Kenneth Herrera
California City,CA
Summary
Quality-driven polymer technician with experience in resin and polymer batches. I am lab certified for in process tests and batch adjustments to contribute to first time quality standards. Hazmat response team certified. Inventory control of raw materials to insure on time demands are met.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Polymer Technician
PPG Aerospace
Mojave, CA
01.2020 - 04.2026
- Conducted quality inspections to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to troubleshoot technical issues insuring quality standards are met.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis on malfunctioning equipment.
- Maintained a safe working environment, adhering to strict safety protocols and handling hazardous materials responsibly.
- Analyzed experimental data, providing insights for process improvements and troubleshooting issues.
- Maintained laboratory equipment and inventory, ensuring readiness for ongoing testing requirements.
- Maintained detailed records of all laboratory activities within a centralized database, promoting transparency and collaboration among team members.
- Conducted complex chemical analyses to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Analyzed test results, identifying trends and discrepancies to support quality control initiatives.
- Played an essential role in achieving operational goals by actively participating in team meetings, offering insights into potential improvements or challenges faced during daily activities.
- Developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline workflows and enhance operational consistency.
- Analyzed production data to drive continuous improvement initiatives and optimize chemical formulations.
- Oversaw inventory management of raw materials, ensuring timely availability for uninterrupted production processes.
- Followed safety processes and protocols while moving hazardous chemicals and operating heavy machinery to avoid and accidents.
- Maintained high-quality standards for finished products by conducting rigorous quality control tests.
- Operated lab equipment for chemical tests and verification of product quality against standards.
- Successfully operated chemical reactors, pumps and centrifuges to produce commercial-grade products.
- Monitored and adjusted parameters of chemical production process to achieve desired product quality.
- Increased yield by closely monitoring reaction conditions and making necessary adjustments as required.
- Performed routine maintenance on equipment to prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure smooth operation.
- Communicated with supervisors and other personnel to review and discuss process changes.
- Assisted with the implementation of new technology solutions, which improved overall plant efficiency significantly.
- Modified controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, and flow of liquids and gases while monitoring outcomes and promoting successful processing.
- Conducted thorough root cause analysis after incidents or near misses involving chemical handling or reactions, contributing towards the prevention of future occurrences.
- Assisted in scale-up of laboratory processes to full production, bridging gap between R&D and manufacturing.
- Streamlined batch processing times by optimizing equipment settings for each chemical blend.
- Documented all operational procedures, creating valuable reference for training and process optimization.
- Stored, retrieved, mixed, and monitored chemicals used in production process.
- Led startup and shutdown procedures, maintaining compliance with plant operations manual and technical guidelines.
- Oversaw solution mixing, distillation, drying, and containment processes.
Chemical Operator
PPG Aerospace
Mojave, CA
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Used scanners to enter data into batch ticketing system and checked information for accuracy
- Followed all waste handling guidelines to minimize waste generation
- Followed safety processes and protocols while moving and handling hazardous materials
- Modified controls to regulate temperature, and pressure while monitoring outcomes and promoting successful processing
- Knowledge in blend area, making batches and emptying, closings and issuing batch tickets
- Proficient in emptying different batches and emptying different mixers
- Cleaning mixers and pots while keeping work areas clean
- Follow and fill out batch tickets correctly
Sales Associate / Installer
Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores Inc.
Tehachapi, California
07.2011 - 03.2019
- Represented the brand and company professionally to drive store revenue
- Met quotas for insurance protection plans through up-selling techniques
- Cultivated a loyal customer base, resulting in a high level of repeat and referral business
- Prepared merchandise for distribution and placement across sales floor
- Collaborated with in-store maintenance, stocking, merchandising and upkeep, successfully prioritizing tasks in order to achieve a wide range of daily objectives
- Maintained records related to sales, returns and inventory availability
- Maintained excellent knowledge of complex technology devices and products to assist customers in making selections to meet business and personal needs
- Contacted customers prior to delivery to confirm and coordinate delivery times
- Installed, aligned, and balanced new equipment
- Led warehouse improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Mojave Jr./Senior High School
Mojave, CA2010
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Lab certified for many in process tests and adjustments
- Contributing to EHS, Quality and AS9100 audits
- Doing preventative maintenance on all reactors and lab equipment to ensure accuracy and first time quality
- Goal-oriented
- On time
- Following and filling out in progress batch tickets to insure quality
- Strong mechanical skill
- Inventory management
- Quality control
Timeline
Polymer Technician
PPG Aerospace
01.2020 - 04.2026
Chemical Operator
PPG Aerospace
04.2019 - 04.2020
Sales Associate / Installer
Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores Inc.
07.2011 - 03.2019
High School Diploma - undefined
Mojave Jr./Senior High School