Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Michael K. Burress

Hendersonville,NC

Summary

Proactive and performance-driven professional with over 18 years of progressive expertise in leadership and problem-solving across various industries, including mining operations, chemical process operations, wood products, aerospace, and maintenance departments. Possessing a keen understanding of business priorities, committed to flawlessly managing operations and projects while contributing to revenue-producing activities. A cross-functional communicator who effortlessly interfaces with high-profile staff, vendors, and customers. Versatile and innovative, consistently delivering positive results that streamline operations and enhance revenue performance.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Engineering Manager, Electrical SME

Pratt and Whitney
04.2023 - Current
  • Directed cross-functional engineering and maintenance teams (electrical, mechanical, and controls) to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations across a high-volume manufacturing site.
  • Oversaw 25+ million in capital projects, including substation upgrades, GIS lineups, MCC installations, and utility infrastructure improvements; ensured on-time, within-budget delivery.
  • Developed and standardized engineering processes, SOPs, and lockout/tagout procedures, improving compliance and reducing downtime incidents and improving reliability..
  • Championed CORE (continuous improvement) initiatives such as energy management systems (EPMS) and predictive maintenance programs, driving measurable cost savings and reliability gains.
  • Provided technical leadership as Electrical Subject Matter Expert, reviewing designs, approving specifications, and troubleshooting escalated plant issues.
  • Implemented and tracked KPIs for maintenance and reliability performance , enabling data-driven decision-making and accountability at the leadership level.
  • Mentored and coached salary support staff and technicians, building a culture of safety, accountability, and professional growth; reduced turnover and fortified bench strength.
  • Partnered with senior leadership, operations, and external vendors to align engineering strategy with business objectives and deliver scalable long-term infrastructure solutions.
  • Led cross-functional teams for successful product development, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
  • Managed risk assessments during project planning phases, proactively mitigating potential issues before they arose during execution stages.
  • Streamlined communication between departments by establishing regular meetings, improving collaboration on complex projects.
  • Identified areas of improvement in existing systems, providing recommendations that resulted in significant cost savings over time.
  • Led site readiness for audits, regulatory inspections, and customer visits, ensuring compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, NEC, site level and corporate EHS standards.

Maintenance Manager

Georgia Pacific
02.2022 - 12.2022
  • Lead the facilities maintenance department Yes,with 9 salary direct reports in addition to over 24 indirect reports to achieve increased reliability in multiple areas of ownership.
  • Executed strategic transformation by implementing the OSB Asset Workflow Process, performing Job redesign, and tracking progress through KPIs.
  • Develop improved preventative maintenance strategy through PM optimization, and drove cultural changes to embrace vision, and transformation.
  • Provide support for troubleshooting and resolving daily problems by working cross functionally to achieve successful corrective actions.
  • Assess employee performance; develop technical skills and knowledge within the team, to support individual paths to self-actualization.
  • Perform as a champion of Principle Based Management and internalize the eight principles of potential to act as a change agent for culture shift.
  • Coordinate, lead, and own the down day execution process from start to finish while continuously making changes for progress.
  • Supervised employee performance, preventive maintenance, and safety.
  • Optimized spare parts inventory management by identifying critical items and setting appropriate stock levels based on usage patterns.
  • Improved equipment reliability by implementing a preventive maintenance program and managing repair schedules.
  • Collaborated with other department managers to coordinate maintenance activities around production schedules, minimizing operational interruptions.
  • Increased overall equipment efficiency by conducting thorough assessments of machinery conditions and implementing necessary improvements.
  • Reduced downtime by efficiently overseeing the maintenance team and prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
  • Spearheaded CMMs implementation enabling data-driven tracking of work orders, backlog, and KPIs.

Electrical/Maintenance Project Manager

Mosaic
01.2020 - 02.2022
  • Coordination, planning, and implementation of capital projects and turnaround activities including major outages through entire projects lifecycle.
  • Scoping work/projects, bidding activities, managing work execution.
  • Contractor management, job safety, cost management and coordination with other plant activities.
  • Vendor management, Project Planning, Construction Management, Estimating, Budget Management, Electrical Project Management.
  • Lead electrical MCC, Unit Substation, and Power Distribution upgrades across facilities to improve electrical reliability and safety.
  • Route projects through proper workflow channels to create an inclusive environment for departmental and site collaboration.
  • Verify BOMs, and update critical spare parts in Maximo CMMS for electrical department.
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.

EIA Supervisor

Mosaic
01.2014 - 01.2020
  • Executed root cause analysis with multiple departments to create resolutions to technical, and process upset conditions or problems.
  • Assisted engineering and operations in solving process issues daily.
  • Coordinated the installation, maintenance, and operation of industrial chemical processing equipment, electrical equipment, and instrumentation equipment.
  • Manage utility outage scope, and facilitate LOTO for major substation repairs and preventative maintenance.
  • Identified energy saving opportunities and executed projects to improve savings.
  • Lead a team over twenty technicians, provide training as needed, develop and build capability in the department for succession planning.
  • Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
  • Monitor employee progress and performed annual evaluations.
  • Maintain CEMS units, provide documentation for state required process monitoring equipment.
  • Champion of departments Risk Reduction Safety program, and ensured technicians adhere to safety policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for four steam turbine generators ranging from 11.5 MW to 54 MW each, and implemented sustainable relay reliability improvements to allow facilities to operate in 'Island' state.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
  • Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.

EIA Planner/Project Coordinator

Mosaic
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Developed and planned projects from concept to completion in Maximo.
  • Trained new hires on workflow process, and CMMS (Maximo) system.
  • Implemented workflow strategies to streamline productivity.
  • Maintained accurate BOM (Bill of Materials) for Electrical department.
  • Procured parts and materials for installations.
  • Developed PMs, and SOPs for Electrical Department.
  • Champion the workflow process and track KPIS for progress.
  • Created cost effective solutions for reoccurring reactive work.
  • Implemented a preventative maintenance schedule to reduce equipment failure and prevent unplanned downtime.
  • Engaged in the development of facility projects by supporting the engineering department to phase installation into production areas.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align goals and ensure project success.
  • Optimized inventory control, reducing waste and improving cost efficiency.
  • Prioritized schedules to meet project goals and overall customer satisfaction.
  • Worked directly with production personnel to resolve production scheduling issues and conflicts.

Electrical, Instrumentation, & Automation Technician

Mosaic
01.2008 - 01.2013
  • Maintained and repaired EIA equipment including VFDs, DC Drives, flows, levels, pressure, vibration, DCS / PLC, Telemetry, Draglines, Dredges, Switchgear, MCC, motors, generators.
  • Assisted in daily activities to improve plant reliability.
  • Participating in the planning and execution of chemical plant turnarounds.
  • Installing equipment.
  • Assisting in the review, development, and implementation of site preventative maintenance programs.
  • Tuning of process control loops and machine control systems.
  • Programming and troubleshooting of DCS, PLC and HMI interfaces.
  • Troubleshooting and E&I maintenance on up to 4160 V voltage equipment.
  • Troubleshooting on high voltage 13.8 kv.
  • LOTO of equipment up to 69 kv.

Education

Engineering Technology -

Polk State College
01.2017

Business and Management - Business

Mars Hill University
03-2026

Master of Science - Business

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
03-2028

Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Proficient in Word
  • Expertise in Excel functions
  • Presentation design
  • Maximo
  • Live Link
  • Kronos
  • AON
  • SAP
  • MP2
  • MOE
  • AOD
  • PLC
  • CEMS
  • DCS
  • Telemetry
  • AC/DC
  • Power Generation
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Project Management
  • PM
  • CM
  • PDM
  • Superior Written Communication
  • Superior Verbal Communication
  • Troubleshooting
  • RCA
  • Risk Mitigation
  • People Leadership
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Collaboration
  • Strong Project Management
  • Budget Adherence
  • Cost Control Measures
  • Project management
  • Strategic planning
  • Engineering design
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Vendor sourcing
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Decision-making skills
  • Training and mentoring
  • Manufacturing knowledge
  • Project oversight

Certification

  • MSSC Production Technician in Process and Production
  • Safety and CPT
  • Crucial Conversations Certified Trainer
  • DASM (Disciplined Agile Scrum Master)
  • PMP – (Project Management Professional)
  • Six Sigma - Blackbelt

Timeline

Engineering Manager, Electrical SME

Pratt and Whitney
04.2023 - Current

Maintenance Manager

Georgia Pacific
02.2022 - 12.2022

Electrical/Maintenance Project Manager

Mosaic
01.2020 - 02.2022

EIA Supervisor

Mosaic
01.2014 - 01.2020

EIA Planner/Project Coordinator

Mosaic
01.2013 - 01.2014

Electrical, Instrumentation, & Automation Technician

Mosaic
01.2008 - 01.2013

Engineering Technology -

Polk State College

Business and Management - Business

Mars Hill University

Master of Science - Business

North Carolina State University