Daniel Aguinaga
Midlothian,TX
Summary
Results-driven Process Engineer with expertise in Lean manufacturing and root cause analysis. Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and optimize equipment performance, enhancing operational efficiency. Results-driven Process Engineer with expertise in Lean Manufacturing, technical troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and coach teams to achieve performance metrics.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Process Engineer
Danone North America
Dallas, Texas
03.2025 - Current
- Support the Line Leader by leading the Daily Direction Setting (DDS) process as needed
- Identify, prioritize, and eliminate process losses through loss analysis, root cause analysis, and monthly Top 3 improvement planning
- Lead and support technical troubleshooting of process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Design, to implement standard operating procedures and smart standardization initiatives
- Drive continuous improvement efforts using Lean Manufacturing, IWS, and TPM principles, supported by data analysis and reporting
- Ensure production processes comply with safety standards and maintain accurate documentation of process changes and procedures
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor production performance, drive accountability, and support data-driven decision-making
- Coach and train operators and technicians to strengthen process knowledge, standard work adherence, and overall team capability
Production Leader
Danone North America
Dallas, Texas
06.2020 - 03.2025
- Managed and coached 12–20 associates across four high-speed production lines to consistently meet safety, quality, and productivity targets.
- Planned daily production (Plan of the Day), staffing, and labor assignments; executed shift handoffs to ensure seamless night-shift transitions.
- Ensured equipment reliability by tracking downtime, improving CILs/CLs, performing visual inspections, and coordinating maintenance escalation.
- Operated and oversaw machinery to maintain efficient production flow, addressing minor issues and preventing line disruptions.
- Conducted root cause analysis and problem-solving for safety, quality, and operational incidents; implemented corrective actions and follow-ups.
- Identified training gaps for operators and mechanics; developed and executed training plans, including onboarding and safety certification.
- Monitored inventory and coordinated material flow to production lines; regulated finished goods movement to warehouse to meet customer demand.
- Performed and enforced quality checks to ensure products met internal and industry standards.
- Maintained 5S standards and implemented best practices for a clean, organized, and audit-ready workspace.
- Created and reported key performance metrics, including throughput, downtime, and scrap rates, to drive continuous improvement.
Operational Excellence Leader
Danone North America
Dallas, Texas
04.2017 - 06.2019
- Led cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency through streamlined processes, daily execution planning, and loss elimination initiatives.
- Analyzed workflow and KPI data to identify bottlenecks, trends, and chronic losses; conducted root cause analysis across safety, quality, waste, and productivity to implement corrective actions.
- Developed and implemented quality assurance and control systems to ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
- Partnered with Production and Maintenance leadership to execute the Plan for the Day, prioritize issues across shifts, and resolve operational gaps.
- Conducted daily shift meetings to review unresolved issues, align priorities, and track performance improvements.
- Provided technical guidance and hands-on coaching to operators and mechanics to improve equipment reliability and adherence to standards.
- Designed control strategies, troubleshooting guides, and equipment ownership programs, including CILs (Cleaning, Inspecting, Lubing) and Centerlines to maintain base conditions.
- Owned and managed the Centerline Management System, routinely coaching teams to ensure consistent execution.
- Established standardized procedures and time limits to reduce downtime during changeovers, line turns, and COP/CIP/SIP processes.
- Developed and delivered training programs, including One Point Lessons (OPLs) and Visual Work Instructions (VWIs), to improve workforce capability and operational knowledge.
Team Lead/Production Machine Operator
Danone North America
Dallas, Texas
08.2013 - 08.2017
- Lead Machine Operator overseeing a crew of six and the operation of two high-volume packaging lines consisting of EH-3 Fillers, Douglas Case Packers, and Alvey Palletizers.
- Communicated with other shift Leads and Machine Operators regarding in-process activities and daily inventory to maintain continuous product and packaging material flow.
- Delegated daily tasks based on skill sets, monitored team performance, and enforced production timelines to meet efficiency, quality, and safety standards.
- Trained, onboarded, and coached operators on equipment operation, processes, and procedures, providing regular feedback and support during peak workloads.
- Analyzed production and operational data to identify trends, address issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated team meetings and collaborated with cross-functional departments to align operational goals and resolve production challenges.
- Troubleshot and corrected minor mechanical and operational issues with packaging equipment to minimize downtime and maintain production targets.
Logistics Operator
Danone North America
Dallas, Texas
05.2012 - 08.2013
- Operated stand-up forklifts and reach trucks to move, stage, and store pallets accurately within warehouse racking systems.
- Executed pallet put-away and order picking, ensuring correct placement, inventory accuracy, and on-time trailer loading.
- Conducted monthly cycle counts to verify pallet quantities and locations; promptly reported inventory discrepancies.
- Inspected inbound materials for quality and compliance, maintaining accurate shipment and receipt records for traceability.
- Followed and enforced safety protocols to maintain a safe, efficient warehouse environment.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline logistics and improve workflow efficiency.
- Assisted in training new employees on warehouse operations, equipment use, and safety procedures.
- Certified Stand-Up Forklift and Reach Truck Operator.
Education
High School Diploma -
Midlothian High School
Midlothian, TX05-2008
Skills
- Process & equipment optimization
- Lean manufacturing
- Bilingual
- Root cause analysis
- Performance metrics
- Standard operating procedures
- Quality assurance
- Technical troubleshooting
- Team leadership & collaborationcollaborations
- Continuous improvement
- Effective coaching
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Root-cause analysis
- Hazardous materials handling
- Process development
- Improvement tracking
- Waste reduction
- Relationship building
- Health and safety regulations
Certification
Evergreen EH3 & EQ Filler Maintenance
Timeline
Process Engineer
Danone North America
03.2025 - Current
Production Leader
Danone North America
06.2020 - 03.2025
Operational Excellence Leader
Danone North America
04.2017 - 06.2019
Team Lead/Production Machine Operator
Danone North America
08.2013 - 08.2017
Logistics Operator
Danone North America
05.2012 - 08.2013
High School Diploma -
Midlothian High School