Jacob Vrolijk
Manufacturing Engineer
Union,KY
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in operations management, quality management, and continuous improvement, leveraging Lean manufacturing and process optimization to drive efficient and effective outcomes. Skilled in project management and automation, with a strong focus on supporting program onboarding and compliance. Eager to apply skills in Operations, Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Project Management to contribute to a dynamic team.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Manufacturing Engineer
Close the Loop
02.2021 - Current
- Lead operational, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives across recycling and remanufacturing operations.
- Apply Lean manufacturing, SPC, and root cause analysis to reduce variation and improve throughput, quality, and cost performance.
- Design and execute controlled trials, time studies, and feasibility analyses to support data-driven decision-making.
- Develop capital proposals and cost-benefit analyses for new equipment, automation, and process improvements.
- Delivered a 25% production throughput increase through fixture design and process optimization.
- Led project justification and implementation for a new parcel check-in line with a payback period under 18 months.
- Support program onboarding by evaluating process capability, staffing requirements, and equipment needs.
- Prepare performance reports and trend analyses for leadership review.
- Maintain and troubleshoot industrial automation systems including Denso robotic arms and Keyence vision systems.
- Interpret and prepare documentation supporting ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and R2v3 audits and corrective actions.
Education
MBA - Project Management Focus
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 11.2024 - 12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 08.2017 - 05.2021
Skills
- Operations Management
- Quality Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing Processes
- Project Management
- Root Cause Analysis
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 / R2v3 Compliance
- Cost-Benefit & ROI Analysis
- Process Optimization
- Automation & Robotics
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Cross-Functional Leadership
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Forklift and Heavy Equipment Experience
- American Red Cross – CPR & Bloodborne Pathogens
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) – NKU Chapter
Timeline
MBA - Project Management Focus
Northern Kentucky University
11.2024 - 12.2025
Manufacturing Engineer
Close the Loop
02.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Northern Kentucky University
08.2017 - 05.2021