Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Michael Liekefet

Suffolk,VA

Summary

Engineering professional known for high standards and results-driven approach. Strong history as an Industrial Journeyman Electrician with proven track record in managing engineering teams to meet project goals and deadlines. Reliable team player adaptable to changing needs, skilled in technical problem-solving and effective communication.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Reliability Engineering Supervisor

Lipton Teas and Infusions
Suffolk, VA
04.2021 - Current
  • Supervised and coordinated activities of 60 skilled tradesmen, focusing on electricians, mechanics, and millwrights, to maintain high standards of facility performance.
  • Oversaw management of 3.5 million dollar spare parts inventory to ensure optimal stock levels.
  • Directed allocation and utilization of $6 million annual maintenance budget to support operational efficiency.
  • Oversaw execution and compliance of 18 annual contracts for facility maintenance and support.
  • Managed weekly Kronos, vacation scheduling, overtime coverage and tracked employee point system.
  • Performed detailed quality and food safety audits and inspections, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring adherence to regulations.
  • Designed and implemented emergency response training programs to enhance team preparedness and maintain accurate regulatory documentation.
  • Supervised engineering operations, guaranteeing strict compliance with safety regulations and the highest quality standards.
  • Led team performance initiatives, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Implemented process enhancements, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for production challenges.
  • Developed maintenance schedules to minimize equipment failures and enhance production reliability.
  • Actively participated in recruitment efforts, interviewing candidates and making hiring recommendations based on technical skills and cultural fit within the department.
  • Increased overall department efficiency through strategic planning, effective resource management, and close monitoring of project progress.
  • Set and managed budgets for capital, expense and cost improvement activities and defined and developed project specifications.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve complex engineering challenges.
  • Forecasted labor budgeting needs and presented proposals to financial department.
  • Streamlined workflow processes for improved productivity and reduced project completion times.
  • Balanced project priority and business demand and aligned resources to accomplish assignments, projects and continuous improvements.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for team members, identifying strengths and areas for improvement to guide their ongoing professional development.
  • Reduced equipment downtime through proactive maintenance planning coupled with root cause analysis investigations when incidents occurred.

Six Sigma concepts and initiatives to gain competitive advantage.

  • Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, ensuring a robust talent pool for future projects.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives, identifying areas of inefficiency and developing solutions to address them.
  • Wrote, reviewed and edited technical document in accordance with template requirements.
  • Developed cost estimates and project specifications for proposals.

Automation and Electrical Maintenance Planner

Lipton Teas and Infusions
Suffolk, VA
02.2018 - 04.2021
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive maintenance schedules to optimize equipment uptime.
  • Developed and maintained an effective CMMS system (SAP)
  • Executed generation of purchase orders and collaborated with finance to resolve payment discrepancies within Coupa, DCIW, and SAP.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and standards throughout all aspects of the maintenance planning process.
  • Created detailed work orders specifying required tasks, materials, tools, and resources for efficient execution by technicians.
  • Analyzed work orders and prioritized maintenance tasks based on operational impact.
  • Managed inventory of spare parts, ensuring availability for timely repairs.
  • Trained and mentored junior planners on best practices in maintenance planning.
  • Led root cause analysis for recurring equipment failures to enhance reliability.
  • Facilitated regular meetings with maintenance teams to review performance metrics and align objectives.

Electrical and Facility Maintenance Coordinator

Lipton Teas and Infusions
Suffolk, VA
09.2013 - 02.2018
  • Maintained detailed records of all maintenance activities performed, allowing for effective tracking of progress over time.
  • Improved equipment uptime by implementing preventive maintenance schedules and coordinating routine inspections.
  • Developed maintenance reports to assess program success and inform operational decisions.
  • Coordinated emergency response efforts during unexpected breakdowns, mitigating risks to personnel safety and production timelines.
  • Reviewed maintenance program for efficiency accuracy and timeliness, and provided feedback for improvement to company leadership.
  • Oversaw equipment and parts inventory and tracked shipments to reduce stock shortages.
  • Assisted upper management in developing long-term strategies for improving overall plant reliability by providing input based on past experiences.
  • Reduced maintenance costs through thorough analysis of repair needs and prioritization of tasks.

Industrial Electrician and PLC Tech

Lipton Tea and Infusions
Suffolk, VA
02.1996 - 09.2013
  • Installed and maintained electrical systems in industrial settings to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Diagnosed and repaired complex electrical issues using advanced troubleshooting techniques.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams to implement system upgrades, enhancing overall performance.
  • Led safety training sessions, promoting best practices among team members and reducing incidents.
  • Installed, maintained and repaired electrical wiring, controls and lighting systems.
  • Collaborated with engineers and other technicians for the successful completion of various industrial projects.
  • Upgraded outdated wiring systems to enhance performance and reduce potential hazards in the workplace.
  • Tested circuit continuity to determine electrical compatibility and component safety.
  • Diagnosed root causes of equipment failure utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, enabling swift resolution for minimal disruption to production schedules.
  • Executed daily inspections of electrical equipment to identify and rectify any potential issues, preventing downtime.

Eletrician

Blount Electric
Courtland, VA
08.1995 - 02.1996
  • Supervised Electricians during Factory shutdown work
  • Supervised Electricians on industrial construction projects
  • Installed and wired electrical transformers, service panels, and circuit breakers.
  • Read and interpreted electrical, mechanical, and architectural drawings and electrical code specifications for wiring layouts.
  • Installed fiberoptic switching stations for local telephone utility
  • Supervised apprentices and junior electricians, providing mentorship and training on best practices.

Industrial Electrician Apprentice

T&T Electric
Norfolk, VA
09.1990 - 08.1995
  • Supported senior electricians in wiring installations and repairs
  • Training on installing conduit, panels, switchgear, bus duct and all associated electrical components
  • Gained experience in reading blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, which resulted in accurate interpretation for successful project completion.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal development through active participation in apprenticeship program coursework and hands-on learning experiences.
  • Repaired light fixtures, controls, switches, relays, and circuit breaker panels based on detailed evaluations.
  • Attended Apprenticeship school in the evenings
  • Participated in training sessions on electrical code compliance and best practices.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete projects efficiently and accurately.

Education

Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety

OSHA 30
Suffolk VA
02-2026

Certificate - PLC Installation, Troubleshooting, And Programming

Rockwell / Allen Bradley Automation
Richmond Va
02-2004

Electrical Apprenticeship - Electrical

Norfolk Vocational And Technical Center
Norfolk, VA
05-1995

High School Diploma -

John F. Kennedy High School
Suffolk, VA
06-1990

Electrical

P.D. Pruden Vocation School
Suffolk Va
06-1990

Skills

  • Team collaboration
  • Project tracking
  • Strategic planning
  • Schedule management
  • Work flow planning
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Budget control
  • Contract management
  • Electrical installation
  • National electric code NFPA 70
  • OSHA guidelines
  • Power distribution
  • Fire alarm systems
  • NEC code regulations
  • Arc flash analysis
  • Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
  • Incident reporting
  • Hazardous waste management
  • Lockout and tagout procedures

Timeline

Reliability Engineering Supervisor

Lipton Teas and Infusions
04.2021 - Current

Automation and Electrical Maintenance Planner

Lipton Teas and Infusions
02.2018 - 04.2021

Electrical and Facility Maintenance Coordinator

Lipton Teas and Infusions
09.2013 - 02.2018

Industrial Electrician and PLC Tech

Lipton Tea and Infusions
02.1996 - 09.2013

Eletrician

Blount Electric
08.1995 - 02.1996

Industrial Electrician Apprentice

T&T Electric
09.1990 - 08.1995

Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety

OSHA 30

Certificate - PLC Installation, Troubleshooting, And Programming

Rockwell / Allen Bradley Automation

Electrical Apprenticeship - Electrical

Norfolk Vocational And Technical Center

High School Diploma -

John F. Kennedy High School

Electrical

P.D. Pruden Vocation School