Derek Brown
Easley,US
Summary
Results-driven maintenance manager with 20+ years of leadership in manufacturing, power generation, and military operations. Directed maintenance teams, capital projects, reliability initiatives, and facility operations at Michelin, Duke Energy, and KEMET Electronics. Delivered higher equipment uptime through preventive and predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement. Improved safety performance while reducing maintenance costs and aligning maintenance strategy with business objectives.
Results-driven Maintenance Manager with 20+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, power generation, and military operations. Proven success leading maintenance teams, capital projects, reliability initiatives, and facility operations for industry-leading organizations including Michelin, Duke Energy, and KEMET Electronics. Expertise in preventive and predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, asset reliability, electrical and instrumentation systems, budget management, and continuous improvement. Recognized for improving equipment uptime, reducing maintenance costs, enhancing safety performance, and aligning maintenance strategies with business objectives.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
CENTRAL MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Michelin US1
Greenville, SC
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Oversaw all maintenance activities supporting steam supply to manufacturing operations
- Directed facility maintenance including lighting, grounds, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Managed capital and maintenance projects, overseeing bidding, scheduling, and vendor coordination to ensure timely completion.
- Diagnosed root causes of recurring equipment failures and redesigned repair procedures to prevent repeat issues.
- Coordinated with production supervisors to effectively schedule equipment repairs during planned downtime, preventing production loss.
- Developed spare parts inventory system, minimizing emergency vendor orders and reducing associated expedite fees.
- Installed instrumentation on critical boilers to enable real-time monitoring and early detection of pressure anomalies.
SUPERVISOR
Kemet Electronics
Greenville, SC
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Supervised launch and operation of a new capacitor product line
- Ensured production schedules and on-time customer shipments
- Monitored and addressed production requirements to sustain workflow efficiency and meet operational targets.
- Reviewed daily production reports and adjusted staffing levels to align with demand fluctuations while avoiding overtime costs.
- Trained 12 machine operators on equipment safety protocols and standard operating procedures for the line.
- Partnered with quality team to investigate defect trends and update work instructions for three assembly stations.
- Coordinated preventive maintenance schedules for production equipment, minimizing downtime and optimizing asset longevity.
SENIOR ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST
Duke Energy
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Coordinated engineering support for Duke Energy transmission and distribution projects.
- Provided expertise for system modifications to enhance system functionality and reliability
- Reviewed drawings, schematics, and field notes for Duke Energy work packages.
- Prepared technical documentation for Duke Energy maintenance and construction teams.
- Developed electrical drawings and operating procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards
LEAD INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS TECHNICIAN
Duke Energy
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Calibrated instrumentation and control devices across Duke Energy generating and substation equipment.
- Executed preventive maintenance on power plant electrical systems to ensure operational reliability
- Troubleshot PLC and SCADA control faults during Duke Energy system outages.
- Performed preventive maintenance on control panels, sensors, and relay circuits.
- Identified and reported degraded equipment during scheduled maintenance to mitigate potential failures
ELECTRICIAN
United States Navy
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Performed preventive maintenance on shipboard electrical systems to maintain operational readiness
- Trained personnel on electrical plant operations to enhance team capabilities during wartime deployments
- Supported military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq by ensuring reliable electrical systems
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Southern Wesleyan University
Cental, SC01-2013
ASSOCIATE DEGREE - INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
Tri-County Technical College
Pendleton, SC01-2005
U.S. NAVY ELECTRICIAN "A" SCHOOL -
U.S. Navy Electrician "A" School
Great Lakes, MI01-2000
Skills
- AC control systems, DC control systems, AC motor installation, AC motor maintenance, AC motor troubleshooting, PLC troubleshooting, PLC programming, Instrumentation, Control calibration, Electrical circuit troubleshooting, Electrical drawing development, Preventive maintenance, Boiler troubleshooting, Air compressor troubleshooting, Vendor management, Warehouse operations, Project management, Strategic decision-making, Root cause problem-solving, Leadership communication
- Boiler controls
- PLC troubleshooting
- HVAC maintenance
- Steam system management
Personal Information
Title: Maintenance/Project Manager
Timeline
CENTRAL MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Michelin US1
01.2023 - 01.2026
SUPERVISOR
Kemet Electronics
01.2018 - 01.2023
SENIOR ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST
Duke Energy
01.2014 - 01.2018
LEAD INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS TECHNICIAN
Duke Energy
01.2005 - 01.2013
ELECTRICIAN
United States Navy
01.2000 - 01.2004
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Southern Wesleyan University
ASSOCIATE DEGREE - INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
Tri-County Technical College
U.S. NAVY ELECTRICIAN "A" SCHOOL -
U.S. Navy Electrician "A" School