Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
As needs evolved our team moved into implementing a corporate PLM system, Teamcenter. With my past background with 3d design nd CNC programming, my role in the PLM system was the manufacturing management. NX was the only fully integrated tool for our PLM system, Teamcenter. For over two years I led a team of programmers to develop NX post processors for over 100 of our machines. During this time I also arranged training for CNC programmers at multiple sites. Development and training to support a fully integrated CNC CAM programming environment using Teamcenter as the repository PLM system. I also implemented a DNC system, Predator, for one our their main manufacturing facilities. This included contracted machine communication wiring, PLC system and additional training. I also implemented a CNC simulation software at the same facility. During these projects my Siemens training led to a Siemens NX Master Training Certificate that is held by less than (12) people outside of Siemens.
Hired with GE as a Manufacturing Engineer. In this role I worked in the NPI (New Product Introduction) team. Main responsibilities included creating and maintaining work instructions for the assembly of all electrical cabinets and components for locomotives. As well as the carrier trucks, wheels, hydraulics and pneumatic systems.
Took on this role with Waldrich Coburg starting with a two year, (12) machine installation for a Caterpillar. This installation was for (12) large CNC machining centers, of different design, fed by a 100 yard+ pallet system. Installation, programming, peripheral communications and machine monitoring with graphic shop displays were art of this expansive project. As the increased need for North America support grew I spent 4-5 months with the parent company in Germany. Coming back to the US, I set up a shop in Erie, PA for servicing machine implements small enough for shipping. I was also part uninstallation of the largest CNC machines in the United States. These are a CNC turning center with 30 meter table and gantry mill stretching 100 meters long for Alstom in Chattanooga, TN. This role to me to many locations throughout the US and Canada working with customers like, Caterpillar, Northrup Grumman, Voith, Rolls Royce and Steris.
To broaden my skills and opportunities, I took the role of Sr. NC Programmer with Steris. Initially my duties were programming automated robotic welders and sandblasters for large sterilizers. I then moved on to programming and improving the CNC manufacturing equipment. In my tenure, I implemented an automated storage and retrieval system for large sheet stock feeding into (2) lasers cutting machines, automated nesting system for daily laser requirements and a DNC system. Justified and implemented a CNC pallet fed machining cell. This cell was also programmed for "light out machining", without the aid of an operator. Best cost saving solution with Steris in my final year was a $200k yearly cost saving for a redesign of high output product. My career with Steris ended as they relocated the facility to Mexico. I was asked to stay on for two years in Mexico to start up the facility but it was not the best fit for me and my family.
Started my manufacturing career at Modern Industries. I began by running manual machines and progressed into running and setting up on their large CNC equipment. As that became mundane, I took a role of a Tool and Die Maker apprentice. Throughout my 4 year apprenticeship, I was top of the class in all formal training. My 'masterpiece' at the end of the apprenticeship was the design, manufacturing and programming of a automated robotic pick and place system for GM Saturn rack and pinion gears. That automated cell reduced labor 1/3, increased production 8x and reduced scrap from >20% to <1%. This design was submitted for an US patent. From their I moved on to the manufacturing engineer position and continued to develop throughput manufacturing lines internally and at customer's sites.