Clara Hedges
Otsego,MI
Summary
Results-oriented Industrial Engineer with a Master's in Lean Manufacturing, specializing in Lean Six Sigma, manufacturing process optimization, and waste reduction. Proven ability to independently analyze production systems, conduct time studies, and implement data-driven improvements that increase productivity, improve flow, and reduce cost without compromising quality. Experienced as a sole IE supporting fast-paced manufacturing operations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Industrial Engineer
Safari Circuits LLC
Otsego, MI
07.2023 - 02.2026
- Led Lean production layout and material flow optimizations, eliminating waste and reducing travel to achieve up to 90% productivity improvement.
- Applied value stream mapping and process flow analysis to eliminate bottlenecks and double handling, driving a 37.2% productivity increase.
- Independently conducted time studies and work measurement to analyze labor utilization and support data-driven process improvements.
- Developed future-state process flows, standard work, layouts, and work instructions to reduce lead time, variation, and improve operational efficiency.
Process Engineer
Dynamic Metals
Elkhart, IN
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with production management to evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to reduce cost and improve throughput.
- Developed process improvement concepts and equipment layout plans to support increased production rates and operational efficiency.
- Supported implementation planning for process changes in a manufacturing environment.
Process Engineer Co-Op
Medtronic
Warsaw, IN
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Utilized SAP and Agile methodologies to develop and maintain corporate product documentation aligned with global quality standards.
- Updated and standardized detailed machinist work instructions to improve accuracy, repeatability, and production consistency.
- Led a cross-functional team in the redesign of a manufacturing cell, delivering measurable efficiency improvements and cost savings.
Process Engineer Co-Op
Medtronic
Warsaw, IN
08.2020 - 12.2020
Process Engineer Co-Op
Medtronic
Warsaw, IN
01.2020 - 05.2020
Education
Master of Science - Lean Manufacturing
Kettering University
Flint, MI06-2025
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12-2022
Skills
- Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
- Process Optimization & Waste Reduction
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- Time Studies, Work Measurement & Labor Analysis
- Standard Work Development & Work Instructions
- Manufacturing Process & Layout Optimization
- Capacity Planning & Production Flow Analysis
- Data Analysis & Root Cause Problem Solving
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration\
- AutoCAD (Manufacturing Layouts)
- Autodesk Inventor (Fixture & Tooling Design)
Certification
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Academy Amsterdam, 2026-03-01
- Lean Management and Manufacturing Expert, Six Sigma Academy Amsterdam, 2024-02-01
- Certified Lean Six Sigma White Belt And Yellow Belt, Six Sigma Academy Amsterdam, 2023-09-01
- Process Mapping, Six Sigma Academy Amsterdam, 2023-09-01
Timeline
Industrial Engineer
Safari Circuits LLC
07.2023 - 02.2026
Process Engineer
Dynamic Metals
01.2023 - 06.2023
Process Engineer Co-Op
Medtronic
05.2021 - 08.2021
Process Engineer Co-Op
Medtronic
08.2020 - 12.2020
Process Engineer Co-Op
Medtronic
01.2020 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology
Purdue University
Master of Science - Lean Manufacturing
Kettering University