Michael J. Ball
Cedar Rapids,IA
Summary
Hardworking operator skilled in quality control and machine and equipment troubleshooting paired with outstanding time management and multitasking abilities. Quick learner offering several years of experience operating machines of various magnitudes. Focused on reducing costs and increasing productivity.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Operator
COGEN/ADM
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
10.2025 - Current
- Monitored ADM cogeneration control room and adjusted equipment settings.
- Inspected boilers, pumps, valves, and turbines during routine plant rounds.
- Recorded operating data in logs and reported equipment abnormalities.
- Followed lockout tagout procedures during maintenance support.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area and equipment in accordance with safety regulations.
- Studied safety protocols and practiced emergency procedures during training.
Chemical Operator, New Product Development
Momentive Performance Materials
Sistersville, WV
01.2018 - 07.2025
- Executed chemical reactions to develop products according to specifications
- Adhered to operating procedures and engineering directives to ensure compliance
- Operated reactors and mixers for specialty silicone production at Momentive Performance Materials.
- Monitored DCS controls and adjusted process settings during chemical batch operations.
- Followed SOPs, batch records, and safety procedures throughout plant shifts.
Extruder Operator
Simex
Belmont, WV
02.2016 - 12.2018
- Mixed materials and operated extruder for efficient vinyl manufacturing
- Operated Simex extrusion equipment during continuous production runs.
- Monitored melt temperatures, pressure settings, and line speeds.
- Adjusted controls to maintain steady Simex product output.
Worker
Local 565 Metal Trades / Pioneer Pipe
Parkersburg, WV
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Mig and stick welded to fabricate welding test trailers.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Hall Drilling
Ellenboro, WV
02.2013 - 06.2014
- Built well locations and roads using heavy equipment such as scraper, articulated truck, compactors, rollers, and loader
Nuclear Quality Inspector
Huntington Ingalls
Newport News, VA
10.2000 - 01.2013
- Inspected products manufactured or processed by private companies for government use to ensure compliance with contract specifications
- Executed daily operations of nuclear piping fit ups, NDT of welds as Level 2 welding inspector and covered all nuclear mechanical work in my area
- Wrote and reviewed nuclear procedures and drawings before work started and at completion
- Evaluated other company's quality control systems for compliance with legal requirements before purchasing the product
- Trained and managed over 30 junior level nuclear quality inspectors and achieved significant improvements in their productivity
- Stamped mark of approval or rejection on product and wrote report of examinations
- Fluent in reading drawings, using inside and outside micrometers, plug and ring gages, telescopic gages, bevel protractors, and durometers
- Trained in acid spot testing, metal comparator, Eddy current machine, PT's and was training on MT's
- Supervised 10 employees, scheduled work hours, and resolved conflicts
- Successfully handled several types of major decisions on a daily basis
- Work well in a high pressure environment
- Structured a new hire training class
Education
The Career Center Adult Technical Training
Marietta, OHOld Dominion University
Norfolk, VAThomas Nelson Community College
Newport News, VASkills
- Excellent Troubleshooting & Critical Thinking
- Pumps, Valves, & Hazmat
- Physics & Chemistry
- Forklift and other small equipment experience
- Traps & Strainers
- Compressors & Turbines
- Supervised 20 Individuals
- Ability to learn quickly
- OSHA 10 General Industry Safety & Health
- Confined Space Training
- Effective Communicator
- Operator Awareness
- Fire Brigade
- Rope Rescue Training
Certification
Chemical Operator I Certification 2015, OSHA 10 Certification, Forklift Certification, LEAN Training 2006, Business Letter Writing 2006
Other
Computer programs - TAS and SAP, MS office
Security
Hold government Security Clearance
Timeline
Operator
COGEN/ADM
10.2025 - Current
Chemical Operator, New Product Development
Momentive Performance Materials
01.2018 - 07.2025
Extruder Operator
Simex
02.2016 - 12.2018
Worker
Local 565 Metal Trades / Pioneer Pipe
09.2014 - 06.2015
Heavy Equipment Operator
Hall Drilling
02.2013 - 06.2014
Nuclear Quality Inspector
Huntington Ingalls
10.2000 - 01.2013
The Career Center Adult Technical Training
Old Dominion University
Thomas Nelson Community College