Dakota West
Evansville,IN
Summary
Methodical and hardworking mechanical professional proficient at completing inspections, repairs and replacements on heat exchangers, control devices, pumps and other components. Skilled at planning and prioritizing simultaneous tasks. Tests and modifies programs for changes or program improvements. Experienced in process oversight and improvement with a strong operational background.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nuclear Machinist Mate
US Navy
Charleston, SC
11.2022 - Current
- Performed preventive maintenance on all machinery related to the operation of the nuclear power plant.
- Operated and maintained nuclear reactor propulsion plants and associated auxiliary equipment.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on all components of the nuclear propulsion system including pumps, valves, turbines and reactors.
- Maintained, tested, adjusted and calibrated a variety of nuclear propulsion plant components such as pumps, valves, turbines and reactors.
- Troubleshot problems with control systems that monitored and regulated reactor temperatures and pressures.
- Installed new components or replaced existing parts on machinery related to nuclear power generation.
- Conducted daily inspections of all machinery used to operate the nuclear power plant.
- Set up, adjusted or operated basic or specialized machine tools to support precision machining operations.
- Ensured compliance with environmental and safety regulations during machinery operations.
- Operated and maintained steam turbines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion.
- Managed inventory of spare parts and tools, ensuring availability for repairs.
- Assisted in the operation and maintenance of ship's fresh water and seawater systems.
- Assisted in the dismantlement and inspection of machinery during overhaul periods.
- Interpreted technical manuals and schematics to guide repair and maintenance activities.
- Performed routine maintenance on the ship's auxiliary machinery.
- Inspected and repaired valve systems, including control, relief, and check valves.
- Implemented preventive maintenance schedules to minimize equipment downtime.
- Maintained detailed logs of maintenance actions and machinery performance.
- Operated, serviced, and maintained chiller systems onboard a submarine.
- Assessed machinery performance and recommended improvements to increase efficiency.
- Conducted daily checks and maintenance on propulsion and auxiliary boilers.
- Responded to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosed causes and recommended corrective actions.
- Adhered to regulatory and organizational operations policies governing nuclear equipment maintenance and performance.
- Maintained accurate accountability for air compressors, cooling water pumps, pre-lube pimps, fuel oil pumps and centrifuges as part of strict security protocols.
- Maintained smooth and consistent plant operations by monitoring and adjusting boilers, turbines, wells and auxiliary equipment.
- Completed calculations to determine radiation dosages, timing and intensities of different pieces of equipment.
Thermoforming Process Technical Trainer
Berry Global
Evansville, IN
01.2021 - 07.2022
- Developed and implemented comprehensive technical training courses for both internal and external personnel.
- Advised management on changes needed for future curricula based on learner feedback.
- Developed policies and procedures related to technical training initiatives within the company.
- Maintained records of all instruction activities including attendance rosters, evaluations, tests scores.
- Utilized various technologies such as web conferencing software and multimedia tools to deliver high-quality instruction remotely.
- Facilitated problem solving discussions with participants when needed during training sessions.
- Provided feedback to students on their progress throughout the course.
- Identified areas of improvement for existing technical training programs based on feedback from users.
- Assisted in developing instructional materials such as presentations, handouts, videos, and manuals.
- Worked with leadership to assess training requirements.
- Stayed up to date on changing technical processes and needed skills.
- Taught useful equipment operation skills and scheduled routine inspections to prevent accidents or malfunctions.
- Selected and assigned instructors to conduct training.
- Worked collaboratively across departments and with various stakeholders to deliver comprehensive, effective training sessions.
- Suggested and offered specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Evaluated training materials prepared by instructors and offered actionable suggestions for improvement.
- Supervised, evaluated or referred instructors to skill development classes.
Thermoforming Process Lead Technician
Berry Global
Evansville, IN
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Developed standard operating procedures for new or improved processes that comply with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored progress of projects to ensure timely completion.
- Identified process improvement opportunities by analyzing existing processes and developing new solutions.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Maintained up-to-date documentation on all aspects of assigned processes.
- Managed team of XX members to ensure efficient process workflows and meet project deadlines.
- Acted as a liaison between production and engineering teams to ensure seamless process integration.
- Gave detailed day-by-day directions on production targets.
- Monitored process performance metrics and prepared reports for senior management.
- Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles to minimize waste and maximize productivity.
- Coordinated with R&D to trial and implement new process technologies.
- Led root cause analysis investigations to address process failures and implemented corrective actions.
- Coordinated with Quality Assurance to ensure that processes met all regulatory and quality standards.
- Conducted risk assessments for process changes and implemented mitigation strategies.
- Led efforts to improve ergonomics and safety within the process area.
- Ensured all process documentation was up to date and compliant with industry standards.
- Managed the scale-up of new processes from pilot to full-scale production.
- Kept production logs and maintained job material inventory.
- Trained new employees on company and safety standards, providing assistance and remediation with issues.
- Read worker logs, product processing sheets or specification sheets to verify adherence to specifications.
- Facilitated communication between departments to ensure project alignment.
- Tested selected products for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
- Calibrated or adjusted equipment using calipers, micrometers or ring gauges.
- Compiled and evaluated statistical data to determine and maintain product quality and reliability.
- Adhered to regulations and procedures for health, safety and environmental compliance.
- Implemented programs to address production, materials or safety problems.
- Conducted preventive maintenance procedures according to established schedules.
- Performed troubleshooting and repair of equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Maintained records of repairs, calibrations, and tests performed on equipment.
- Tested and calibrated instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability of data.
- Utilized a variety of hand tools including soldering irons, screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, wire strippers and crimpers.
- Managed quality control and maintained high level of customer satisfaction.
- Participated in training to maintain technical expertise and proficiency on applicable equipment.
- Followed safety practices to safeguard against injury and damage to property.
- Troubleshot malfunctions and diagnosed issues to service equipment quickly and fully.
- Coordinated repair and maintenance plans with co-workers and supervisors ahead of scheduled projects.
- Routinely inspected equipment for preventive and emergency maintenance needs.
- Greased mechanical parts with lubrication to achieve smooth and regular functionality.
- Followed safety guidelines and wore protective gear when using power drills, circular saws, and other power tools.
- Took measurements and evaluated dimensions of surrounding area to correctly install new machinery.
Thermoforming Process Technician
Berry Global
Evansville, IN
07.2017 - 11.2019
- Performed preventive maintenance activities on plant equipment such as lubrication, cleaning, filter changes.
- Analyzed product samples for conformance with specifications using various testing methods and instruments.
- Optimized production processes by analyzing statistical data from SPC charts and making necessary adjustments.
- Trained new employees on safe work practices within the plant environment as well as machine operation techniques.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements related to the manufacturing process.
- Performed troubleshooting on automated systems to identify root causes of process issues and implement corrective actions.
- Inspected parts prior to shipment for accuracy against customer drawings or specifications.
- Investigated customer complaints related to product quality issues and collaborated with cross-functional teams on corrective actions.
- Provided technical support to production personnel regarding equipment operation and maintenance procedures.
- Collaborated with engineering staff to develop new processes or modify existing ones as needed.
- Monitored production processes for compliance with safety regulations, environmental requirements, and operational standards.
- Conducted regular inspections of machinery components to ensure they were functioning properly.
- Managed inventory levels of raw materials used in the manufacturing process based on projected demand forecasts.
- Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the facility including 5S methodology, Kaizen events.
- Performed routine maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Analyzed all processes and identified all fundamental issues and assisted in appropriate resolutions.
- Prepared required documents and reviewed for accuracy.
- Trained new technicians on process operations and safety protocols.
- Monitored and adjusted production processes to meet quality standards.
- Performed quality control tests to ensure products meet specifications.
- Coordinated with supply chain to ensure timely availability of materials.
- Analyzed process samples using laboratory equipment to ensure compliance with standards.
- Safeguarded areas from possible equipment fires and notified safety manager regarding job hazards.
- Analyzed process data with various statistical tools.
- Implemented process changes to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to troubleshoot process issues.
- Analyzed production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Provided technical support to other departments on process-related issues.
- Managed inventory of process chemicals and consumables.
- Maintained accurate records of process parameters and production volumes.
- Performed routine equipment maintenance on nights and weekends to prevent downtime.
- Optimized process conditions to achieve target yields.
- Tested components, assemblies and systems to diagnose problems.
- Gathered and evaluated data for validity, accuracy and completeness.
- Performed basic calculations and tabulations of technical data.
- Conducted tests and experiments with new materials, equipment and processes.
Education
High School Diploma -
Vincennes Lincoln Highschool
Vincennes, IN05-2015
Some College (No Degree) - Automotive Engineering
Vincennes University
Vincennes, INSkills
- Fluid mechanics
- Instrument Calibration
- System troubleshooting
- Reactor operations
- Nuclear physics
- Statistical trends
- System inspections
- Order management
- Parts installation
- Class development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Adaptability to change
- Leadership
- Interpersonal communication skills
Affiliations
- Fishing
- Wood Working
- Family Outings
- Card Games
Accomplishments
- Commanding Officer's Personal Excellence Award for Professionalism
- Berry Employee of the Year for Outstanding Leadership
Certification
- Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD) Certificate of Completion in Nuclear Power Training Unit
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
German
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Nuclear Machinist Mate
US Navy
11.2022 - Current
Thermoforming Process Technical Trainer
Berry Global
01.2021 - 07.2022
Thermoforming Process Lead Technician
Berry Global
11.2019 - 01.2021
Thermoforming Process Technician
Berry Global
07.2017 - 11.2019
High School Diploma -
Vincennes Lincoln Highschool
Some College (No Degree) - Automotive Engineering
Vincennes University
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