John (Jeff) Lichtle
Haines City,FL
Summary
Director-level manufacturing leader with deep experience in production planning, process development, and facility management. Leads high-volume fabrication operations, improves workflows, and drives consistent quality through strong team leadership and workforce development. Experienced manufacturing and operations professional with a strong background in CNC programming, production scheduling, and inventory control. Proven success setting up new facilities, developing efficient procedures, and coordinating teams, contractors, and engineering partners. Focused on building organized, scalable operations that support growth and high-quality output. Versatile manufacturing leader with experience across machine shops, fabrication, and large-scale program support. Known for strong team supervision, training, and problem solving, with a track record of improving production flow, managing resources, and supporting reliable results.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Manufacturing/Factory Operations
AVT Simulation
Orlando, FL
02.2025 - Current
- Directed manufacturing operations for AVT simulation hardware and assembly workflows.
- Managed production schedules for AVT simulation fabrication and integration work.
- Established production facility for high-volume runs, enabling streamlined operations.
- Collaborated with contractors to upgrade and expand facilities, supporting capacity growth.
- Worked with Engineering to design and develop high-quality machinable parts.
- Developed proper processes and procedures for print review and release
- Implemented organized shipping and receiving process, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Designed an inventory cage with a clear categorization system for all parts.
Site Forman/ Program Manager
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
Orlando, FL
01.2023 - 02.2025
- Controlled and built new Harry Potter attraction for Universal Studios Epic
- Determined resource needs including manpower requirements, materials estimates, tools and equipment lists.
- Coordinated materials, tools, and equipment deliveries.
- Scheduled daily work and assigned tasks to tradespeople.
- Resolved field issues and kept work moving smoothly.
- Provided technical assistance to workers in order to resolve complex problems.
- Trained new workers on site procedures and expectations.
Manufacturing Manager
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
Orlando, Fl
01.2016 - 01.2023
- Managed day-to-day operations including scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, monitoring progress.
- Supervised shop floor teams and assigned daily work priorities.
- Planned production schedules and coordinated material flow across departments.
- Reviewed inventory levels and ordered raw materials for ongoing production.
- Trained supervisors on equipment use, process steps, and workplace expectations.
- Resolved production issues and supported continuous workflow improvements.
- Supervised staff members in their daily operations to ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.
Machine Shop Foreman
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
Orlando, FL
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Programmed and set up 3,4, and 5 axis cnc mills
- Programmed and setup cnc laser
- Programmed and set up cnc lathe
- Supervised production schedules to ensure timely project completion.
- Coordinated machinists and prioritized daily workflow to optimize output.
- Reviewed blueprints and job travelers to confirm machining requirements before production.
- Enforced quality standards across shop floor.
- Ensured safe and efficient operation of machine shop production.
- Supervised, trained, and evaluated machine shop personnel.
CNC Programmer
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
Orlando, Florida
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Set up and programmed CNC mills to meet project specifications.
- Developed and maintained CNC programs for diverse machining operations, supporting production consistency.
- Troubleshot and resolved CNC programming issues in a timely manner.
- Engineered fixturing solutions for complex part holding to enhance machining precision.
- Performed offline programming using Inventor and FeatureCam.
- Wrote cnc posts for all cnc machines
- Trained machine shop personnel on how to program and set up cnc mills
President
Two Bulldogs Construction
Orlando, Florida
11.2003 - 02.2007
- Provided leadership and guidance on budgeting decisions to maximize resources available.
- Managed personnel issues including recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluation, and termination.
- Oversaw daily administrative tasks such as payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable management.
- Approved work schedules and material lists to ensure project timelines were met.
- Design and build custom kitchens and bathrooms
Shop Foreman
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
Sterling Heights, Michigan
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Supervised mold shop workflow to ensure efficient production and timely project completion.
- Reviewed blueprints and routed mold components to optimize machining operations and reduce errors.
- Trained and mentored employees on procedures, enhancing skills and improving overall team performance.
- Trained machinists on setup, safety, and shop procedures.
- Designed injection molds from customer part requirements
- Programmed CNC machines
- Coordinated maintenance for CNC machines and production equipment.
- Ordered shop supplies and tracked material needs for mold projects.
Cad/Cam Supervisor
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
Sterling Heights, Michigan
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Programmed and set up all cnc machines for mold built by me personally.
- Supervised programming team to ensure high-quality output and adherence to project timelines.
- Trained and supervised mold designs to enhance durability and performance.
- Trained operators on safety protocols and quality standards to maintain compliance and operational excellence.
Mold Maker
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
Sterling Heights, Michigan
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Constructed precision molds for high-quality manufacturing.
- Created detailed blueprints and tool drawings to ensure precise mold specifications.
- Machined cavity inserts using mills, lathes, and grinders.
- Fitted and assembled mold components for proper alignment.
- Inspected dimensions with micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Repaired worn molds and restored tooling surfaces to extend tool life and maintain production quality.
- Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
- Smoothed surfaces of mold using scraping tools and sandpaper.
Mold Maker Apprentice
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
Sterling Heights, Michigan
06.1992 - 01.1994
- Fit, assembled, and adjusted mold bases, cavities, and cores.
- Polished and finished mold surfaces to ensure optimal part release and quality.
- Operated CNC mills, lathes, EDM, Bridge Ports, Surface Grinders, Wet Grinders, Wire EDM, equipment for mold components.
Education
High School Diploma -
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI06-1994
Skills
- CNC programming
- Production planning
- Production scheduling
- Operations management
- Inventory control
- Process development
- Production procedures
- Scheduling and forecasting
- Fabrication specialist
- Facility management
- Team leadership
- Team supervision
- Employee training
- Workforce development
- Problem solving
Timeline
Director of Manufacturing/Factory Operations
AVT Simulation
02.2025 - Current
Site Forman/ Program Manager
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
01.2023 - 02.2025
Manufacturing Manager
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
01.2016 - 01.2023
Machine Shop Foreman
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
01.2011 - 01.2016
CNC Programmer
Industrial Smoke and Mirrors
01.2007 - 01.2011
President
Two Bulldogs Construction
11.2003 - 02.2007
Shop Foreman
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
01.1998 - 01.2003
Cad/Cam Supervisor
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
01.1996 - 01.1998
Mold Maker
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
01.1994 - 01.1996
Mold Maker Apprentice
Great Lakes Mold and Eng
06.1992 - 01.1994
High School Diploma -
Macomb Community College