Michael Cates
Gautier,MS
Summary
Knowledgeable employee with solid background in pipefitting and leadership roles. Demonstrated ability to oversee complex projects, ensuring adherence to safety standards and timely completion. Proven track record of effective team coordination and problem-solving in high-pressure environments.
Experienced with overseeing pipefitting projects and ensuring high standards of work. Utilizes in-depth knowledge of safety protocols and team management to deliver efficient and precise outcomes. Track record of successfully coordinating teams and maintaining project timelines.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Pipefitter Foreman
Huntington Ingalls Industries
09.2023 - Current
- Supervised installation and maintenance of piping systems in shipbuilding projects.
- Coordinated team activities to ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime during operations.
- Trained and mentored junior pipefitters, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Conducted quality inspections on completed work to guarantee adherence to specifications.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to resolve technical issues during project execution.
- Managed inventory of materials and tools, optimizing resource allocation for projects.
- Developed schedules for pipefitting tasks, ensuring timely completion of project milestones.
- Reduced project timeline for pipefitting projects by effectively managing team assignments and schedules.
Pipefitter
Huntington Ingalls Industries
02.2020 - 09.2023
- Installed and repaired piping systems in compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to design efficient pipe layouts.
- Conducted inspections to ensure system integrity and safety standards.
- Mentored junior pipefitters on best practices and safety protocols.
- Followed safe work practices, which included fall protection and personal protective equipment.
- Read and interpreted blueprints, diagrams and other technical drawings to determine best installation methods.
- Fabricated pipe sections and components to specification using cutting, threading and welding equipment.
- Installed new systems and connected piping to existing components by welding, bolting and threading.
Fabricator
Austal USA
03.2019 - 01.2020
- Fabricated components using precision tools and techniques to meet project specifications.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to ensure accurate assembly of structures.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to streamline fabrication processes and reduce lead times.
- Conducted quality inspections on finished products, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Shipfitter
Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc.
07.2018 - 03.2019
- Used welding equipment, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and a gas torch, to fabricate, cut, and bend metal components to be installed in the ship. Also used hand tools and other tools, such as sledgehammers, come-alongs, jacks, and other tools, as well.
- Also repaired tugboats and ferry boats using the same methods.
- Fabricated and assembled ship components using precision measuring tools and welding equipment.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to ensure accurate construction of vessels.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to develop and implement process improvements in shipbuilding operations.
- Trained and mentored junior fitters on best practices for safety and efficiency in fabrication techniques.
Shipfitter
Huntington Ingalls Industries
02.2013 - 07.2018
- Used welding equipment, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and cutting torch, to fabricate, cut, and bend metal components to be installed in the ship.
- Built and repaired naval ships using blueprints. Also used an assortment of tools such as hand tools, a come-along, jacks, and other tools.
- Conducted quality inspections on welds and assemblies, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Coordinated workflows among departments to streamline production timelines and enhance operational efficiency.
- Implemented safety protocols that reduced workplace accidents and promoted a culture of safety awareness within the team.
- Minimized material waste through precise measurements and skilled cutting techniques during the fabrication process.
- Streamlined workflow for welding processes by accurately aligning bulkheads and plates.
- Maintained detailed records of work progress, materials used, and completed tasks to ensure comprehensive documentation for future reference or audits.
Delivery Man
Lowes Companies Inc
03.2011 - 02.2013
- Delivered materials such as appliances, building materials, and lawn and garden supplies to residential and commercial properties.
- Delivered and installed appliances in residential and commercial properties, and also troubleshot and explained how to use said appliances.
- Also worked in the store, including plumbing, electrical, lawn and garden, lumber, and other parts of the store.
- Delivered merchandise efficiently to customer locations, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.
- Maintained accurate records of delivery schedules and inventory status for optimal route planning.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided exceptional service during deliveries.
Education
High School Diploma -
Vancleave High School
Vancleave, MS01.2003
Skills
- Blueprint interpretation
- Pipe fabrication
- Oxy-acetylene cutting Technical drawing
- Hand and power tools
- Material cutting
- Work order management
- Blueprint analysis
- Piping specifications
- Project management
- Blueprints and specifications
- Piping layout
- Piping diagram interpretation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Skilled maintenance and repair
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Troubleshooting skills
Timeline
Pipefitter Foreman
Huntington Ingalls Industries
09.2023 - Current
Pipefitter
Huntington Ingalls Industries
02.2020 - 09.2023
Fabricator
Austal USA
03.2019 - 01.2020
Shipfitter
Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc.
07.2018 - 03.2019
Shipfitter
Huntington Ingalls Industries
02.2013 - 07.2018
Delivery Man
Lowes Companies Inc
03.2011 - 02.2013
High School Diploma -
Vancleave High School