David Minchez
California,PA
Summary
Dedicated Quality Assurance Technician with 7+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing and production environments, including specialized metallographic analysis, titanium sample preparation, heat treatment, and advanced quality testing. Proven expertise in material inspection, laboratory testing, data management, ERP systems, and maintaining departmental continuity. Combat Engineer veteran skilled in critical thinking, problem-solving under pressure, and delivering high standards in fast-paced settings.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Technician
Dynamet Carpenter Technologies
Washington, PA
06.2023 - Current
- Prepared titanium samples using mounting press with phenolic materials, performed heat treatments for capability testing, straightened samples, and used center-less grinder for precision grinding prior to metallographic evaluation.
- Examined prepared samples under microscope to assess structure quality, measure grain size, and identify defects for metallography reporting.
- Operated hydrogen analysis machine to quantify hydrogen content in titanium samples, enforcing critical quality control for materials and customers sensitive to elevated H₂ levels.
- Supported supervisor by entering vendor Melt Certs and documentation into Axiom ERP system while maintaining Excel spreadsheets with daily production metrics and lab order tracking.
- Inputted comprehensive test results—including metallography, hydrogen analysis, tensile, and shear strength—into Axiom ERP to maintain accurate quality records.
- Built work-order packets by reviewing customer specifications, identifying required testing protocols, completing cover sheets, and preparing detailed tensile-specimen requirement sheets for the machine shop (type, quantity, pass criteria, GE-S400 compliance, and key IDs).
- Developed sample testing plans in Axiom ERP system to streamline result entry upon completion of all testing phases.
- Led special projects for technical team, resolving customer complaints, addressing material issues, and supporting new business opportunities through innovative material solutions.
- Assumed additional departmental responsibilities in the absence of the supervisor and senior technician, independently troubleshooting issues and directing workflow to maintain operational continuity.
Quality Assurance Technician
Washington Penn Plastic
Eighty-Four, PA
04.2019 - 06.2023
- Inspected machines and materials plant-wide to verify correct raw materials were used and quality standards were met.
- Performed tests and inspections using various lab equipment to ensure products conformed to specifications.
- Assisted operators with adjustments to meet exact specs using correct raw materials.
- Filled in as Shift Supervisor during absences, maintaining seamless operations and team performance.
- Set up jobs in the Primos system and executed production runs efficiently.
- Conducted laboratory tests to validate material quality and support continuous improvement.
Assistant Operator
Assistant Operator
06.2018 - 04.2019
- Maintained housekeeping standards and organized production areas.
- Pulled chemicals and materials while filling feeders for extrusion lines.
- Assisted with fire-ups of extruding machines and ensured proper startup procedures.
- Read and interpreted Bills of Materials (BOMs) to guarantee accurate material usage.
- Operated forklifts to transport materials safely and efficiently.
Machine Operator
International Paper
Eighty-Four, PA
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Started machines and regulated tension on pressure rolls, synchronized components, and adjusted glue/paraffin temperatures.
- Installed attachments for gluing, folding, printing, and cutting operations.
- Examined completed work for defects, verified conformance to work orders, and adjusted machinery to resolve production issues.
- Measured, spaced, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators according to product specifications.
Combat Engineer
Army National Guard
Washington, PA
03.2012 - 03.2018
- Handled explosive charges safely and in accordance with strict protocols.
- Served as Small Arms Weapons Instructor, training soldiers on proper use and safety.
- Applied critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles in harsh, high-pressure environments.
Assistant Operator
Westrock
Coal Center, PA
10.2015 - 01.2018
- Set up machines for production runs.
- Mixed inks to exact specifications.
- Stacked boxes and measured dimensions to ensure compliance with customer requirements.
Forklift Operator
84 Lumber Components
Coal Center, PA
11.2014 - 10.2015
- Organized lumber yard for efficient workflow.
- Supplied lumber to sawyers as needed.
- Unloaded railcars of lumber using forklift.
Salesperson
Sheetz
Robinson, PA
04.2011 - 11.2014
- Greeted customers, determined needs, and delivered excellent service.
- Processed cash and credit transactions, calculated totals, and handled payments accurately.
- Answered questions about merchandise and store operations.
- Prepared food orders and stocked coolers to maintain inventory levels.
Crew Member
McDonald's
Burgettstown, PA
10.2008 - 05.2011
- Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils while upholding sanitation and safety standards.
- Verified prepared food met quality and quantity requirements.
- Cooked and packaged menu items (hamburgers, fried chicken, etc.) to order or for warm holding.
Education
B.A. - Criminal Justice
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA12-2014
Skills
- Metallography & Microscopic Analysis
- Titanium Sample Preparation (Mounting, Grinding, Polishing, Etching, Heat Treatment, Centerless Grinding)
- Hydrogen Content Analysis
- Axiom and Primos ERP System
- Melt Cert Processing
- Work Order & Tensile Specimen Coordination (GE-S400)
- Testing Plan Development
- Tensile & Shear Strength Testing
- Quality Assurance & Material Inspection
- Excel Data Management
- Machine Operation & Lab Equipment
- Forklift Operation
- Leadership & Workflow Continuity
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- BOM Interpretation
Timeline
Quality Assurance Technician
Dynamet Carpenter Technologies
06.2023 - Current
Quality Assurance Technician
Washington Penn Plastic
04.2019 - 06.2023
Assistant Operator
Assistant Operator
06.2018 - 04.2019
Machine Operator
International Paper
01.2018 - 06.2018
Assistant Operator
Westrock
10.2015 - 01.2018
Forklift Operator
84 Lumber Components
11.2014 - 10.2015
Combat Engineer
Army National Guard
03.2012 - 03.2018
Salesperson
Sheetz
04.2011 - 11.2014
Crew Member
McDonald's
10.2008 - 05.2011
B.A. - Criminal Justice
California University of Pennsylvania