Christopher Merritt
Dublin,GA
Summary
An enthusiastic Quality Assurance professional who has spent entire career in Aerospace and automotive Special Processing seeking an Engineering or Management position with a proven track record in Leadership, Process Control, Continuous Improvements, RCCA, risk mitigation, cost reduction, and cost avoidance. Focused Quality Controller with 13 years of experience conducting testing to facilitate quality and condition results. Possesses superior product knowledge to train and educate staff while maintaining optimal product storage and efficiency. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
15
15
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Quality Manager
Valence Surface Technologies
06.2021 - Current
- Responsible for oversight of and guidance to product inspection team and management of Continuous Improvement of Quality specific KPIs (such as COPQ, OTD, internal rejection rate, and external rejection rate.) Manage internal audit program and internal auditors
- Perform in regulatory audits, such as AS9100 and NADCAP, in addition to customer and OEM audits
- Maintain OEM approvals
- Led team to 0 finding AS 9100 audit after facility fire and work transfer to alternate Process line and building
- Led capability transfer and OEM approval of transferred processes after facility fire
- Led effort to re-establish major OEM special processing approvals (Gulfstream, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, etc…) after facility fire forced work transfer to previously unapproved processing line(s)
- Member of steering committee for post-fire facility rebuild, while acting as SME for chemical processing and paint facility design and rebuild.
- Managed root cause analysis investigations, determining underlying issues in product failures and implementing corrective actions as necessary
- Provided training to employees on best practices in quality management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization
- Drove process standardization by creating and implementing SOPs, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced deviations
- Assisted clients with troubleshooting issues related to analytical testing during technical consultation sessions
Quality Engineer
Valence Surface Technologies
02.2018 - 06.2021
- Contributed to root cause analysis to determine core reason(s) for failures and errors
- Supported quality team members during corrective action updates
- Facilitated process improvements resulting in decreased errors
- Developed training protocols in alignment with company quality standards and ISO 9000 regulations
- Demonstrated product and quality expertise in product inspections
- Identified problems and recommended new processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Generated detailed reports covering analysis of key data and outlining potential solutions
- Coached and assisted employees with adapting to new processes
- Oversaw all engineering operations for a company with $13,000,000 in yearly revenue
- Managed a team of 8 engineering and quality assurance personnel
- Created policies and procedures for quality assurance, best practices, and project management.
Laboratory Manager
Valence Surface Technology
01.2015 - 02.2018
- While performing same functions as at Fort Walton Machining, managed staff of four employees to perform Maintenance
- Implemented two new chemical processing lines and a new waste treatment system.
- Worked with QA Lab employees to reduce NADCAP findings from 4 major findings in 2014 to 0 findings in 2015
- Reduced maintenance-related down time and Quality issues by improving process control and PM program
- Facilitated new OEM approvals, leading to location growth by 50% to over 12 electroplating and chemical coating capabilities
- Managed operational documents and produced reports detailing activities
- Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work
- Designed processes to increase efficiency by minimizing error and reducing repetitive tasks
- Trained, scheduled work hours, and assigned projects for 5 person work group, supporting four chemical processing lines and a semi-automated waste treatment system with both physical and chemical testing.
- Evaluated new technologies and equipment to identify potential upgrades that could improve overall lab performance
- Managed a team of technicians, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of lab equipment
- Improved laboratory efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing process improvements
- Conducted periodic performance reviews for staff members, offering constructive feedback to facilitate professional growth
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on technical skills development and career growth opportunities
- Coordinated cross-functional projects with other departments, leading to increased collaboration and shared resources among teams
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by staying up-to-date on industry best practices and adjusting internal policies as necessary
- Interviewed, hired and trained lab technicians to perform experiments and analyze results
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements
Lab Manager/EcoCat Supervisor
Dinex Ecocat
05.2014 - 01.2015
- Implemented a first-of-its-kind exhaust catalyst coating process
- Managed four production technicians and scheduled all production operations
- Performed all QA/QC functions using various instruments including pH meters, conductivity meters, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
- Ensured compliance with ISO 9001 QMS procedures as well as OSHA and EPA regulations
- Led new division of the company from $0 to $5 million in annual sales
- Increased profit margins by 15% with an investment of only $2,000.
- Promoted a culture of environmental sustainability through waste reduction initiatives and energy-saving practices
- Managed inventory control for chemicals and supplies, ensuring timely restocking and proper disposal of hazardous materials
Analytical Chemist/Testing Supervisor
Fort Walton Machining
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Performed analysis and testing per customer and NADCAP requirements
- Managed all destructive testing performed by Laboratory technicians, including scheduling and inventory control
- Performed general process troubleshooting
- Worked alongside EH&S to ensure compliance with Clean Water Act
- Maintained processing wastewater system and evaluated wastewater needs of new processes to ensure regulatory compliance
- Reduced Metal Finishing Division’s operating costs by approximately $100,000 annually with investment of less than $5,000 while reducing overall water usage by 80%.
- Identified potential areas for improvement in existing methodologies, leading to increased reliability in obtained data
Analytical Chemist/Destructive Testing Technician
Fort Walton Machining
11.2012 - 04.2013
- Performed analysis and testing per customer and NADCAP requirements
- Performed all periodic testing, such as Intergranular Attack testing, Salt Spray Testing, and coating weights
- Worked with production and QA to eliminate unnecessary overlapping tests and to lean testing procedures
- Developed new Brush Cadmium plating process and implemented process improvements for existing processes
- Performed general process troubleshooting
- Maintained processing wastewater system and evaluated wastewater and employee safety needs of new processes to ensure regulatory compliance
- Worked alongside EH&S to develop skills to ensure compliance with Clean Water Act.
- Supported regulatory compliance efforts by keeping up-to-date with changing industry standards and updating laboratory procedures accordingly
Analytical Chemist/Destructive Testing Manager
Dynamic Paint Solutions
08.2011 - 11.2012
- While performing Analytical Chemist duties, also moved into supervisory role
- Focused on reviewing and/or improving testing and test results while continuing to perform routine Salt Spray Testing and Intergranular Attack testing, as well as ensuring environmental compliance with effluent discharge
- Became involved in specification review, process sheet design, and performed in multiple audits including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and NADCAP with no major findings
- Helped to lay foundation for Dynamic Paint Solutions pre-bond, hard chrome plating, and Manganese Phosphating lines
- Performed salt spray testing and verification coating weight testing for Lockheed Martin's Pinellas Park facility.
Analytical Chemist/Destructive Testing Technician
Dynamic Paint Solutions
05.2011 - 08.2011
- Performed routine solution analysis on Anodizing process solutions using various techniques including traditional titrations, potentiometric titrations, Ion Selective Electrode, colorimetry, and spectrophotometry
- Performed all destructive testing including coating weights, paint adhesion testing, powdery coat testing, water break-free testing, Salt Spray testing, and Intergranular Attack testing
- Designed Waste Treatment protocol to treat heavy metal containing electroplating effluent from anodizing line.
Education
AS 9100/ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Training -
ECT Enterprises
AS13000 aligned 8D facilitator Training - undefined
Smallpiece Enterprises
Pratt & Whitney Laboratory Controlled Source Training - undefined
Pratt & Whitney
Certificate of Completion of Industrial Waste Treatment training -
Georgia Rural Water Association
05.2001 - 05.2016
Certificate of Completion of "Aluminum How-to" Training - undefined
Robert H. Probert Technical Services
Bachelor of Science | Chemistry -
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GASkills
Regulatory Compliance
undefinedTimeline
Quality Manager
Valence Surface Technologies
06.2021 - Current
Quality Engineer
Valence Surface Technologies
02.2018 - 06.2021
Laboratory Manager
Valence Surface Technology
01.2015 - 02.2018
Lab Manager/EcoCat Supervisor
Dinex Ecocat
05.2014 - 01.2015
Analytical Chemist/Testing Supervisor
Fort Walton Machining
04.2013 - 05.2014
Analytical Chemist/Destructive Testing Technician
Fort Walton Machining
11.2012 - 04.2013
Analytical Chemist/Destructive Testing Manager
Dynamic Paint Solutions
08.2011 - 11.2012
Analytical Chemist/Destructive Testing Technician
Dynamic Paint Solutions
05.2011 - 08.2011
Certificate of Completion of Industrial Waste Treatment training -
Georgia Rural Water Association
05.2001 - 05.2016
AS 9100/ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Training -
ECT Enterprises
AS13000 aligned 8D facilitator Training - undefined
Smallpiece Enterprises
Pratt & Whitney Laboratory Controlled Source Training - undefined
Pratt & Whitney
Certificate of Completion of "Aluminum How-to" Training - undefined
Robert H. Probert Technical Services
Bachelor of Science | Chemistry -
Valdosta State University
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