Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Christopher Choate-Chrzaszcz

Buffalo Grove,IL

Summary

Innovative Design Development Engineer with background in conceptualizing, developing and optimizing product designs. Strengths lie in leveraging technical skills to streamline processes, enhance functionality and increase efficiency. Previous roles have demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities and creativity, leading to significant improvements in design quality and production outcomes.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

2D Design Development

DD2 Graphics
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
03.2024 - Current
  • Testing prototypes in various conditions to ensure optimal performance of the product.
  • Assisting with troubleshooting issues during the production process.
  • Collaborating with other departments such as manufacturing, marketing, sales and engineering to ensure successful project completion.
  • Analyzing customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in current designs.
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards for design development projects.
  • Reviewing test results from prototype testing to identify areas needing further improvement or optimization.
  • Communicating effectively with team members throughout all phases of the design development process.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety regulations while designing products.
  • Researching new materials and technologies that could be used in product design.
  • Providing guidance on cost reduction strategies related to product design.
  • Preparing presentations outlining the benefits of proposed designs.
  • Utilizing problem solving skills to resolve any conflicts between design goals and engineering limitations.
  • Performing quality assurance tests on finalized products prior to launch.
  • Monitoring production processes to ensure they are running efficiently according to plan.
  • Identifying potential risks associated with new designs before implementation.
  • Sketching outline designs and used Adobe Illustrator to create detailed designs and specifications.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product design met manufacturing, technical, and safety standards.
  • Ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations throughout the design process.
  • Enhancing product aesthetics while maintaining functionality and compliance, balancing user appeal with technical requirements.
  • Integrating sustainable design principles to minimize environmental impact and support eco-friendly product development.
  • Optimizing existing product designs for manufacturability and assembly, streamlining production processes.
  • Implementing design improvements to enhance product performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, materials, and manufacturing processes to innovate and improve product designs.

Lead Printer

Marking Specialists Group
Buffalo Grove, IL
03.2016 - 03.2024
  • Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the printing department, ensuring that all production deadlines are met.
  • Provided technical support and guidance to staff members on machine operation and maintenance.
  • Organized projects by delegating tasks to appropriate personnel and overseeing quality control duties.
  • Reviewed contractors' schedules and submission of shop drawings and samples.
  • Used software and computer-assisted drafting equipment to aid in structural product design.
  • Designed test control apparatus or equipment to develop procedures for testing products.
  • Developed and tested models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility.
  • Developed plans for increasing efficiency and productivity in the printing process.
  • Monitored quality control measures to ensure customer satisfaction with printed products.
  • Collaborations with cross-functional teams, ensuring product designs meet manufacturing, technical, and safety standards.
  • Conducted regular inspections of equipment to identify and resolve any issues quickly.
  • Maintained accurate records of supplies inventory and placed orders as needed.
  • Managed a team of technicians to perform routine maintenance activities on machines.
  • Created detailed reports on production output, cost savings, and other metrics related to printer performance.
  • Assisted with troubleshooting problems encountered during the printing process.
  • Evaluated existing procedures and processes to identify areas for improvement.
  • Collaborated with management teams across departments to coordinate workflow between teams.
  • Implemented new technologies into the printing process to streamline workflows.
  • Organized training sessions for employees on proper machine usage techniques.
  • Performed safety checks on all equipment prior to use in order to prevent accidents or injuries.
  • Researched new methods for improving print quality while maintaining speed and accuracy.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards regarding waste reduction, recycling efforts.
  • Identified opportunities for reducing costs associated with materials or labor expenses.
  • Participated in meetings with clients or vendors as a representative from the printing department.
  • Analyzed data from customer feedback surveys in order to improve service delivery levels.
  • Operated printing equipment to produce print jobs with PC, CTP, binding equipment, punching and cutting.
  • Examined printed copy for correct ink density, position on paper and registration.
  • Reviewed job orders to determine amount of paper needed, ink color and potential special instructions.
  • Maintained adequate productivity by setting and enforcing deadlines.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, materials, and manufacturing processes to innovate and improve product designs.
  • Utilized printing techniques for rapid prototyping, accelerating iterative design processes.
  • Participated in prototype testing to evaluate design functionality and identify necessary revisions.

Shipping and Logistics

IKEA
Schaumburg, IL
05.2014 - 06.2015
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations related to assigned product categories including inventory management, ordering processes, shipping and logistics.
  • Ensured the timely delivery of goods by coordinating loading, unloading, shipping, receiving, storage and distribution processes.
  • Organized warehouse operations, including receiving, stocking, picking, packing, shipping and returns.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to transportation and logistics.
  • Coordinated logistics for ordering, shipping, receiving, stocking, and delivering DME supplies.
  • Checked shipping manifests and other documents to determine nature of load and presence of hazardous materials.
  • Handled inbound and outbound goods by employing strong in-house logistics strategies.
  • Packaged completed orders for shipment with appropriate shipping labels and documentation.
  • Communicated effectively with drivers, customers, and other stakeholders involved in the shipping process.
  • Verified accuracy of shipping documents and invoices.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams such as Purchasing, Logistics, Shipping and Receiving departments.
  • Maintained accurate records of all operational activities including purchase orders, invoices, shipping documents and inventory reports.
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of a warehouse facility, including shipping, receiving and inventory control.

Quality Control Inspector

Perfection Plating
Des Plaines, IL
01.2013 - 05.2014
  • Inspected products for defects and conformance to customer specifications using precision measuring instruments.
  • Monitored production processes to ensure quality standards were met and documented results of inspections.
  • Verified accuracy of product labels, including expiration dates and lot numbers.
  • Performed first article inspection on incoming raw materials.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations by monitoring workers during the manufacturing process.
  • Developed corrective action plans based on findings from investigations and audits.
  • Maintained records of all nonconforming products and completed corrective actions as required.
  • Provided technical support to other departments regarding quality related topics and initiatives.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex problems related to product design or manufacturing processes.
  • Trained new employees on proper use of test equipment and inspection techniques.
  • Generated reports summarizing inspection results, defect trends, and other statistical data.
  • Tested finished goods prior to shipment according to established protocols.
  • Communicated effectively with management regarding progress toward meeting quality objectives.
  • Adhered strictly to Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines at all times.
  • Examined products and materials for defects or deviations to remove or discard non-conforming items.
  • Documented inspection results by completing reports and logs and summarizing and entering data into quality database.
  • Assessed materials, parts and products for conformance with quality control requirements and production specifications.
  • Recommended improvement measures to production process to meet quality control standards.
  • Trained newly hired employees by explaining company procedures, job duties and performance expectations.
  • Inspected and repaired products to meet project expectations.
  • Used specialized tools to take precise measurements of various aspects of samples.
  • Adhered to safety protocols to minimize equipment damage and avoid injuries.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Graphic Design

William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL

Skills

  • Design optimization
  • Industrial Design
  • Reverse engineering
  • Engineering Analysis
  • Failure Analysis
  • Design for manufacturing

References

  • Clifford Modlin, CEO of Marking Specialists Group. (847)-769-8824
  • Dimitar Dimitrov, Lead Engineering and Estimating Manager at Marking Specialists Group. (847)-804-3164
  • Grzegorz (Greg) Cyran, Printer at DD2 Graphics. (630)-415-9286

Timeline

2D Design Development

DD2 Graphics
03.2024 - Current

Lead Printer

Marking Specialists Group
03.2016 - 03.2024

Shipping and Logistics

IKEA
05.2014 - 06.2015

Quality Control Inspector

Perfection Plating
01.2013 - 05.2014

Some College (No Degree) - Graphic Design

William Rainey Harper College
Christopher Choate-Chrzaszcz