Justin Drake

Manchester,TN

Summary

Results-oriented Project Engineer with over 5 years of expertise in driving industrial process improvements and executing complex facility modifications. Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams through the complete project lifecycle while effectively managing a $1.5M+ Capex portfolio that includes technical design, procurement, and installation of automated industrial systems. Proficient in applying Critical Path Method (CPM) logic and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery of high-stakes engineering projects in high-hazard environments. Committed to leveraging analytical skills and industry knowledge to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Process Improvement Engineer

TENNESSEE TANNING CO. / RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS

Middle Tennessee

01.2021 - Current

Engineering Lead: Directed the end-to-end modernization of a $650,000 toggle dryer, managing technical requirements from initial planning through final commissioning.
Mechanical Systems Integration: Led the technical specification and installation of heavy industrial machinery, including Tanning Drum replacements ($175k+) and a Wastewater Treatment Press ($136k).
Schedule Management: Developed and maintained integrated project schedules in Excel; applied CPM logic to synchronize mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors for zero-downtime installations.
Technical Supervision: Coordinated across engineering, maintenance, and production departments to ensure all technical deliverables met design specifications and safety standards.
Procurement & Vendor Management: Managed the full lifecycle for high-value facility assets, including industrial water heating systems ($144k) and specialized production machinery.
Analytical Modeling: Utilized advanced Excel modeling for technical data analysis, predicting performance outcomes and optimizing labor routing to reduce operational overhead.

Quality Lab Technician / Engineering Transition

Rawlings Sporting Goods

Tullahoma, TN

10.2018 - 02.2021

Engineering Transition: Navigated the transition from quality laboratory testing to engineering implementation, ensuring product specifications met performance standards while taking on new responsibilities in project management and cost.
Technical Validation: Conducted laboratory testing and data analysis to validate material properties and manufacturing process improvements.
Cross-Functional Support: Partnered with senior engineers to troubleshoot production issues and implement quality control protocols for new equipment.
Process Documentation: Maintained detailed technical records and laboratory reports to support data-driven decision-making.

Education

Master of Science - Industrial And Systems Engineering (Engineering Management Emphasis)

University of Tennessee (UTSI)

Knoxville, TN

12-2021

Bachelor of Science - Biology (Chemistry Focus)

Martin Methodist College (UT Southern)

Pulaski, TN

05-2018

Skills

Software: Advanced Excel (Project Tracking/Data Modeling), JDE EnterpriseOne
Operational Logic: Critical Path Method (CPM), Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Earned Value Management (EVM) principles
Project management
Scheduling and planning
Analytical thinking
Cost management

Schedule management
Subcontracting management
Continuous improvement
Work Planning and Prioritization
Planning and deployment

CORE COMPETENCIES

Project Engineering: Technical Scope Development, Design Coordination, Resource Loading, Site Acceptance Testing.
Systems Optimization: Industrial & Systems Engineering (M.S.), Process Bottleneck Analysis, Throughput Enhancement.
Project Controls: CPM Scheduling Logic, WBS Development, Milestone Tracking, Cost Control.
Industrial Operations: Facility Modernization, Vendor Management, PPE/Safety Compliance.

Timeline