John Bridges
Kings Mountain,NC
Summary
Accomplished Manufacturing Engineer recognized for expertise in process enhancement and compliance in regulated settings. Achieved notable improvements in equipment downtime and overall effectiveness through machine and process design assesments, project management, and technical troubleshooting. Proficiency in Root Cause Analysis methods and Lean principles, contributing to safety advancements and operational improvements across engineering teams.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Manufacturing Engineer
Greiner Bio One
Monroe, NC
04.2025 - Current
- Plan and implement process and equipment improvement projects to reduce in-process scrap, increase OEE, and prevent non-conformances.
- Perform Root Cause Analysis for quality and performance concerns using 5 Whys or Ishikawa diagrams then develop and implement Correct And Preventative Action plans.
- Analyze production statistics to identify trends using integrated SCADA software.
- Collaborate with inter-departmental engineering teams to devise company-wide solutions addressing operational deficiencies
- Create and revise production SOPs and SWIs to improve processes while maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Write and execute validation protocols for new equipment and processes
- Ensure department compliance with FDA 21 CFR part 820, ISO 13485 and ISO 9001
- Advise on maintenance projects and provide support during situations requiring additional technical support.
Automation Maintenance Lead
Greiner Bio One
Monroe, NC
08.2022 - 04.2025
- Organize daily maintenance activities for 20 fully automated assembly systems in production based on priorities set by management.
- Led a maintenance team of 15 technicians including multi-craft, automation, and preventative maintenance technicians and 3 technician apprentices.
- Led projects including machine overhauls, scheduled PMs, machine upgrades, and equipment trainings.
- Enforce a root cause analysis method for troubleshooting machine issues in the maintenance department to determine effective corrective actions reducing downtime.
- Monitor machine performance and efficiencies and coordinate team assets to resolve deficiencies.
- Act as department SME on improvement initiatives, investigations, and other projects.
- Troubleshoot complex issues with mechanical systems, pneumatic systems, electrical systems, camera inspection systems, and PLC controls.
Continuous Improvement Lead
Greiner Bio One
Monroe, NC
04.2021 - 08.2022
- Organize process and machine improvement projects for production department Vacuette.
- Supervised team of continuous improvement technicians to sustain and elevate department processes
- Conduct quality investigations in production for in process quality irregularities and customer complaints.
- Participate in CAPA processes including 5-why investigations, root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and corrective action implementation.
- Work with department engineer on planned machine upgrades and new machine instillation including procedure development and training for personnel.
Vacuette Production Trainer
Greiner Bio One
Monroe, NC
05.2020 - 04.2021
- Conduct department trainings on procedures and updated processes.
- Develop new operator training program with new documentation and tracking database based on procedures and on the job training with measurable goals and verification methods.
- Participate in CAPA processes including 5-why investigations, root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and corrective action implementation.
- Work with department engineer on planned machine upgrades and new machine instillation including procedure development and training for personnel.
- Conduct trainings with all department personel based on observed deficiencies in technical and professional areas.
- Lead department improvement initiatives.
Automation Maintenance Technician
Greiner Bio One
Monroe, NC
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Troubleshoot electrical systems including relays, contactors, power supplies, Hauser Compax Servo controllers, Mitsubishi frequency drives, Bosch Rexroth servo drives, etc.
- Troubleshoot pneumatic systems including air cylinders, solenoids, valves, regulators, etc.
- Troubleshooting automation systems including Siemens S5, Beckhoff PLC, EtherCat Communication systems, Profibus systems, ABB robotics, Keyence Camera hardware and software, National Instrument Vision Builder software, Stiwa Automation and associated hardware and software.
- Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on production systems including replacement of wear parts, lubrication of joints and identification and resolution of future part failures.
- Maintain communication with production leadership regarding maintenance activities.
Maintenance Technician Apprentice
Greiner Bio One
Monroe, NC
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Receive hands on training from department trainers regarding maintenance of production lines.
- Receive conceptual education from South Piedmont Community College on basic manufacturing systems including PLC’s, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and other degree requirements.
- Participate in department project to further knowledge of automation systems and department processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technologies
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05.2023
Associates of Science - Mechatronics Engineering
South Piedmont Community College
Monroe, NC05.2018
Skills
- Process improvement
- Root cause analysis
- Production statistics and analytics
- Failure modes and effects analysis
- Project management and problem solving
- Technical troubleshooting
- Automation systems
- Process validation
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Regulatory compliance
- Preventative maintenance
- Exposure to SAP systems
- Effective communication
- MS Office expertise
Educational Project Experience
- Project Lead, Junior Design, UNC Charlotte, 01/01/21, 05/01/21. Design and test a piston driven air motor including tolerances of components. Produce 3D models of project components. Perform calculations for design proof of concept. Organize team activities to maintain timeline.
- Team Member, Senior Design, UNC Charlotte, 08/01/22, 05/01/23, Design, plan and construct automated conveyor for food packaging. Develop FMEA strategy during designing and validation strategy after construction. Produce 3D models of project components. Procure components and materials. Develop machine manual and testing plan. Assemble and test the system.
Timeline
Manufacturing Engineer
Greiner Bio One
04.2025 - Current
Automation Maintenance Lead
Greiner Bio One
08.2022 - 04.2025
Continuous Improvement Lead
Greiner Bio One
04.2021 - 08.2022
Vacuette Production Trainer
Greiner Bio One
05.2020 - 04.2021
Automation Maintenance Technician
Greiner Bio One
08.2018 - 05.2020
Maintenance Technician Apprentice
Greiner Bio One
08.2016 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technologies
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Associates of Science - Mechatronics Engineering
South Piedmont Community College