Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Projects
Volunteer Experience
References
Timeline
Generic

Michael Arndt

Matthews,NC

Summary

Accomplished Optical Systems and Manufacturing Management Professional with over 20 years of experience in driving operational efficiencies and quality improvements across diverse industries. Proven expertise in team leadership, process optimization, and equipment management, achieving annual yield improvements of 10% and operational efficiencies within three months. Recognized for a disciplined approach to problem-solving and a commitment to excellence. Seeking to leverage extensive experience in a permanent role with an innovative organization.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Technical Lab Manager (TLM)

META PLATFORMS
Durham, NC
12.2022 - 06.2024
  • Managed laser safety, prototype optic builds, and fabrication process development
  • Recognized for cross-functional and cross site team building
  • Increased prototype delivery efficiency by 15% within 3 months through streamlined tooling fabrication, enhanced training support, and optimized scheduling processes
  • Functioned as Meta Internal Point of Contact overseeing cleanroom renovation contractor

Equipment Engineer

IMAGINEOPTIX
Durham, NC
03.2021 - 12.2022
  • Delivered new equipment sourcing, process testing, justification, and installation
  • Provided prototype fabrication support, purchasing and scheduling
  • Accelerated prototype development timelines by 10% within 3 months through strategic partnerships with suppliers and meticulous project management

Coating Technical Manager

GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES
Richburg, SC
04.2016 - 02.2020
  • Achieved 24/7 operational targets by leading the Coating Engineering and Coater Equipment teams, enhancing processes within 6 months to increase efficiency by 10%
  • Facilitated new product qualification, new equipment selection, audits, FMEA analysis, updated operator training program
  • Resolved field quality concerns within 3 months, enhancing product reliability by 10% through collaborative troubleshooting with cross-functional teams

Military Products/Laser Optics Operations Manager

II-VI OPTICAL SYSTEMS
Murrieta, California
05.2015 - 04.2016
  • Achieved seamless relocation of operations to Murrieta, CA within 6 months, successfully integrating Florida facility processes and enhancing operational efficiency by 8%
  • Drove operation team to meet operational goals (On Time Delivery 94%/Cost targets - 5% reduction y/y)
  • Managed fabrication, CNC operations, manufacturing engineering, and quote process (15% decrease in quote completion time)
  • Established production schedules, and new equipment selection criteria - Led move to state of art Optics CNC tools
  • Ensured Quality Management System and AS9100 compliance

Operations Manager

VLOC (Subsidiary of II-VI, Inc.)
New Port Richey, FL
08.2008 - 05.2015
  • Achieved 95% on-time delivery rates within 12 months by implementing streamlined logistics processes and enhancing team coordination
  • Established ongoing operational metric dashboard, Operator cross-training program
  • Directed Coating, Fabrication, Manufacturing Engineering, New Product Introduction
  • Achieved cost savings of 15% within 12 months by leading a team in the downselect and procurement of equipment valued between $500K and $2MM

Senior Manufacturing Manager

COHERENT, Inc
Auburn, CA
01.2001 - 08.2008
  • Elevated First Pass Yield by 15% within 6 months, which improved on-time delivery by 20% and decreased quarterly work order variance significantly
  • Managed team of 16 engineers supporting Optics Operations
  • Responsible for research/preparation of commercial quotes for optical components and assemblies for medical and military customers

Education

Master of Business Administration - MBA

Appalachian State University

Bachelor of Science - Engineering Operations

North Carolina State University

Skills

  • Project management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Adaptability
  • Data management
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Training and development
  • Problem-solving
  • Prototype development
  • Equipment sourcing
  • Process optimization
  • Cross-functional teamwork

Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, American Society for Quality

Projects

Optical Prototype Fabrication, 03/01/22, 06/01/24, Led successful fabrication portion of R&D effort to produce large FOV pancake lens for prototype headset. Technology utilized liquid crystal technology. 

Relocate Optics Operation Facility, 05/01/14, 04/01/16, Led Relocation of Optics Operation site from New Port Richey, FL to Murrieta, CA. 

CNC Optical Fabrication Installation, 01/01/12, 12/01/14, Introduced full set of CNC fabrication tools to shop. Increased throughput 35%, Improved Yield by 30%. 

Optic Site Relocation, 01/01/07, 08/01/08, Relocation of Optics Facility from Auburn, CA to Boulder, CO. Business sold to REO, Inc. 

Establishment of Production Site - GERMANY, 06/01/98, 12/01/00, Led portions of project to relocate equipment and install in new facility in Dresden, Germany as new facility in Phoenix, AZ.

Volunteer Experience

  • Matthews United Methodist Church, 07/01/18, Present, Volunteer, Matthews, NC, Volunteer for Youth Group - supporting mission work activities for various age groups. Volunteer to build stage sets for monthly youth based worship services.
  • East Lake Little League, 08/01/08, 06/01/15, Coach, Palm Harbor, FL, Coach of various ages Little League Baseball.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Technical Lab Manager (TLM)

META PLATFORMS
12.2022 - 06.2024

Equipment Engineer

IMAGINEOPTIX
03.2021 - 12.2022

Coating Technical Manager

GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES
04.2016 - 02.2020

Military Products/Laser Optics Operations Manager

II-VI OPTICAL SYSTEMS
05.2015 - 04.2016

Operations Manager

VLOC (Subsidiary of II-VI, Inc.)
08.2008 - 05.2015

Senior Manufacturing Manager

COHERENT, Inc
01.2001 - 08.2008

Master of Business Administration - MBA

Appalachian State University

Bachelor of Science - Engineering Operations

North Carolina State University
Michael Arndt