Lance Kimura
Bothell,WA
Summary
Results-driven manufacturing engineer skilled in developing cost-effective, customer-focused solutions to address root causes in problem statements. A proactive leader in applying design principles to add value and enhance the effectiveness of any organization. Proficient in utilizing Human Factors and Engineering principles to foster a harmonious production environment. Experienced in identifying opportunities for process improvement, combined with a proven ability to implement these improvements successfully.
Manufacturing professional with strong expertise in process optimization, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles. Proven track record of improving production efficiency and reducing waste while maintaining high standards. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to evolving project requirements, ensuring reliable and efficient operations. Equipped with problem-solving skills, technical proficiency in CAD software, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manufacturing Engineer (Contract)
Amazon Project Kuiper
Kirkland, WA
03.2025 - 08.2025
- Served as the front-line engineering support for non-conformance events to maintain quality and performance for Solar production operations.
- Solved multiple design flaws for hardware functional performance and manufacturability.
- Addressed multiple safety issues for technicians through Environmental Health and Safety.
- Mentored less experienced engineers and technicians.
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Sekisui Aerospace
Renton
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Manufacturing engineering support for composite lay-up operations for interior panels for the Kansas Modification Center 777 freighter conversion project.
- Solved manufacturability issues for several large panel assemblies, to achieve first pass quality metrics, and increase yield.
- Technical support for the 737 Hubcap NPI project.
- Solved for tolerance issues using GD&T principles.
Safety Engineer (Contract)
PDS Tech
Boeing Everett Factory, WA
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Using the Boeing Problem Solving Model (BPSM) guided engineers from multiple functions to derive technical solutions for safety issues for both in-production and in-service models.
- Submitted BPSMs to the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (SACO) with systemic corrective actions to several Continued Operational Safety Program (COSP) findings.
Manufacturing Engineer
The Boeing Company
Everett, WA
08.2011 - 11.2020
- Served as a technical resource to initiate and improve processes related to 777X Automated Drilling machines at the Horizontal Build Line. (Drill program sequence optimization)
- Addressed and resolved technical concerns to comply with internal standards and regulatory requirements on 787, 737, and 777X programs.
- Coordinated with vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing personnel to resolve technical and quality issues related to configuration management. Worked closely with Industrial Engineering on all programs for optimal scheduling and execution of build integration requirements.
- Evaluated production capacities for Contoured Shim Shop to determine capital recommendations for 777X. Implemented “True North Shims” for the 777X wing gap management. This improved first pass quality (to 100%) and improved cycle times (estimated to be 24 flow hours), built configuration integrity at over 1400 locations for each 777X shipset.
- Devised, evaluated, implemented, and oversaw multiple manufacturing enabler projects from planning to completion on 787, 737, and 777X. (Ex. Reduced flow on position 1 for the 787 by 1 M day by enabling concurrent work during the Circumferential Join of the fuselage.)
- Coordinated with Liaison Engineering (LE) and Quality Material Review Board Designee (MRBD) to deliver manufacturing instructions for Non-conformance work orders (NC, EPD, NCR, SRR) on the 787 program. Production engineering, fuselage final assembly project team in Everett.
- Designed tooling to enable concurrent work during passenger floor installation in final assembly on the 787 program. Coordinated work instructions and engineering requirements cross-functionally. (Stress, Quality, Operations, Project Engineering, Tool Engineering)
Store Manager
Bridgestone Retail Operations
Waipahu, HI
10.1997 - 10.2005
- Shared product knowledge with customers and offered personal recommendations to boost upselling and cross-selling goals.
- Trained employees in store security, monetary procedures, and customer service expectations.
- Worked closely with the Zone Vice President to formulate and build the store brand and strategy.
- Built a loyal customer base by delivering excellent service and stocking in-demand products.
- Oversaw inventory management through cycle counts, audits, and shrinkage control.
- Lead proof-of-concept enablers to build capacity to meet strategic objectives.
- Assessed, optimized, and adjusted operations to target current and expected demands.
- Fostered healthy team environments to promote collaboration and boost productivity.
- Improved store status from market worst to best by implementing process improvements and identifying performance gaps for corrective action.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI05-2011
Skills
- Installation Development
- Design for Excellence
- Customer service
- LEAN 6 Sigma Black Belt
- Project Management
- CAD (SolidWorks)
- 5 S
- Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)
- Process improvement
- Process Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
- Human Factors
- Process development
- Manufacturing processes
- 5S methodology
Certification
- LEAN+ 6 Sigma Black Belt - University of Washington
- June 2016
Timeline
Manufacturing Engineer (Contract)
Amazon Project Kuiper
03.2025 - 08.2025
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Sekisui Aerospace
08.2022 - 05.2024
Safety Engineer (Contract)
PDS Tech
04.2022 - 12.2022
Manufacturing Engineer
The Boeing Company
08.2011 - 11.2020
Store Manager
Bridgestone Retail Operations
10.1997 - 10.2005
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Hawaii at Manoa