increase over 12 month period through the cost reductions through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly redesign on 6 high production rate Assemblies and 3 weldments. -Promoted to Production Manager from Manufacturing Engineer with a focus on establishing greater quality and value consistency defined by the Chief Operating Officers’ 10% increase in Sales, 0% increase in material, 1% increase in productivity. -Developed a strategic, multi-tiered plan in order to overcome aging shop equipment and unavailable job skills in a geographically remote location in Stevens County, WA through the procurement of outsourced -Lead weldment redesign project that resulted in reduced assembly part count from 12 pieces to 5 pieces total inches of weld reduced by 41 inches and the elimination of the use of a jig. Show less
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Hanson World Wide
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Spokane, Washington Area
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Manufacturing Engineer
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Oct 2011 - Nov 2012
As a Manufacturing Engineer for Hanson Worldwide I provided support in areas of new product development, launch and manufacturing process development. I was responsible for the development and continuous improvement of production processes which included machinery, tooling, process quality control tables, standard work layout, work flow logistics and material management. In Gemba Walk fashion, I was hands-on in my approach to continuous improvement spending as much as 80% of my work hours in the shop, studying and documenting how work is being performed. Show less
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Women & Children's Free Restaurant
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Spokane, WA
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Inventory Control Coordinator
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Sep 2010 - Oct 2011
Inventory and Quality Control for food service operations. Inventory and Quality Control for food service operations.
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Purcell Systems, Inc. an EnerSys company
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United States
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Telecommunications
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1 - 100 Employee
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Manufacturing Engineering Technician
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Oct 2010 - Dec 2010
Supported the Quality production of telecommunication enclosures through constant monitoring and adjustment of single piece flow manufacturing process; pioneered the addition of 3 production lines and executed the Production Manager and Manufacturing Engineers projects. Supported the Quality production of telecommunication enclosures through constant monitoring and adjustment of single piece flow manufacturing process; pioneered the addition of 3 production lines and executed the Production Manager and Manufacturing Engineers projects.
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KBR, Inc.
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United States
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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700 & Above Employee
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Logistics Coordinator
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Apr 2006 - Sep 2007
LOGCAP III Log Coordinator operating out of Camp Lemier, Djibouti for CJT-HOA. LOGCAP III Log Coordinator operating out of Camp Lemier, Djibouti for CJT-HOA.
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Gard Logistics and Trading AS
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Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
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1 - 100 Employee
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Money Logistician
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Dec 2004 - Apr 2006
Responsible for the planning and executing of collecting and transporting of bank & ATM deposits across the Inland Northwest. Responsible for the planning and executing of collecting and transporting of bank & ATM deposits across the Inland Northwest.
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KBR, Inc.
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United States
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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700 & Above Employee
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Power Generation Technician
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Aug 2003 - Sep 2004
Logistic Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP III), Kellogg, Brown & Root, Power Generation Technician Serving in Camp Stronghold Freedom, Uzbekistan and Salerno FOB Afghanistan Awarded KBR Safety Eagle award and Certificate of Appreciation from Army Task Force 325 Hospital for outstanding power generation support while working in Afghanistan. Logistic Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP III), Kellogg, Brown & Root, Power Generation Technician Serving in Camp Stronghold Freedom, Uzbekistan and Salerno FOB Afghanistan Awarded KBR Safety Eagle award and Certificate of Appreciation from Army Task Force 325 Hospital for outstanding power generation support while working in Afghanistan.
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Haskins Steel Co., Inc.
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United States
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Mining
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1 - 100 Employee
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Mechanical Engineering Technician
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May 2000 - Aug 2003
Continually coordinated with clients, shop and sales staff to either create or revise drawings according to manufacturing needs to include the creation of flat patterns for plasma cutting, brake drawings, punch drawings and fabrication specific drawings. Utilized AutoCAD, Draftsight, Solidworks and Sigmanest to develop flat patterns for CNC plasma or oxy-acetylene cutting torches prior to brake processing or further processing. Continually coordinated with clients, shop and sales staff to either create or revise drawings according to manufacturing needs to include the creation of flat patterns for plasma cutting, brake drawings, punch drawings and fabrication specific drawings. Utilized AutoCAD, Draftsight, Solidworks and Sigmanest to develop flat patterns for CNC plasma or oxy-acetylene cutting torches prior to brake processing or further processing.
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Washington National Guard
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United States
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Armed Forces
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1 - 100 Employee
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Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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Dec 1998 - Sep 2002
Participated in physical security and civil sustainment operations for Y2K. Protected Walla-Walla communities and properties from fire during fire fighting mop-up missions Volunteered for Small Arms Firing School advanced level weapons training, Camp Murray, WA Participated in physical security and civil sustainment operations for Y2K. Protected Walla-Walla communities and properties from fire during fire fighting mop-up missions Volunteered for Small Arms Firing School advanced level weapons training, Camp Murray, WA
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US Army
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United States
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Armed Forces
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700 & Above Employee
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Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, 63S10
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Jul 1994 - Jun 1997
6 weeks pre-deployment training in Hoensfeld Germany, Deployed for 6 months to Tasza’r Air Base, Hungary. 6 weeks pre-deployment training in Hoensfeld Germany, Deployed for 6 months to Tasza’r Air Base, Hungary.
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Education
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2007 - 2010
Eastern Washington University
BS, Manufacturing Technology, Minor in Business Administration -
2016 - 2017
Villanova University
Project Management -
2015 - 2015
Army Logistics University
Basic Officer Transportation Course (88A), Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management -
1998 - 2000
Community Colleges of Spokane
AAS, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Community
