CRAIG KEATING
North Tonawanda,NY
Summary
Manufacturing operations and maintenance leader with 19 years of experience supporting high-volume production environments. Proven record of improving equipment uptime, reducing waste, and increasing capacity through reliability engineering, maintenance leadership, and frontline production supervision. Strong background in Lean/Kaizen, mechanical integrity, safety compliance, and data-driven continuous improvement.
Reliable engineering professional with high standards and focus on delivering results. Experienced in predictive maintenance, failure analysis, and root cause investigation. Strong collaborator, adaptable to changing needs, and known for achieving team goals. Skilled in data analysis, risk assessment, and continuous improvement methodologies. Driven to enhance system reliability and efficiency.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Reliability Engineer
3M
Tonawanda, NY
05.2022 - Current
- Support continuous manufacturing operations by improving asset reliability, maintenance strategies, and equipment availability
- Improved asset reporting through equipment hierarchy development and critical-asset time tracking
- Performed predictive and preventive maintenance including ultrasonic leak detection, thermal imaging, high-voltage PMs, and confined space permitting
- Led Kaizen events focused on uptime, waste reduction, and process reliability
- Managed equipment upgrades and modifications supporting production and washdown environments
- Conducted downtime and performance analysis using Seeq, Process Studio, and iFix
Converting Maintenance Supervisor
3M
02.2021 - 05.2022
- Selected for 3M High Potential Program
- Supervised maintenance support for high-speed wrappers and die presses in a production environment
- Managed preventive, predictive, corrective, and reactive maintenance activities
- Coordinated equipment commissioning, building repairs, and process improvement initiatives
- Served as Site Contract Coordinator, overseeing contractor safety, permits, and compliance
- Supervised maintenance team, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational standards.
- Developed and implemented preventive maintenance programs, enhancing equipment reliability and performance.
- Conducted regular inspections and audits, identifying areas for improvement in maintenance processes.
- Trained staff on proper maintenance procedures and use of tools, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Maintenance Reliability Engineer
Unifrax Fire Tower
Tonawanda, NY
10.2019 - 02.2021
- Managed and scheduled an 18-person skilled trades team supporting manufacturing operations
- Oversaw compressors, cranes, dust collectors, chillers, and facility systems
- Coordinated fire pump inspections and regulatory compliance activities
- Managed contractor onboarding, safety orientation, permits, and insurance requirements
Solvent Recovery Unit & Mechanical Integrity Engineer
3M
Tonawanda, NY
07.2019 - 10.2019
- Oversaw SRU and RTO emissions control systems supporting production
- Ensured mechanical integrity of piping and pressure vessels through NDT and PSM compliance
Maintenance Engineer
3M
Tonawanda, NY
09.2016 - 07.2019
- Executed preventive maintenance using vibration, ultrasonic, and thermal imaging tools
- Served as SAP PM Co-Lead supporting asset management and maintenance planning
- Improved OEE by identifying and addressing major downtime drivers
Production Supervisor
3M
Tonawanda, NY
04.2015 - 09.2016
- Supervised daily production activities, staffing coverage, and critical ingredient management
- Completed production, safety, and compliance reporting
Quality Supervisor / Testing & Welding Supervisor
Buffalo Pumps
North Tonawanda, NY
01.2009 - 04.2015
- Managed calibration lab operations, workforce scheduling, and customer audits
- Validated test setups, production data, and trained entry-level employees
Quality Engineer
Buffalo Pumps
North Tonawanda, NY
07.2006 - 01.2009
- Drove corrective actions for non-conformities and supplier issues
- ISO 9001:2008 Auditor; Level II Liquid Penetrant Certified
Education
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
University at Buffalo – SUNY
01-2007
Skills
- Production & Maintenance Leadership
- Operational efficiency
- Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Reliability Engineering
- OEE & Downtime Reduction
- Lean / Kaizen
- RCA
- Mechanical Integrity
- SAP PM
- Asset Management
- PSM & Safety Compliance
- Contractor & Skilled Trades Management
- Data Analysis (Seeq, Process Studio, iFix)
- Maintenance planning
- Predictive maintenance
- Condition monitoring
- Reliability centered maintenance
Websites
Accomplishments
- Increased usable tank volume and reduced downtime, generating up to $1M/year in additional sales capacity
- Reduced sponge mix waste through improved controls, adding $300K/year in product yield
- Implemented ergonomic improvements reducing high-risk task weight by 50%
- Reduced dust collector downtime by 48%, improving production reliability and compliance
Timeline
Reliability Engineer
3M
05.2022 - Current
Converting Maintenance Supervisor
3M
02.2021 - 05.2022
Maintenance Reliability Engineer
Unifrax Fire Tower
10.2019 - 02.2021
Solvent Recovery Unit & Mechanical Integrity Engineer
3M
07.2019 - 10.2019
Maintenance Engineer
3M
09.2016 - 07.2019
Production Supervisor
3M
04.2015 - 09.2016
Quality Supervisor / Testing & Welding Supervisor
Buffalo Pumps
01.2009 - 04.2015
Quality Engineer
Buffalo Pumps
07.2006 - 01.2009
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
University at Buffalo – SUNY