CHRISTIAN W. BARLOW M.S. EHS
Kernersville,NC
Summary
Manufacturing professional specializing in operational support, quality assurance, and employee training within heavy manufacturing and aviation sectors. Proficient in conducting safety discussions, leading teams, and performing non-destructive testing to enhance product reliability. Committed to improving workplace conditions and achieving production goals through collaborative problem-solving.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Processing Specialist
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Winston-Salem, NC
01.2025 - Current
- Support manufacturing operations producing power generation and engine components within a complex industrial environment.
- Train employees on manufacturing processes, quality requirements, inspection procedures, and downstream operations.
- Conduct daily pre-shift safety discussions for approximately 10 production employees, reinforcing safe work practices, hazard awareness, and operational expectations.
- Identified workplace concerns and implemented practical solutions to enhance safety and compliance.
- Coordinated with employees, supervisors, and management to meet production goals.
- Completed special projects that enhanced operational improvement through initiative and organization.
- Support manufacturing operations producing power generation and engine components within a complex industrial environment.
- Acted as a volunteer safety responder, providing quick responses to emergencies.
Senior Level II NDT Quality Inspector
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Winston-Salem, NC
05.2023 - 02.2026
- Performed Level II non-destructive testing inspections supporting manufacturing of power generation components, engine components, castings, machined parts, and structural assemblies.
- Conducted Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), and Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) inspections.
- Evaluated inspection results against ASTM standards and Progress Rail quality specifications.
- Identified defects and documented nonconforming conditions, communicating critical findings to quality and manufacturing leadership to drive timely corrective actions.
- Supported root cause investigations and corrective action activities by providing technical findings and detailed process observations, enhancing overall quality assurance.
- Trained eight employees through one-on-one instruction on inspection methods and quality requirements, fostering a skilled workforce in compliance with manufacturing standards.
Quality & Safety Root Cause Investigator
North State Aviation
Winston-Salem, NC
08.2021 - 04.2023
- Conducted quality and safety investigations on aircraft defects, operational issues, and process concerns, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Applied structured problem-solving methods including 5-Why Analysis and TapRooT Root Cause Analysis.
- Developed investigation findings that identified root causes and contributing factors, leading to actionable corrective opportunities.
- Collaborated with quality, maintenance, production, and leadership teams to effectively resolve critical safety issues.
- Supported aviation quality requirements, documentation practices, and safety improvement efforts.
- Completed HazMat Awareness training supporting aviation safety operations.
- Completed Level II training and testing in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Eddy Current Testing (ET).
Education
Master of Science - Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, Alabama07-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Historical Military Leadership
American Military University
Charlestown West Virginia09-2016
Associate Degree -
Guilford Technical Community College
Greensboro, North Carolina08-2002
Skills
- Quality Assurance / Quality Control
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Visual Testing (VT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Eddy Current Testing (ET)
- Root Cause Analysis
- 5-Why Problem Solving
- TapRooT Investigation Methodology
- Corrective Action Support
- Defect Evaluation
- Nonconformance Documentation
- Manufacturing Quality Specifications
- ASTM Inspection Standards
- ASTM Testing Standards
- Manufacturing Operations Support
- Production Coordination
- Continuous Improvement
- Employee Training & Mentoring
- Team Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- OSHA General Industry Safety
- Hazard Recognition
- Manufacturing Experience
- Power Generation Components
- Engine Component Manufacturing
- Casting Inspection
- Machined Component Inspection
- Structural Component Inspection
Certification
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
- OSH Supervisor Certificate - OSHAcademy.com
- OSH Specialist Certificate - OSHAcademy.com
- TapRooT Root Cause Analysis Training
- 5-Why Root Cause Analysis Methodology
- American Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED
Technical Qualifications
Non-Destructive Testing Level II Certified
- Visual Testing (VT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
Level II Training Completed
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Eddy Current Testing (ET)
Manufacturing Experience
- Power Generation Components
- Engine Component Manufacturing
- Casting Inspection
- Machined Component Inspection
- Structural Component Inspection
- ASTM Testing Standards
- Manufacturing Quality Specifications
- Defect Evaluation
- Nonconformance Documentation
Leadership Experience
Civil Air Patrol - United States Air Force Auxiliary, Emergency Services Ground Team Leader, Eight years of Emergency Services experience supporting Search and Rescue operations and training missions. Led ground teams consisting of 6-12 members during emergency services activities. Coordinated team assignments, communications, operational objectives, and personnel safety. Provided field training, coaching, and mentorship to team members. Served as Ground Team Member and Mission Radio Operator (MRO). Earned the General Billy Mitchell Award. Earned the Amelia Earhart Award.
Personal Information
Relocation: Open to Relocation within North Carolina & South Carolina
Timeline
Quality Assurance Processing Specialist
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
01.2025 - Current
Senior Level II NDT Quality Inspector
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
05.2023 - 02.2026
Quality & Safety Root Cause Investigator
North State Aviation
08.2021 - 04.2023
Master of Science - Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Arts - Historical Military Leadership
American Military University
Associate Degree -
Guilford Technical Community College