Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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Justin Okamoto

Simpsonville,SC

Summary

Strategic, highly technical, and versatile Automotive Professional with over 13 years of experience spanning production planning, high-volume manufacturing, quality management, and specialized vehicle rework. Proven track record of career progression, successfully transitioning from hands-on production associate roles into key management and scheduling positions. Expert at navigating the intersection of high-volume manufacturing and bespoke vehicle customization, with practical experience operating within ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 compliant environments. Adept at handling complex mechanical assemblies, torque-critical fastening, and aerodynamic/chassis components, combining a sharp analytical mindset with deep mechanical aptitude to ensure peak vehicle quality and performance.

Overview

1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Rework Technician

Formel D USA
Greer, SC
02.2025 - Current
  • Conducted quality inspections on reworked components to ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Operated precision tools and machinery for efficient rework processes.
  • Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot assembly issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Documented rework procedures and maintained accurate records for traceability.
  • Diagnose and repair any mechanical or electrical issues with vehicles coming off of the assembly line, from minor cosmetic damage, to full in-depth electrical work including coding, programming, and circuit rework.

Master Planner

Michelin North America
Greenville, SC
12.2023 - 12.2024
  • Oversaw comprehensive production planning, scheduling, and inventory control workflows for high-volume manufacturing facilities.
  • Leveraged advanced data analysis to balance machine capacity, labor availability, and material supply against shifting customer demands.
  • Led cross-functional teams to streamline shop-floor workflow efficiency, eliminating bottlenecks and dramatically increasing team productivity.
  • Managed long-term development planning and material forecasting, adapting strategies fluidly to supply chain disruptions and volatile market targets.

Tire Building Team Lead

Michelin North America
Greenville, SC
03.2021 - 11.2023

Oversaw operation and maintenance of GMT tire building machines, aligning with Michelin's rigorous safety and quality protocols. Championed tire production excellence as a delivery spoke, quality spoke, and standard spoke within diverse teams. Mentored new GMT pilots, enhancing their skills in machine operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

  • Led team in implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Conducted training sessions for new team members on safety protocols and equipment usage.
  • Coordinated daily production schedules to optimize workflow and meet deadlines.
  • Monitored quality control processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and specifications.

Special Vehicle Operations

BMW Manufacturing
Greer, SC
11.2017 - 02.2021

Directed team activities in rework and camouflaging of vehicles during the development of new BMW models at BMW Manufacturing LLC. Managed pre-launch preparations for new BMW models to ensure alignment with company standards. Developed and implemented strategic processes to optimize efficiency without compromising quality.

  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.

Manufacturing Production Associate

BMW Manufacturing
Greer, SC
08.2012 - 11.2017

Achieved efficient vehicle assembly on and off of the production line by troubleshooting and replacing components in completed vehicles as required. Enhanced mechanical and electrical skills by utilizing the INPA system for BMW programming, contributing to operational excellence. Delivered training to production associates on new processes for model vehicles after mastering BMW's established standards.

  • Operated assembly line machinery to produce high-quality automotive components.
  • Monitored production processes to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
  • Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot equipment issues and minimize downtime.
  • Conducted regular inspections of finished products for quality assurance compliance.
  • Participated in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize workflow and reduce waste.

Education

High School Diploma -

J L Mann High School
Greenville, SC
06-2010

Skills

  • Control panel wiring
  • Functional testing
  • Hand tool mastery
  • Quality inspection
  • Visual inspection
  • Wire harness assembly
  • Electro-mechanical assembly
  • Continuity testing
  • Circuit analysis
  • Component identification
  • Schematic reading
  • Assembly drawings
  • Automated test equipment
  • Equipment calibration
  • In-circuit testing
  • Prototype assembly

Accomplishments

Successful vehicle launch experience:

I was heavily involved in all of the following vehicle launches at BMW Manufacturing. The G65 launch is something I am currently apart of.

BMW Models:

X3 (G01, G01 LCI, G45)

X4 (G02, G02 LCI)

X5 (F15, F85, G05, F95, G05 LCI, F95 LCI, G65)

X6 (F16, F86, G06, G06LCI, F96, F96 LCI)

X7 (G07, G07 LCI)

Successful Logistic Stock Planning System:

I was a part of developing a rubber stocking system at Michelin where moving away from hand written sheets into a full QR code based digital system that not only increased offloading of rubber pallet trucks, but also made to work easier on the technicians involved, who were all very please once the system was working and fully implemented.

Team 2 Tire Building Leadership:

Due to headcount at the time, I was put in charge of my section within Tire Building while working on the shop floor. I was in charge of scheduling, vacation, product stock, etc. I managed to pull our team up from 67% overall to 92% in 6 months through navigating the stress with my team and assisting in every aspect possible. I made sure that each member of my team was happy, healthy, and felt heard regarding their issues on the floor so that I could ensure that we met our targets every month.

Certification

HV1-Certified

I am fully certified to work on combustion vehicles, Plug In Hybrid Vehicles, and Battery Electric Vehicles.

Rework Mastery (TVR)

TVR means "Total Vehicle Rework". This is a system developed through various contractors at BMW to show level of skillset within the team. There are four separate levels:

MVR - Mechanical Vehicle Rework

EVR - Electrical Vehicle Rework

PVR - Powertrain Vehicle Rework

TVR - Total Vehicle Rework

TVR includes all of the other three levels to show that the skillset to work on every issue regarding the issues with any vehicle can be handled and met by those particular technicians. I am one of those technicians.

Supply Chain Course 1

I was certified in Supply Chain and Logistics under Master Planning Strategy through Michelin North America during my tenure there.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Japanese
Limited Working

Timeline

Rework Technician

Formel D USA
02.2025 - Current

Master Planner

Michelin North America
12.2023 - 12.2024

Tire Building Team Lead

Michelin North America
03.2021 - 11.2023

Special Vehicle Operations

BMW Manufacturing
11.2017 - 02.2021

Manufacturing Production Associate

BMW Manufacturing
08.2012 - 11.2017

High School Diploma -

J L Mann High School