Jose M. Ceja
Munster,Ind
Summary
Professional Innovative Mechanical Design Engineer with a proven track record in design implementation in state-of-the-art mechanical applications. Extensive experience in manufacturing, product development, project management. Specialized in the design of equipment for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Skills Reverse-engineering R&D or complex equipment and machines Sheet metal processing (forming, laser cutting, notching, etc.) Food processing application analysis to improve productivity Designing Cryogenic systems and equipment for the frozen food industry. Conveyor, machinery and equipment design and testing (food and pharma) SolidWorks & AutoCAD Professional with 9 years of experience Autodesk Inventor MS Office, Adobe Suite experience Project Management Purchasing components as spec’d per design and customer standards Creating BOMs Outsourcing Engineering and providing standard procedures and information to meet the company’s expectations and standards. Excellent leadership skills Authorized to work in the US for any employer.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
El Milagro
Chicago, IL
11.2024 - Current
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers based on company objectives and budget constraints.
- Implemented effective communication protocols between internal teams working on different aspects of a given project.
- Collaborated closely with senior management on long-term strategic planning initiatives related to projects in development or execution stages.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures throughout the life cycle of each project.
- Coordinated resources across multiple departments and teams as needed for successful completion of projects.
- Actively sought out feedback from stakeholders throughout the duration of a project in order to identify areas needing improvement or adjustment.
- Monitored progress of each project to ensure timely delivery of deliverables in accordance with established quality standards.
- Maintained records of all documents related to each project including specifications, change orders, invoices.
- Developed and maintained project plans, timelines, and budgets.
- Led meetings with internal team members, consultants and contractors.
- Made changes to project scope and cost and implemented most effective change management processes to keep project up-to-date.
- Reviewed budget and subcontractor estimates in detail and analyzed for accuracy with scope of work relevancy in mind.
- Developed solutions to project risks and issues, meeting quality and timeline goals and objectives.
- Generated and tracked change orders and other contractual modifications affecting budget and schedule.
- Managed contracts with vendors and suppliers by assigning tasks and communicating expected deliverables.
- Submitted budget estimates, progress reports and cost tracking reports.
- Created team objectives and roles with specific goals outlined for each individual.
- Created project status presentations for delivery to customers or project personnel.
- Negotiated with project stakeholders or suppliers to obtain resources or materials.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and technologies.
Sr. Systems Integrator
AGI North America
Naperville , Illinois
01.2024 - 10.2024
- Developed requirements documents for complex systems integration projects.
- Created detailed project plans to ensure successful system integrations.
- Used 3D and 2D CAD software to create complex material handling systems, for the Latin American Sales and Engineering division.
- Performed system analysis and design tasks to integrate multiple systems into one cohesive solution.
- Provided technical support for existing integrated systems in production environment.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards during the system integration process.
- Analyzed customer requirements and identified appropriate solutions for their needs.
- Worked closely with other teams within organization to ensure successful completion of projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Maintained up-to-date documentation related to all aspects of the system integration process.
- Designed fixtures, tooling and experimental apparatus to assist with testing and manufacturing operations.
- Created detailed drawings using AutoCAD software for parts fabrication and assembly.
- Developed 3D models for product development using SolidWorks software.
- Used CAD software to design and refine product concepts for manufacturability.
- Streamlined design-to-manufacturing workflows, reducing time to market for new products.
- Developed and maintained project documentation, including specifications, test reports, and user manuals.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers based on company objectives and budget constraints.
- Implemented effective communication protocols between internal teams working on different aspects of a given project.
- Identified risks associated with each project and developed strategies for mitigating those risks.
- Created and implemented processes to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Managed multiple projects with competing deadlines simultaneously.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures throughout the life cycle of each project.
- Analyzed data from various sources such as surveys, interviews, focus groups. to inform decision-making related to projects.
- Actively sought out feedback from stakeholders throughout the duration of a project in order to identify areas needing improvement or adjustment.
- Maintained records of all documents related to each project including specifications, change orders, invoices.
- Created project plans with established timelines, assigned to appropriate teams and managed workflow throughout construction.
- Managed contracts with vendors and suppliers by assigning tasks and communicating expected deliverables.
- Submitted budget estimates, progress reports and cost tracking reports.
- Created project status presentations for delivery to customers or project personnel.
Application Engineer/Senior Sales Manager
Benda Conveyor Solutions
Tinley Park, Illinois
12.2021 - 01.2024
- Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development.
- Enhanced sales volume through skilled support to both new and inactive customers.
- Led sales planning, development and account management to grow existing accounts and establish new sales accounts.
- Reviewed operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
- Prepared budgets and approved budget expenditures.
- Met with sales and design departments to determine project road maps and create unique products to drive profitability and champion brand.
- Conferred with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and determine system requirements.
- Performed in customer role to translate needs to internal product teams.
- Researched and identified potential customers.
- Recommended improvements to customers and demonstrated potential cost reductions and process improvements.
- Created sales or service contracts for customer review and acceptance.
- Planned various product configurations to meet diverse customer needs.
- Drafted, presented and responded to proposals for specific customer requirements with industry-specific solutions.
- Offered technical and non-technical support and services to clients and staff regarding product use, operation and maintenance.
- Arranged demonstrations or equipment trials to persuade customers and drive sales.
- Discussed equipment needs with customers and engineers to determine system requirements.
- Documented account activities and generated sales reports.
- Directed and coordinated products, services and sales activities.
- Coached, developed and motivated team to achieve revenue goals.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding sales and service.
Sr. Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager
Benda Manufacturing
Tinley Park, IL
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Improve current conveyor designs and improve legacy drawings
- Work in a team environment and guide less experience engineers to improve engineering time
- Measure facilities to design layouts that will be used for installation of machines
- Create and approve engineering prints including BOMs
- Improve part manufacturability for stock and inventory parts as well as components which need to be outsourced
- Work on parametrized models and creating Illogic documents
- Improve design of existing equipment and design new conveyor systems with updated components and technology
- Assist and provide the shop with accurate prints and assembly drawings
- Work closely with project managers and customers to take ideas and plans to take the product from concept to finalized installation.
- Used CAD software to design and refine product concepts for manufacturability.
- Created conceptual design drawings for use in manufacturing and fabrication.
- Participated in cross-functional teams with manufacturing, quality, marketing and procurement departments.
- Defined functionality and operability requirements of pre-production designs to be used in manufacturing.
- Used troubleshooting methods to identify issues with mechanical tools.
- Organized projects by delegating tasks to appropriate personnel and overseeing quality control duties.
- Reviewed contractors' schedules and submission of shop drawings and samples.
- Created 2D drawings according to GD&T standards.
- Conducted research to test and analyze equipment and system feasibility, design, operation and performance.
- Recommended design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
- Estimated costs or submitted bids for engineering, construction or extraction projects.
- Specified system components or direct product modifications to verify conformance with engineering design or performance specifications.
- Discussed design specifications and procedures with project manager, engineering team and construction manager.
- Mentored new engineering and production team members.
- Improved methods and procedures for processes, measurement, documenting and workflow techniques.
- Aided management decisions by estimating production times, staffing requirements and related costs.
- Coordinated contractors, architects and other project team members to deliver high-quality projects within specified timeframes.
- Identified and implemented most acceptable resolutions to complex engineering problems.
- Built and established strong partnerships with teams, vendors and contractors.
- Created project plans with established timelines, assigned to appropriate teams and managed workflow throughout construction.
- Led meetings with internal team members, consultants and contractors.
- Forecasted, scheduled and monitored project timelines, personnel performance and cost efficiency.
- Developed solutions to project risks and issues, meeting quality and timeline goals and objectives.
- Identified needs and coordinated resource allocation to deliver quality standards on time and within budget.
- Conducted periodic inspections of job sites for quality and progress.
- Prepared cost estimates for projects of varying sizes.
- Drove continuous improvement of project delivery process by providing strong leadership.
- Generated and tracked change orders and other contractual modifications affecting budget and schedule.
- Modified project plans when needed to better align with organizational objectives.
- Focused on project monitoring and management by developing forecasts and tracking expenses.
- Reviewed project risks and devised proactive strategies to avoid potential roadblocks.
- Determined project staffing needs and led resource management.
- Drafted project construction schedule and updated as job progressed.
- Furnished project updates to various stakeholders, informing on strategy, adjustments and progress.
- Developed, coordinated and monitored production tasks.
- Monitored design processes from conceptual phase through construction.
- Maintained timely and accurate oral and written technical reports of engineering activities.
- Designed spaces with special requirements such as laboratories and heart catheterization rooms.
- Calculated loads, emissions and energy requirements.
- Developed and managed updates to building mechanical systems and equipment.
- Evaluated construction design information such as detail and assembly drawings, design calculations, system layouts and sketches or specifications.
Mechanical Design Engineer
Cryogenic Systems Equipment
08.2019 - 01.2020
- Stablish and organize parts and equipment file library
- Set up Autodesk Inventor in order to gradually change the Engineering Cad system from 2D AutoCAD to 3D Autodesk Inventor
- Measure facilities to design layouts that will be used for installation of machines
- Create and approve engineering prints including BOMs
- Improve part manufacturability for stock and inventory parts as well as components which need to be outsourced
- Improve design of existing equipment and design new cryogenic systems with updated components and technology
- Assist and provide the shop with easy to read prints and assembly drawings.
Chief Mechanical Engineer
Kamflex Conveyors
12.2014 - 01.2019
- Manage the engineer department, and apply quality control procedures
- Design custom sanitary and packing machinery from concept to installation
- Visit plants to improve or change product application
- Measure facilities to design layouts that will be used for installation of machines
- Create and approve engineering prints including BOMs
- Quote jobs for new and existing customer
- Help sales with spare parts information that required engineering information
- Maintain a close relationship with vendors as well as customer
- Managed projects of various sizes
- Aid the maintenance department
- 6 years of experience using SolidWorks to create custom made sheet-metal parts as well as machined parts
- Managed 4-7 projects at a time with short lead times
- Communicate with customers and vendors alike to realized and finalize projects in due dates and in a smooth manner.
Mechanical Design Engineer
E-Quip MFG
08.2012
- Design sanitary conveyors for the food industry as well as crosswalks and other equipment as needed per project
- Create BOMs for each project and provide specs and information for the purchasing department in order to purchase the correct parts required
- Re-design and plan modification of old equipment to meet current standards and upgrade components to meet FDA’s standards
- Follow manufacturing codes for weldments and engineering prints
- Obtain quotes from vendors
- Create approval prints for customers
- Design custom made sheet-metal parts to meet the customer’s needs.
Waterjet Designer
Tech
10.2007
- Designed parts for major assemblies and fixtures to be cut using the waterjet cutting machine
- Managed a small group of technicians to run the department and maintain the entire department
- Organized meetings regarding projects where the waterjet was needed
- Ordered raw sheet material as needed for the waterjet jobs
- Worked as a project manager
- Help organized the material area using plant layouts created in CAD.
Education
Associates - Design, Science of Computer Drafting and Design
ITT Tech. School of Computer Drafting
05.2012
Associates - Business Management
South Suburban College
05.2003
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Detail-Oriented
- Appointment Scheduling
- Operating Procedures and Policies
- Sales Program Coordination
- Sales Process Engineering
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Key Account Development
- Presentations and Public Speaking
- Inventory Management
- Cold Calling
- Closing Techniques
- Solution Selling
- Decision-Making
- Product and Service Promotion
- Time Management
- Relationship Building
- New Business Development
- Analytical Problem Solver
- Project Management
- CAD Software Packages
- CAD Drafting
- Highly Skilled in 3D and 2D CAD
- Instrumentation
- Written and Verbal Communication Skills
- SharePoint
- 2D and 3D Modeling
- AutoDesk Inventor
- Design Optimization
- Metal Fabrication
- Machine Design
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Scheduling
- Microsoft Excel
- AutoCAD
- Prototype Development
- Equipment Inspection
References
REFERENCES PROVIDED IF REQUIRED.
Languages
Timeline
Project Manager
El Milagro
11.2024 - Current
Sr. Systems Integrator
AGI North America
01.2024 - 10.2024
Application Engineer/Senior Sales Manager
Benda Conveyor Solutions
12.2021 - 01.2024
Sr. Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager
Benda Manufacturing
01.2020 - 01.2022
Mechanical Design Engineer
Cryogenic Systems Equipment
08.2019 - 01.2020
Chief Mechanical Engineer
Kamflex Conveyors
12.2014 - 01.2019
Mechanical Design Engineer
E-Quip MFG
08.2012
Waterjet Designer
Tech
10.2007
Associates - Design, Science of Computer Drafting and Design
ITT Tech. School of Computer Drafting
Associates - Business Management
South Suburban College
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