Luke Maan De Kok
Waukegan,IL
Summary
Goal-oriented Quality Engineer with 6+ years of experience leading Lean initiatives in manufacturing environments. Proven success in deploying Lean methodologies such as Kaizen, 5S, A3 Thinking, and Value Stream Mapping to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance product availability. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, process stabilization, and applying statistical tools to drive continuous improvement. Strong background in TPS principles, rapid improvement events (RIEs), and mentoring frontline teams in change management practices.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Engineer
Novelis
Lincolnshire, Illinois
08.2021 - Current
- Implemented DOE principles to enhance first-pass yield by 12%.
- Directed over $30MM in capital projects, enhancing throughput.
- Enhanced quality outputs through targeted process improvements during scheduled RIEs.
- Drove 40% productivity gains and reduced incident rates by 80% through EHS design project leadership
- Delivered 30% faster coil processing by executing strategic capital equipment upgrades
- Enhanced internal audit methods under revised QMS standards, achieving a 50% annual decrease in audit findings.
- Designed and launched Poka Yoke error-proofing systems, cutting maintenance downtime by 45%
- Develop and maintain SWOT frameworks to drive risk identification and project charter alignment
- Accelerated new hire onboarding by 57%, enabling faster workforce integration and productivity
- Performed more than 100 site inspections and audits each year to maintain full compliance with ISO standards.
- Implemented site-wide training programs to enhance QMS adherence.
- Conducted Root Cause Analyses, translating findings into actionable corrective projects
- Resolve customer complaints rapidly, preserving client satisfaction and quality standards
- Aligned operational strategies with KPI-driven production goals to sustain innovation and growth
- Enhanced overall efficiency through Lean Manufacturing practices such as 5S, Kaizen events, Kanban systems.
- Formulated strategies for preventive care of all production area machinery.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cost-effective solutions.
- Contributed to training initiatives to strengthen safety-oriented quality standards.
- Supported delivery of projects exceeding $50M by developing comprehensive quality and inspection plans.
- Oversaw over 500 quality documents per project phase, such as inspection reports, test records, and non-conformance reports.
- Increased reporting efficiency by 25% through the delivery of weekly quality performance reports to stakeholders.
Quality Engineer
Arjo
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Created and evaluated Work Instructions.
- Teamed up with QRC and Product Service to construct a dashboard for analyzing product failure rates and financial impacts.
- Revamped the approved supplier list, improving cohesion between local and global teams.
- Conducted internal audits to verify adherence to ARJO policies.
- Worked with diverse teams to enhance product quality.
- Provided technical guidance when needed to other departments or personnel.
- Created knowledge base documents for frequently asked questions.
- Monitored system performance to ensure optimal functioning of services.
- Organized sessions to share innovative techniques with support staff.
- Spearheaded initiatives to enhance processes, achieving a 15% reduction in rework.
- Enhanced team performance by educating 50+ members on quality protocols, leading to fewer initial errors.
- Streamlined project workflows by addressing 100+ NCRs with cross-functional teams.
Quality Engineer
Ohio Medical
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Optimized Process Validation Reports, reducing New Product Development time by 30%
- Implemented push notifications for Engineering Change Requests, increasing completion rate by 75%
- Enhanced RCA and CAPA processes, achieving a 60% reduction in completion time.
- Maintained compliance with ISO 9001 & ISO 13485 standards
- Developed Work Instructions, Control Plans, and Device Master Records to ensure quality system integrity
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
Iowa State University
Ames, IA05-2019
Skills
- Continuous Improvement Leadership — 7 years driving Lean initiatives and Kaizen events to optimize quality, safety, and efficiency
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM) — 7 years Applied to identify waste and streamline complex manufacturing and inspection processes
- Root Cause Problem Solving — 7 years Extensive use of 5 Whys, Fishbone, and PDCA to address systemic issues and prevent recurrence
- Standard Work & Visual Management — Led creation and deployment of SOPs, work instructions, and floor-level visual controls
- Waste Elimination (Muda) — Experience identifying and eliminating non-value-added activities in both office and production environments
- Metrics & Performance Tracking —Developed dashboards and KPIs to monitor CI impact, reduce variation, and sustain gains
- Facilitation of RIEs & Kaizen — 4 years Planned and led cross-functional improvement workshops resulting in measurable process gains
- Coaching & Culture Building — 4 years Supported a CI culture by training teams in Lean tools and embedding daily problem-solving routines
Certification
- Certified Quality Engineer
- Certified IATF 16949:2016 Auditor
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Timeline
Quality Engineer
Novelis
08.2021 - Current
Quality Engineer
Arjo
03.2021 - 08.2021
Quality Engineer
Ohio Medical
10.2019 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
Iowa State University