Kevin Valdez
Experienced manufacturing leader with over 14 years of hands-on experience in production, welding, fabrication, quality inspection, and shop management. I take pride in leading by example, keeping production moving, solving problems on the shop floor, and making sure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
Throughout my career, I’ve built strong teams, improved day-to-day operations, and earned the trust of leadership by being dependable, adaptable, and willing to step in wherever I’m needed. My combination of leadership and technical experience allows me to manage operations while staying involved in the work that keeps production running.
Work History
Shop Manager
4 Years 4 MonthsLead all manufacturing operations for a production facility specializing in airport ground support equipment, including baggage carts and dollies. Direct production planning, workforce management, fabrication, welding, quality assurance, inventory control, material flow, and daily shop operations while ensuring production goals, customer requirements, and safety standards are consistently achieved.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct all daily manufacturing operations from production planning through final assembly and shipment.
- Coordinate manpower, workflow, equipment utilization, and production priorities to maximize operational efficiency.
- Supervise production personnel while promoting accountability, teamwork, productivity, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain uninterrupted production by ensuring all workstations remain fully supplied with materials and components.
- Inspect completed weldments to verify compliance with engineering specifications, structural integrity, and quality standards.
- Perform structural MIG welding when additional production support is required.
- Interpret engineering drawings and fabrication blueprints to ensure manufacturing accuracy.
- Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules.
- Partner with senior leadership to improve manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and support company growth.
- Coordinate inventory movement, shipping, receiving, and warehouse logistics through safe forklift operation.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and highly efficient manufacturing environment in compliance with OSHA standards.
Fill Line Supervisor
9 Years 6 MonthsAdvanced into a leadership role responsible for supervising manufacturing personnel, coordinating production schedules, maintaining quality standards, supporting operational improvements, and ensuring efficient manufacturing operations within a fast-paced production environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervised daily production operations while consistently meeting manufacturing goals and production schedules.
- Developed employee work schedules and managed payroll responsibilities.
- Trained, mentored, and developed new production employees to improve operational performance.
- Monitored product quality and implemented corrective actions to maintain manufacturing standards.
- Collected and analyzed production data to support process improvements and operational efficiency.
- Operated CNC machinery and precision lathes in support of manufacturing operations.
- Performed chemical blending according to manufacturing specifications and quality requirements.
- Maintained quality standards throughout all stages of production.
- Operated forklifts to support warehouse logistics, inventory movement, and production activities.
- Assisted management with implementing improved manufacturing procedures and production processes.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Certification
Welding Fundamentals I
American Welding Society
Certifications
American Welding Society Certifications
• Welding Fundamentals I
• Understanding Welding Symbols
• The Science Of Nondestructive Testing
• Fabrication Math I
• Fabrication Math II
• Economics Of Welding
• Safety In Welding