Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

James "Michael" Christopher

Rising Fawn

Summary

Adaptable Process Engineer ready to tackle diverse projects and variable production realities. Carefully manages internal personnel and third-party contractors to produce cohesive and optimized final project results. Committed to reducing completion times, budgetary impacts and success rates. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for driving process improvements and operational excellence.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Process Engineer

Opella
07.2024 - Current
  • Coached and mentored newly hired employees and interns, monitored performance, and delegated tasks to support skill development and workflow integration.
  • Facilitated weekly team meetings to align on project progress, address concerns, and ensure consistent execution of deliverables.
  • Created detailed Scope of Work (SOW) documentation to support project planning and execution.
  • Managed third-party contractors by inspecting work for quality assurance and compliance with technical specifications and safety standards.
  • Participated in project reviews, providing regular updates on timelines, risks, and key performance metrics.
  • Acted as a liaison with internal teams to verify correct implementation of technical procedures and project specifications.
  • Provided technical support to production teams, resolving equipment and process issues to minimize disruptions.
  • Conducted root cause analyses (RCA) to identify, prioritize, and eliminate sources of process inefficiency or failure.
  • Reviewed manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks and implement targeted improvements.
  • Optimized production processes to increase throughput, improve product quality, and reduce operational costs.
  • Reduced downtime and improved capacity by developing and implementing preventive maintenance strategies.
  • Spearheaded process improvement initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement changes that enhanced overall operational efficiency.
  • Reviewed processes, identifying areas requiring improvement.
  • Monitored and optimized production processes to increase throughput and improve quality.
  • Reduced downtime and increased production capacity with strong maintenance plans.
  • Developed and implemented process improvements to reduce costs and increase efficiency in industrial production.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process changes.

Lead Packaging Technician

Sanofi CHC
10.2014 - Current
  • Supervise a team of fewer than 20 Sanofi and contract associates, providing leadership and direction to ensure line efficiency and production goals.
  • Lead operator training on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) materials and best practices, including clean, inspect, and lubricate (CIL) routines and centerlining procedures.
  • Develop, update, and sustain TPM documentation including transformation lists, centerline standards, and Standard Work Instructions for machine changeovers.
  • Enhance operator troubleshooting capabilities and technical proficiency through ongoing coaching and mentorship.
  • Partner with Maintenance and Equipment Operators to identify and resolve line inefficiencies and process defects.
  • Played a key role in new product launches, ensuring smooth transitions through proactive planning and training.
  • Design and implement 5S initiatives, including shadow boards, workspace organization, and team education on lean methodologies.
  • Serve as 3rd shift document control reviser and lead operator, ensuring batch record compliance and documentation accuracy.
  • Acted as Interim Process Engineer, supporting engineering and quality initiatives related to packaging operations.
  • Assist with the development and rollout of packaging initiatives and quality improvements across multiple production lines.
  • SAP Key End User responsible for system navigation, data input, and training.
  • Certified advanced-level operator of Mediseal (Körber) CP1200-P3000, Norden Tube Filler, and Carton Machine.
  • Forklift Trainer Certified | Lockout/Tagout Trained
  • Selected as a trainer for onboarding new hires and skill development across the team.
  • Member of the MERT (Manufacturing Emergency Response Team) and UTC Leadership Academy graduate.

Advanced Sulzer Technician

Shaw Industries
03.2007 - 10.2014
  • Performed style changes on Sulzer (Itema) weaving machines in accordance with product specifications and production orders.
  • Troubleshot, diagnosed, and repaired mechanical and electrical issues on high-speed weaving equipment to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
  • Conducted preventative maintenance routines to ensure optimal machine performance and reduce unexpected failures.
  • Set up and calibrated machines using precision tools such as feeler gauges, micrometers, and other hand tools.
  • Rebuilt gearboxes and maintained key mechanical components to extend equipment lifespan and ensure consistent output quality.
  • Supported weavers with operational tasks and responded to machine-related issues to maintain smooth workflow.
  • Played a key role in a LEAN initiative that successfully reduced cloth scrap by 6%, contributing to waste reduction and operational efficiency.
  • Progressed through roles from Cloth Doffer to Weaver to Sulzer Technician, demonstrating strong technical growth and reliability.
  • Selected to train and onboard new weavers and technicians, sharing knowledge and promoting team development.
  • Supervised maintenance activities, coordinated repair schedules, and ensured all safety and quality standards were met.
  • Tested, inspected, and calibrated mechanical and electrical systems to ensure compliance with operational standards.
  • Consistently ensured that weaving machinery remained operational by identifying issues early and performing timely repairs and maintenance.

Automotive Technician

Lawrence-Doster Motor Company
07.2005 - 03.2007
  • Performed routine maintenance and comprehensive inspections on both new and used vehicles, including pre-delivery and lot readiness assessments.
  • Specialized in diagnosing and repairing brake systems, suspensions (including air suspension), wheel alignments, and minor electrical systems.
  • Conducted diagnostics using OBD-II scanners and OEM-specific tools to identify and resolve mechanical and electrical faults.
  • Promoted from General Service Technician to Flat Rate Line Technician based on performance, technical skill, and productivity.
  • Completed preventive maintenance services, including oil changes, tire rotations, engine tune-ups, wheel balancing, and filter replacements per OEM guidelines.
  • Executed repairs and services in accordance with manufacturer specifications for both customer-pay and warranty work.
  • Performed full-vehicle inspections to identify issues such as leaks, wear, damage, and safety concerns.
  • Utilized advanced alignment and balancing equipment to properly align wheels, axles, and steering systems.
  • Replaced worn, damaged, or missing parts using OEM and refurbished components.
  • Performed emissions and safety inspections in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of time, materials, and labor to ensure proper billing and inventory management.
  • Diagnosed malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and control systems using diagnostic trees and online repair databases.
  • Used specialized tools to detect refrigerant and fuel system leaks.
  • Ensured all shop tools and equipment were maintained in good working condition and followed safety protocols.

Education

BAS - Engineering Management

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science
08.2024

Associate of Applied Science - Engineering Technologies, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Chattanooga State Community College
12.2019

Skills

  • Manufacturing improvement
  • Performance improvement tracking
  • Design validation
  • Lean environments
  • Production planning
  • Waste reduction
  • Computer-aided design
  • Lean environment experience
  • Project management
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Six sigma methodologies
  • Machine troubleshooting

Certification

  • Yale Certified Forklift Trainer.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Accomplishments

  • Chattanooga State's Tennessee Delta chapter of the Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society.
  • Completed Walker County Fire Department recruitment training (2007)
  • Competed with TSA and VICA competitions for Drafting/Design Mechanical drawings (2001-2003)

Timeline

Process Engineer

Opella
07.2024 - Current

Lead Packaging Technician

Sanofi CHC
10.2014 - Current

Advanced Sulzer Technician

Shaw Industries
03.2007 - 10.2014

Automotive Technician

Lawrence-Doster Motor Company
07.2005 - 03.2007

Associate of Applied Science - Engineering Technologies, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Chattanooga State Community College

BAS - Engineering Management

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science