Karen Whalen
Woodbridge Township,NJ
Summary
Quality Control Professional with extensive experience in ensuring product integrity across diverse manufacturing environments. Skilled in implementing robust testing protocols and leading cross-functional quality improvement initiatives. Demonstrates proficiency in utilizing mechanical skills to ensure the precision and accuracy of inspections. Reduced defect rates by 90% through systematic root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Control Inspector
Wytech Industries Inc.
03.2023 - 03.2025
- Communicated with production team members about quality issues.
- Inspected quality of products, taking note of functionality, appearance and other specifications.
- Inspected incoming and outgoing materials for accuracy and quality.
- Reported repeated issues to supervisors and other departments, collaborating to identify issue roots and rectify problems.
- Performed visual inspections and non-destructive tests where appropriate.
- Improved product quality by conducting thorough inspections and identifying defects in a timely manner.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations through meticulous record-keeping and documentation of inspection results.
Laboratory Technician
Lyondell Basell Industries Inc.
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
- Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and evaporator.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Contributed to a safe working environment by consistently following established safety procedures and guidelines within the lab setting.
Prototype Technician
EOS Energy Storage
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Enhanced prototype quality by conducting thorough inspections and identifying areas for improvement.
- Facilitated clear communication between engineering, design, and manufacturing teams through detailed documentation of prototype iterations.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to refine product designs and ensure optimal functionality.
- Collaborated closely with quality assurance teams to identify potential defects early in the prototyping process, ensuring only top-quality products reached final stages of development.
Extruder Operator Assistant
Johns Manville Industrial Insulation
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Changed out screens, dies, and inserts to fit different production needs.
- Maximized workforce efficiency by effectively managing shift handovers, ensuring smooth communication between team members and seamless continuation of production activities.
- Mitigated downtime by swiftly identifying mechanical issues with the extruder and coordinating necessary repairs with maintenance personnel.
- Maintained detailed records of production data, including materials used, machine settings, and output levels for accurate reporting purposes.
- Took apart machinery, cleaned parts, and replaced damaged or worn out components.
- Started up and ran extrusion lines producing wide range of products for [Type] industry OEMs.
Quality Control Inspector
Mechoshade
05.2017 - 03.2018
- Collaborated with production staff to establish and meet quality standards
- Evaluated components and final products against quality standards and manufacturing specifications.
- Completed precise measurements using special tools.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss progress and results, providing ideas and suggestions for improvement.
Inbound Stower
Amazon
05.2017 - 03.2018
- Demonstrated flexibility, adapting quickly to changes in shift schedules or workload requirements as needed.
- Improved warehouse organization by accurately stowing inbound items in designated locations.
- Ensured accurate inventory counts by diligently scanning and recording all incoming products.
- Separated damaged items from functional ones before placing on shelves.
Postal Carrier
U.S.P.S
06.1999 - 08.2016
- Efficiently managed high volumes of mail during holiday seasons, ensuring all packages were delivered on time despite increased workload.
- Kept vehicle clean and well-maintained, conducting regular inspections for any necessary repairs or maintenance needs.
- Consistently met delivery deadlines through effective time management skills and prioritization of tasks.
- Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to postal regulations and safety guidelines during mail deliveries.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Health Administration Medical Billing And Coding
Berkeley College
Woodbridge, NJ12-2025
Skills
- Quality control
- Product inspection
- Production experience
- Safety procedures
- Measurement techniques
- Training and mentorship
- Sampling procedures
- Non-conformance reporting
- Audit coordination
- Blueprint reading
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Error reduction
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
Timeline
Quality Control Inspector
Wytech Industries Inc.
03.2023 - 03.2025
Laboratory Technician
Lyondell Basell Industries Inc.
06.2022 - 03.2023
Prototype Technician
EOS Energy Storage
07.2021 - 04.2022
Extruder Operator Assistant
Johns Manville Industrial Insulation
09.2019 - 06.2021
Quality Control Inspector
Mechoshade
05.2017 - 03.2018
Inbound Stower
Amazon
05.2017 - 03.2018
Postal Carrier
U.S.P.S
06.1999 - 08.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Health Administration Medical Billing And Coding
Berkeley College
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