Joe Kaelin
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Process-driven manufacturing professional with hands-on experience in advanced materials, magnet compaction, and cross-functional product development. Proven track record of owning customer-bound production, driving process improvements, and supporting applications and engineering teams in a fast-paced startup environment. Seeking to transition into an Applications or customer-facing engineering role, with long-term interest in technical sales and business development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Sample Prep Technician
Niron Magnetics
Minneapolis, USA
11.2024 - Current
- Serve as primary operator for customer production, including full independent coverage of compaction and shipment workflows
- Own end-to-end magnet compaction process supporting 100% of customer-bound shipments, ensuring strict performance, density, and dimensional requirements
- Support both customer production and high-volume R&D builds (200+ units) while maintaining throughput and quality consistency
- Develop and refine SOPs and process workflows supporting L0/L1 validation and scalable production
- Identified and implemented process improvements, enhancing turnaround time and repeatability
- Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to maintain operational uptime in a fast-paced startup environment
- Collected and analyzed performance data, supporting engineering and applications teams in customer-driven development
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, R&D, and applications teams to align production capabilities with customer requirements
- Cross-trained team members, improving scalability, reducing bottlenecks, and supporting production continuity
- Support development-level builds, bridging the gap between production execution and engineering process development
Engineering Technician II (Contract)
3M
Maplewood, USA
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Analyzed and presented test data to engineers, influencing product performance and design improvements
- Conducted materials testing with specialized equipment, informing critical product development decisions
- Managed lab workflows and materials, optimizing testing processes and maintaining data integrity
- Supported cross-functional engineering teams in product validation and development cycles
Quality Control Technician
Creative Laboratories
Eagan, USA
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducted analytical testing (pH, viscosity, microbiological) on personal care products to ensure quality and safety
- Maintained comprehensive documentation to uphold compliance with quality and testing standards
- Facilitated consistent lab operations and processes across multiple product lines
Wait Assistant
Bar La Grassa
Minneapolis, USA
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Provided high-volume customer service in fast-paced environment, ensuring customer satisfaction for 300+ patrons/night
- Enhanced communication, multitasking, and team coordination skills to effectively support team operations
- Assisted servers in delivering food and drinks to guests promptly.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area throughout service.
- Supported bartenders by restocking supplies and preparing garnishes.
Research Assistant
University of Minnesota
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Performed biological research and analyzed data to support academic studies, contributing to knowledge advancement in the field
- Assisted in conducting literature reviews for ongoing research projects.
- Collected and organized data using statistical software tools.
- Collaborated with faculty on designing and implementing experiments.
Education
B.S. - Biology, Society & Environment
University of Minnesota
Associate Degree - Biochemistry
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Skills
- Process development and improvement
- SOP creation and documentation
- Magnet compaction techniques
- Advanced materials processing
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Customer-focused production strategies
- Technical communication skills
- Data analysis and reporting
- Equipment troubleshooting expertise
- Workflow optimization methods
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- PowerPoint presentation skills
- Materials testing methodologies
- Project management capabilities
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Effective communication skills
- Team coordination abilities
- Time management strategies
- Field work experience and insights
- Analytical skills and problem-solving
Personal Information
Authorized To Work: U.S.
Timeline
Sample Prep Technician
Niron Magnetics
11.2024 - Current
Engineering Technician II (Contract)
3M
04.2024 - 10.2024
Quality Control Technician
Creative Laboratories
10.2023 - 04.2024
Research Assistant
University of Minnesota
09.2021 - 12.2021
Wait Assistant
Bar La Grassa
01.2019 - 01.2023
B.S. - Biology, Society & Environment
University of Minnesota
Associate Degree - Biochemistry
Minneapolis Community & Technical College