Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Generic

Chad Collins

Buffalo,MN

Summary

Results-driven engineering professional with extensive experience in process development, product optimization, and equipment design. Adept at establishing and refining manufacturing processes to enhance functionality, manufacturability, and cost-efficiency. Expertise in CAD modeling, tolerance analysis, and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards. Skilled in designing and developing custom fixtures, tooling, and semi-automated equipment to support product builds and testing. Proven ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges and implement data-driven process improvements using root cause analysis, DOE, and Six Sigma methodologies. Proficient in SolidWorks, MasterCAM, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Strong communicator with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation in product development.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
9
9

Certificates

Work History

Senior Principal Process Development Technician

Silk Road Medical
05.2023 - Current
  • Contributed to new product development by refining sub-component designs within finished assemblies, enhancing functionality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency
  • Performed tolerance analysis for select subcomponent designs to ensure manufacturability, assembly feasibility, and compliance with engineering specifications
  • Effectively communicated design ideas and concepts to stakeholders through visual representations and prototypes
  • Supported development of adequate test plans to ensure all system components met quality and performance standards
  • Designed and developed all ancillary custom fixtures and equipment necessary to build new product(s) for evaluation and testing
  • Managed evaluation builds
  • Served as CAD SME for cross-functional groups

Product Development Engineer

M.I.S.
08.2022 - 05.2023
  • Established processes based on product requirements provided by customers for testing component material substitutions
  • Wrote associated manufacturing and inspection process documents
  • Monitored and managed product builds for customer design verifications
  • Assisted with redefining the governing system for Equipment Specification(s), Calibration(s), & IQ activities to close compliance irregularities
  • Wrote protocols and reports, as well as executed IQ's and OQ's, for equipment
  • Designed & built custom semi-automated equipment for annealing braid
  • Assisted with the design & build of custom balloon formers
  • Served as equipment SME

Senior Principal Process Development Technician

Abbott
09.2018 - 08.2022
  • Designed, developed, and qualified equipment, fixtures, and tooling to optimize select processes
  • Developed processes for small-scale R&D and manufacturing projects based on product and print requirements
  • Collaborated with process development teams to execute IQ, OQ, PQ, and PPQ for large-scale projects
  • Identified and resolved process related issues using DOE, RCA, and troubleshooting techniques to prevent recurrence
  • Led cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and vendors to procure and implement new equipment
  • Provided primary technical support for assigned areas as needed

Manufacturing Technician III

Medtronic
12.2011 - 09.2018
  • Provided primary technical support for assigned areas
  • Authored Capital Equipment Requests (CERs) with detailed cost justifications
  • Identified and mitigated potential production issues through trend monitoring and strategic planning
  • Implemented Poka-Yoke solutions to enhance process reliability
  • Applied DMAIC and RCA tools for continuous improvement

Manufacturing Technician

Greatbatch Medical
08.2005 - 11.2011
  • Provided primary technical support for manufacturing 100+ medical subcomponents for both implantable and external applications
  • Maintained, repaired, and optimized mechanical, electrical, robotic, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment
  • Executed and authored engineering change orders (ECOs) for print modifications and process improvements
  • Developed and conducted IQ’s for tooling and equipment
  • Conducted preventive maintenance and minor tooling repairs while overseeing an inventory of 1,500+ tooling items
  • Participated in lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance production efficiency

Education

High School Diploma -

Buffalo High School
Buffalo, MN
06.1997

Skills

  • Process & Equipment Expertise
  • Process Characterization
  • Process Validation
  • Laser Cutting
  • Laser Welding
  • Laser Bonding
  • Electropolishing
  • Nitinol Shape Setting
  • Radial Force Testers
  • Af Testers
  • Catheter Reflow
  • Reflow Ovens
  • Thermal Die Bonding
  • Sheath Tipping
  • Dilator Tipping
  • Injection Molding
  • Plastic Extrusion
  • Wire Braiding
  • Balloon Forming
  • Balloon Pleat & Fold
  • 6-axis Denso Robotics
  • Motion Controls
  • 3D Printing & Prototyping
  • Machining

Certification

  • SW Surface Modeling, 08/2019
  • SW Advanced Part Modeling, 08/2019
  • Six-Sigma Training, 07/2019
  • MasterCAM Mill Essentials, 12/2018
  • DMAIC Training, 08/2015
  • Denso Robotics Training, 10/2011
  • BOY Procan CT Training, 07/2009

References

Available upon request

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Chad Collins