david whitehead
Senior Engineer at PolyOne- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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French Limited working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Credentials
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Cert Prep: Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional
LinkedInJan, 2023- Nov, 2024 -
Migrating from AutoCAD to Inventor
LinkedInJan, 2023- Nov, 2024 -
Learn Industrial Automation
LinkedInMay, 2020- Nov, 2024
Experience
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PolyOne
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United States
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Chemical Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Engineer
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Jul 2015 - Present
As a Senior Engineer, I am responsible for conducting the market research and sourcing the latest technologies available to me, then converting the customer requirements into a suitable equipment specification. From the specification I will the design, prototype and test various concepts and designs using tools such as Autocad and rapid prototyping techniques like 3D printing. As more and more manufacturers or users of my designs, move towards lights out operations it was necessary for me to develop my PLC control knowledge and I am now able to produce PLC control code using function block ladder coding and create bespoke interface software to incorporate into our equipment offerings in a cost effective manner whilst maintaining 100% reliability. I also have a full understanding of computer and PLC networking, OPC interfaces and data historian software.
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Project Leader
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Nov 2007 - Jul 2015
As Global Development Project leader I set then manage the strategic project plans for the new product development weather improving existing products or fulfilling the market requirements and developing new products.I work closely with the marketing teams and technical staff to deliver the requirement to ensure the market requirements are met.I am responsible for the planning of complex projects at a high level right down to the detailed project plans. Then managing the plans to ensure the projects are delivered at cost and in timely fashion.I have a detailed understanding of all analytical processes required for delivery the required projects and manage both internal analysis and external suppliers work.
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Application Specialist (closures)
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Nov 2005 - Nov 2007
As an Applications specialist at ColorMatrix Europe Ltd. I was responsible for developing a strategic market section identified as an important growth area for the business. I planned market penetration and techniques for establishing business in new growth areas. This included understanding the specific market requirements and establishing relationships with the major contributors to this market section.
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Technical Sales Manager
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Nov 2002 - Nov 2005
As Technical Sales Manager I set the divisions’ strategic direction and identify the key market objectives (KMOs) to deliver ColorMatrix’s growth plans. Travelling throughout Europe and the Middle East, I used my initiative, strategic skills, and creativity thinking to understand my customers’ requirements. I then coordinated and linked R&D, Operations and Commercial functions to deliver the requirements. An in depth and detailed understanding of my customer’s processes was essential for the growth in new areas. Many of ColorMatrix’s new cutting edge technology started by customer process improvement. I monitored closely the delivery of the Key Market Objectives to ensure the companies ambitious business plans were met and adjust business plans accordingly.
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Technical Services Manager
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Nov 1998 - Nov 2002
In this role I set up and ran the technical services department at ColorMatrix Europe Ltd. I was directly responsible for 8 field service engineers. I set up all the training programs for internal staff and for customers. I devised and trained best practice to the technical service engineers in order to have them operating consistently and approaching their work following specific guidelines. I designed and implemented a computer based system (Oracle) to measure key performance indicators (KPI’s) for each engineer and the performance of the overall department. It was my job to deliver the performance reports to the directors. Twice yearly I would conduct employee reviews with the engineers in order to highlight any training requirements, long and short-term objectives and career paths. The data from the KPI system is used at the bi-annual reviews.All the system had been designed to be ISO 9002 compatible.I also designed fail safe systems into ColorMatrix’ equipment, at our customer sites via GSM networks, to give our engineers early indications of breakdowns before my customer’s production was effected.Part of my job was to write and deliver presentations of various technical works, to internal staff and customers and I was responsible for all technical literature developed by our company.
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Regional Business Manager
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Nov 1997 - Nov 1998
After establishing a in depth knowledge of my customers processes and building relationships with key customers in my previous roles. I was promoted to Business manager for the United Kingdom.In this role I was directly responsible for ensuring the regions growth was achieved. I was responsible for forecasting the growth plans and then setting a strategic plan for sales growth. New business, new technologies and diversification where all key factors in the region growth whilst maintaining existing business. Strategic selling to large organisation techniques where used and the best techniques for contribution selling.Whilst in this role the regions sales grew and my plans where achieved.
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Technical Service Engineer
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Nov 1996 - Nov 1997
In this role It was my responsibility to ensure our customer base was maintained and that any technical issues dealt with swiftly and in a manner satisfactory to both my customers and ColorMatrix.An in depth knowledge of continuous (food packaging) production machinery was required and the interface between these machines and our ancillary equipment was an essential part of this process. This often involved using complicated problem solving methodology and a full understanding of my customers processing problems was essential. Detailed operations of plastics processes and various associated machinery, extensive travel throughout Europe, Middle East and South Africa.
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Project Engineer
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Feb 1995 - Nov 1996
My project was to design and develop a dosing system for dosing varying amounts of liquid colourant into plastics injection moulding and extrusion machinery. The design needed to use as much as possible components from an existing system. I was responsible for the delivery of the project initiation documentation, delivering the overview to senior directors, project cost management, supplier evaluation and concept testing.The project was completed successfully and on time to the initial plan.During the project I used a wide range of computer tools as well as understanding business systems and how my project integrated with them.The project also involved implementation planning and retrofitting. These patented systems are now widely in use throughout the World.
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Mechanical Engineer
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Nov 1991 - Feb 1995
In this position I worked in the technical services division as part of a four man team, responsible for the mechanical production of prototype work designed both on and off site.As well as the mechanical production of this work I also liased with the design department and the project engineers about the mechanical production aspects of their designs and ideas so there were no overlooked production problems later.A strong relationship was also required between myself and the scientific staff who would seek my advice on the mechanical aspect of their experimental equipment they wished to manufacture. It was therefore necessary for me to have a working knowledge of the science involved in the particular experiments.At certain times I also undertook the position of team leader in order to implement the teaching of Computer Numerical Controlled Awareness to the team. That involved programming structures, methods of production of prototype work and networking the CNC controller to a personal computer backup facility.I was also responsible for the technicians from the various experiments, known as beam lines, who wished to use the self-service part of the workshop. I ensured all the relevant safety measures were adhered to.Other duties I undertook were helping with the planning and layout of the high precision workshop to French safety standard, the selection of the machine tools and the subcontracting of work to small local businesses.I was also able to pick up basic French language skills.
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STFC
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United Kingdom
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Research Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Mechanical Technician
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Nov 1989 - Nov 1991
Working as a Mechanical Technician at Daresbury Laboratory, I gained experience and knowledge on a wide range of techniques and applications associated with both major projects at the laboratory, the Nuclear Structure Facility and the Synchrotron Radiation Source. The main duties of this position were the manufacture and installation of components used in the Nuclear Structures Facility’s experimental beam lines and workstations.I used a full range of machine and hand tools and I also gained experience working with a variety of different materials from stainless steels to ceramics and specially developed plastics.I learned to be conversant with ultra high vacuum techniques and have experience in both low and high vacuum equipment. I appreciate the cleanliness and exacting standards to be observed when working on ultra high vacuum systems.I am also conversant with the installation of pipe work and associated equipment for a wide variety of different applications. These include making joints in both metallic and none metallic components. I have experience in working with complex drive systems for experimental equipment.
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Mechanical Apprentice
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Sep 1989 - Nov 1991
At Daresbury Laboratory I received training in the maintenance department working on all aspects of mechanical maintenance, I also worked in the mechanical workshops working on a full range of machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, drills and grinders.I gained experience working on Ultra High Vacuum systems and vacuum related components for the synchrotron radiation source, beam lines and experimental workstations. I also gained experience working on complex drive mechanisms for drive systems used to accurately position sensors in the experimental beam. I worked on assembly of experimental equipment and vacuum vessels.At the completion of my apprenticeship in September 1999, I was offered and accepted a position at Daresbury Laboratory as a Mechanical Technician working on the Vandergraff accelerator (also known as the nuclear structure facility N.S.F.).
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Mechanical Apprentice
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Sep 1986 - Sep 1989
On leaving school I secured a job as an apprentice fitter machinist. During my apprenticeship I received training in the use of all machine tools and fitting techniques. I successfully completed my Engineering and Industrial Training Board (E.I.T.B.) Basic Skills and broad based foundation course parts 1 and 2 and E.I.T.B. segmental training skills specification, including computer numerically controlled machinery (CNC).Due to the closure of the factory in September 1989 I transferred my apprenticeship to Daresbury Laboratory to finish my last 12 months.
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Education
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1989 - 1991
North Cheshire College
HNC, Mechanical Engineering -
1986 - 1989
Salford University College
BTEC ONC, Mechanical Engineering -
1981 - 1986
Golborne High School
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