DAVID WILDNER
Quality Management
Ludington,MI.
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence and building strong relationships with the customer and supplier base. Proven track record achieving all required certifications and improving performance for the organization.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6
6
Certification
Work History
Quality Engineer
Grand Traverse Stamping: PKC Division of motherson
02.2025 - Current
- Full responsibility for all aspects of the QMS including customer & supplier quality activity.
- Management leadership over the inspection & test lab activity and personnel.
- Member of the plant management staff responsible for all aspects of the IATF16949 certification requirements.
- First line of defense & communication for all customers, supplier, and logistics concerns.
- Implemented a robust RMA process that netted over $100k in credit from material suppliers in 2025.
Quality Engineer Project Lead & Continuous Improvement Manager
Disher Engineering Services, Zeeland, MI. / SFM Group LLC., Ludington, MI.
04.2023 - 01.2025
- I worked as a contract employee for these two excellent reputable consulting & training firms well known in W. MI.
- Developed & implemented a complete overhaul of the QMS for recertification to ISO:9001 for a client in Ohio which resulted in only 1 minor non-conformance in the recertification audit.
- Returned to same client to work on another project developing and implementing an entire new assembly line, including all standard work, inspection documentation, inventory control tracking, and a first successful launch.
- Developed & implemented an industrial engineering project to time study 10 assembly lines at a tier-1 automotive parts supplier in Michigan which resulted in 30% improvement in process throughput.
- Trained & led internal audit teams enhancing Operational Excellence through the auditing process to achieve compliance with all the ISO:9001 & IATF 16949 standards.
- Excellent reputable consulting & training firms well known in W. MI.
Quality Manager
Myotek Holdings
Manistee
03.2019 - 04.2023
- Developed & implemented the process to certify to IATF:16949, ISO:14001 & AS9100D.
- Developed & implemented ISO:9001 for the PA. Myotek facility receiving 0 NC reports in first time audit.
- Led the quality systems performance of the MI. facility achieving less than 5 PPM rolling performance with major automotive customers over a 3-year period. (Ford & Stellantis)
- Responsible for supplier activity including NCM resolution, PPAP approval & continuous improvement activities achieving a 35% improvement in supply base performance over a three-year period.
Quality Manager
Chassix / Aludyne, Inc.
Montague
01.2017 - 03.2019
- Champion in the APQP activities for new program launches including PPAP submission to the OEM and maintaining PFMEA, Control Plan SWI & Process Capability for all major automotive customers.
- Led the design and development of gauges for both new and existing programs to align with expectations, resulting in a cost reduction of $43,000 on gauge fixture packages for new launch activity.
- Engaged in engineering change control meetings, oversaw production trial runs, conducted assembly cell runoff, and managed production run-at-rate activities to uphold compliance with customer quality requirements.
Senior Global Project - Quality Engineer
John Deere & Company
Des Moines
04.2013 - 01.2017
- Responsibilities included the full successful quality integration process for the John Deere Cotton Business Unit Global Manufacturing facilities based in regions 1 & 2 (Asia & The Middle East).
- Implemented improved product resolution cycle time by 25% exceeding implementation expectations.
- Achieved over $5M in profit for the business unit operating at 54% of projected product volumes in sales; 1 of the top 5 business units in the entire global enterprise.
- Led the compliance to the JD Enterprise Product Delivery Process and achieved strict Failure per Machine and Distinctive Product Quality goals within the business unit.
- Worked with critical component & assembly suppliers on PPAP and CAR activities achieving 85% compliance on First Pass Yields.
Director of Quality
Mayville Engineering Company
Mayville
01.2012 - 04.2013
- The Corporate Lead Quality Manager over 8 metal fabrication production facilities including involvement at each customer assembly plant in OEM design development, manufacturing, and assembly.
- Attained a 30% improvement in customer approval response in required PPAP submissions.
- Trained and mentored the QA teams in each of the 8 facilities for MEC throughout Wisconsin achieving successful recertification to ISO9001 at all locations.
- Developed & executed improved supplier auditing activity, performance tracking and analysis, selection, development, and corrective resolution achieving 43% overall supply base improvement in quality ratings.
Supplier Integration Manager
Mercury Marine / Brunswick Corporation
Fond du Lac
05.2006 - 01.2012
- Responsible for full Supplier Integration activities for specific vendors within my assigned commodity.
- Supported purchasing in selection & evaluation of an expanded supply base, in Asia.
- Participated as a member of the New Product Development team through Design Engineering by developing extremely complex high output marine engines with responsibility for supplier provided components.
- Reduced PPM ratings in my assigned commodity supply base 25% and reduced production cost by 15% through six-sigma projects within 3 specifically assigned strategic suppliers.
- Champion of a team that achieved savings exceeding $550,000 serving as a key member of a Lean Six Sigma project on an internal program to the Fond du Lac, WI. Large engine manufacturing facility.
Education
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership & Quality
Marian University of Wisconsin
Fond du Lac, WI08.2009
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI06.2002
Associate's degree - Electronics Technology
West Shore Community College
Scottville, MI06.1985
Skills
- QMS expertise in IATF16949
- AS9100
- ISO14001
- ISO9001
- Certified Lead Auditor
- Six-Sigma Black Belt
- APQP
- PFMEA
- CAPA
- 8D
- RCA
- PPAP
- Capability Analysis
- Metrology
- FPY
- SQA
- NCM
- CSR
- PTR
- Team Lead
- HSE
- Continuous Improvement
- Project Management
- Strong Customer relationship development
Certification
- AIAG Certified Lead Auditor for IATF: 16949:2016 including Supplier Auditor, 2017 - present
- ASQ CQM/OE & CSSBB, CQA & CQT
- Competent Communicator: Toastmasters International, 2016
Timeline
Quality Engineer
Grand Traverse Stamping: PKC Division of motherson
02.2025 - Current
Quality Engineer Project Lead & Continuous Improvement Manager
Disher Engineering Services, Zeeland, MI. / SFM Group LLC., Ludington, MI.
04.2023 - 01.2025
Quality Manager
Myotek Holdings
03.2019 - 04.2023
Quality Manager
Chassix / Aludyne, Inc.
01.2017 - 03.2019
Senior Global Project - Quality Engineer
John Deere & Company
04.2013 - 01.2017
Director of Quality
Mayville Engineering Company
01.2012 - 04.2013
Supplier Integration Manager
Mercury Marine / Brunswick Corporation
05.2006 - 01.2012
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership & Quality
Marian University of Wisconsin
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Davenport University
Associate's degree - Electronics Technology
West Shore Community College