Drake Hickman
Loretto,TN
Summary
Tooling technician with extensive experience in repair operations, team leadership, and operations management across diverse industries. Highly organized with proven ability to manage high-profile projects and coordinate complex workflow and logistics. Effectively balances competing priorities in fast-paced, client-facing environments. Formulates mutually beneficial solutions to complex challenges. Outstanding communicator and relationship-builder known for going above and beyond to ensure best possible outcomes in client service and satisfaction. Regarded as a critical thinker, an innovator, and a technical expert. Career supported by welding certifications: Stick, MiG, and Tig; certified vehicle/equipment operator: forklift, mold-mover, and overhead crane; and HRS system maintenance training.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Tooling Technician
North American Lighting
01.2023 - Current
- Performed tight tolerance weld repairs to parting lines, lifters, and slides; and maintained, overhauled, and repaired hot runner systems in accordance with maintenance guidelines
- Polished 'Class A' surfaces which met quality demands and performed minor to moderate machining and fabrication with machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders
- Consulted with processing, engineering, and tooling personnel which provided tool modification and upgrade recommendations
- Conducted tool PM, inserted changes, and repairs to the tool/die as needed; ensured strict adherence to company work standards
- Performed quality inspection on abrasive blasting and sandblasting; resulted in discovery of defected area on a mold and die
- Diagnose and resolve issues with hot runner systems, Repair or replace faulty components, such as nozzles, heaters, and controllers
Tooling Associate
DaikyoNishikawa
06.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed inventory of spare parts and tools, ensuring their availability when needed for repairs or replacements.
- Monitored production and made improvements for quality and productivity.
- Polished and refined tool surfaces, both flat and contoured using abrasive stones, power grinders and emery cloths.
- Reduced machine downtime by performing preventive maintenance on a regular basis.
TOOL AND DIE TECHNICIAN
Proper Polymers
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Diagnosed/troubleshot problems; performed required repairs on molds and tools; and disassembled/assembled molds for preventive maintenance
- Set up and operated machine tools including lathes, milling machines, and grinders; and smoothed/polished flat and contoured surfaces of parts and tools using abrasive stones, sandpaper, files, polish, and power tools
- Coordinated with production personnel to meet quality standards; ensured 100% compliance with quality protocols and policies
- Communicated and worked closely with production scheduling department due to high volume of production needs; ensured proper maintenance of molds while optimizing downtime resulted in on-time production and scrap reduction
TOOL AND DIE TECHNICIAN
North American Lighting
01.2011 - 01.2020
- Performed tight tolerance weld repairs to parting lines, lifters, and slides; and maintained, overhauled, and repaired hot runner systems in accordance with maintenance guidelines
- Polished 'Class A' surfaces which met quality demands and performed minor to moderate machining and fabrication with machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders
- Consulted with processing, engineering, and tooling personnel which provided tool modification and upgrade recommendations
- Conducted tool PM, inserted changes, and repairs to the tool/die as needed; ensured strict adherence to company work standards
- Performed quality inspection on abrasive blasting and sandblasting; resulted in discovery of defected area on a mold and die
- Optimized study time and maximized on the job training due to lack of experience; resulted in only technician going from a grade C level to an A level within the first evaluation
Education
Loretto High
Loretto, TNSkills
- Preventative Maintenance
- Overhead crane
- Organizational skills
- Tig and MiG welding
- Calipers and Micrometers
- Lathes/Millings/Grinders
- Quality Assurance
- Precision machining
- Polishing techniques
- Bench fittings
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Laser Welding
- Time management abilities
- Continuous improvement
- Inventory management
Timeline
Tooling Technician
North American Lighting
01.2023 - Current
Tooling Associate
DaikyoNishikawa
06.2021 - 01.2023
TOOL AND DIE TECHNICIAN
Proper Polymers
01.2020 - 06.2021
TOOL AND DIE TECHNICIAN
North American Lighting
01.2011 - 01.2020
Loretto High
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