Christopher Owens
Travelers Rest,SC
Summary
Results-driven Production Lead with expertise in machine operation and quality control. Proven ability to enhance productivity and reduce waste through effective problem-solving and communication. Dedicated professional with robust experience in production and quality control. Known for strong communication and problem-solving skills, effectively addressing product quality issues and ensuring safety compliance to drive operational success. Dynamic Production Lead with over six years of experience in quality engineering and machine operations. Skilled in blueprint interpretation and safety procedures, consistently achieving high-quality production standards and process improvements. Committed to enhancing team efficiency and operational excellence. Hardworking production leader proudly offering several years of hands-on experience in the manufacturing industry. Talented at monitoring team members, including checking products for quality standards and keeping detailed records of equipment, budgets, deliveries and supplies. Outstanding supervisory and communication skills with expertise in completing production assignments according to established guidelines.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Production Lead/Quality Engineering Technician
MIDCON Cables/SCDC
Bennettsville, South Carolina
09.2018 - 05.2025
- Assisted in training new personnel in the use of tools and equipment.
- Suggested process improvements based on analysis of existing processes.
- Prepared reports on production metrics such as output, waste, cost.
- Controlled labor costs by ensuring that workers are working efficiently.
- Investigated customer complaints regarding product quality or defects.
- Developed strategies for improving efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness in the production line.
- Maintained an accurate inventory of raw materials and supplies.
- Monitored the quality of products during production process.
- Analyzed data from past production runs to identify trends or issues.
- Equipped team members with proper hand tools, supplies and power equipment to safely and efficiently perform jobs without time-consuming interruptions during production.
- Coordinated material supply to assembly line, regulated flow of finished goods to warehouse and fulfilled order requirements.
- Oversaw workstation setup and operation and mobilized production line and shift employees to meet customer quality standards and schedules.
- Reported problems or concerns with quality, processes, equipment, materials and labor to supervisor.
- Met or exceeded target for on-time customer shipments.
- Prepared for work to be completed by studying assembly instructions, blueprint specifications and part lists.
- Looked through work orders to determine type and quantity of materials needed for each production batch.
Laborer
Self
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
01.2012 - 11.2016
- Preformed various independent
CNC Machine Operator
Saint Gobain Abrasives
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
02.2009 - 10.2011
- Adjusted machine feed and speed, changed cutting tools, adjusted machine controls as necessary during the run cycle.
- Checked accuracy of programs prior to running production runs utilizing simulation software packages.
- Maintained quality control by inspecting parts for conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
- Set up and operated CNC machines to perform repetitive machining operations on a variety of materials according to specifications.
- Monitored machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining.
- Verified settings by measuring positions, first-run parts and sample works with micrometers, calipers or other measuring instruments.
- Loaded raw materials into production equipment according to job orders while maintaining proper inventory levels.
- Read and interpreted blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications or sample parts to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished work piece.
- Operated multiple CNC machines simultaneously while adhering to safety protocols at all times.
- Performed regular preventive maintenance tasks on CNC machinery.
- Troubleshot issues related to tooling or programming errors using problem solving techniques.
- Performed minor maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating machines.
- Ensured that all components met customer requirements before being packaged for shipment.
- Interfaced with machines to adjust settings or tools, driving high-quality production.
- Established and performed quality assurance duties to maintain acceptable production levels.
- Achieved safety, quality, and performance standards to meet production schedules.
- Changed out aging tools, fixtures and offsets.
- Maintained production tooling by replacing and grinding worn tools.
- Read blueprints and 3D models to determine product specifications and plan operational sequences.
- Kept parts within close tolerances of design standards to maintain optimal quality.
- Loaded and unloaded machines to prevent expensive equipment issues.
- Leveraged micrometers, verniers and gages to accurately inspect parts.
- Observed company's strict safety rules during each shift to avoid job-related injuries.
- Interpreted blueprints, drawings, and engineering information to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
- Used devices, templates and fixtures to measure dimensions of finished workpieces for conformance.
- Reviewed and interpreted electronic or written blueprints or specifications to understand the job requirements.
- Used precision measurement tools to check and ensure the accuracy of the machined parts.
Foreman/Site Supervisor/MIG Welder
Champion Fence Sales
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
09.2004 - 11.2008
- Ensured all workers adhered to company policies and procedures.
- Inspected tools, materials, and equipment to ensure quality standards were met.
- Provided guidance, direction, and technical assistance to crew members.
- Trained new employees in safety regulations, operational procedures, and company policies.
- Supervised activities of personnel assigned to various tasks during construction jobs.
- Maintained daily logs of labor and equipment used on-site.
- Communicated regularly with subcontractors regarding project timelines.
- Managed inventory levels of supplies necessary for job completion.
- Monitored job progress and ensured completion within budget constraints.
- Assessed work area conditions for potential hazards or risks.
- Supervised projects to uphold schedule requirements and quality demands.
- Viewed and checked job equipment to determine maintenance requirements.
- Tracked and reported units and labor hours prior to submission of timecards.
- Set up and operated MIG welding machines according to established safety procedures.
- Cleaned workpieces prior to welding using wire brushes, grinders or chemical solutions.
- Monitored welds for quality assurance purposes.
- Inspected finished products to ensure accuracy in accordance with blueprints and specifications.
- Performed MIG welding on a variety of metals, including steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
- Readied components for fabrication by marking reference lines and measuring distances accurately with calipers, rulers or micrometers.
- Welded fabrication materials, continuously checking for safety and quality.
- Positioned and clamped workpieces together and properly assembled in jigs and fixtures.
- Prepared workpiece edges by grinding, cutting, buffing or bending to verify snug fit.
Floater
American Fittings
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
03.1997 - 08.2004
- Monitored machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining.
- Repaired damaged parts according to company standards before returning them back into service.
- Performed regular preventive maintenance tasks on CNC machinery.
- Performed minor maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating machines.
- Troubleshot issues related to tooling or programming errors using problem solving techniques.
- Operated multiple CNC machines simultaneously while adhering to safety protocols at all times.
- Verified settings by measuring positions, first-run parts and sample works with micrometers, calipers or other measuring instruments.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - General Technology
Northeastern Technical College
Cheraw, SC06-2024
Skills
- Machine operation
- Blueprint interpretation
- Quality control
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Surface grinding
- Sketches and materials interpretation
- Tool selection
- Malfunction troubleshooting
- Lathe machine operation
- Blueprint reading
- Safety procedures
- Monitoring gauges
- Tolerances compliance
- Machine calibration
- Quality inspection
- Lathe machine set up
- Tooling replacement
- Loading materials
- Precision measuring
- Machine loading
- Safety processes and procedures
- Speeds and feeds
- Setting up machines
- Blueprints interpretation
Certification
- MACHINE TOOLING
- Mig/Arc welding
- Business Management
- OSHA 10 /Forklift
Custom
Build decks through church for needy
Timeline
Production Lead/Quality Engineering Technician
MIDCON Cables/SCDC
09.2018 - 05.2025
Laborer
Self
01.2012 - 11.2016
CNC Machine Operator
Saint Gobain Abrasives
02.2009 - 10.2011
Foreman/Site Supervisor/MIG Welder
Champion Fence Sales
09.2004 - 11.2008
Floater
American Fittings
03.1997 - 08.2004
Associate of Applied Science - General Technology
Northeastern Technical College