Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Mishel Bickerstaff

Copperas Cove,TX

Summary

Dedicated quality professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Advanced Quality Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems Advanced
05.2023 - Current
  • Restructure of failed Supplier
  • KPI restructure
  • NCR system restructure
  • Took supplier from 85% failure rate to 0% failure rate in under 90 days
  • Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous inspection procedures and conducting thorough root cause analysis.
  • Streamlined internal communication, fostering cross-functional collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
  • Improved customer satisfaction levels with timely resolution of non-conformance issues and effective corrective actions.
  • Reduced production defects by designing and executing comprehensive quality control processes.
  • Conducted detailed audits to ensure adherence to ISO 9001 standards, maintaining a high level of compliance throughout the organization.
  • Optimized supplier performance through regular assessment and feedback, leading to increased product reliability and cost savings.
  • Implemented process improvements based on Lean Six Sigma methodologies, resulting in reduced waste and increased efficiency.
  • Facilitated training sessions for team members on quality management principles and best practices, enhancing overall competency levels within the department.
  • Collaborated with external auditors during annual reviews, ensuring a seamless audit process with minimal findings or discrepancies noted.
  • Established robust documentation systems for tracking product specifications, test results, and change requests in an organized manner.
  • Evaluated new materials or components for suitability within existing manufacturing processes while considering factors like cost-effectiveness, durability, and functionality of the finished product.
  • Championed validation efforts for new equipment installations or process changes by creating protocols, executing tests, analyzing data and generating reports demonstrating compliance with established criteria.
  • Developed inspection plans based on design specifications, ensuring all critical dimensions and performance criteria were verified throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Contributed to R&D projects by providing input on manufacturability, quality requirements, and feasibility studies supporting the successful transition from concept to production.
  • Organized and managed Quality Engineering team resources effectively, assigning tasks according to strengths, skill sets, and workload balance for optimal efficiency.
  • Supported organizational growth initiatives by participating in new business proposals or customer presentations showcasing the company''s commitment to delivering high-quality products.
  • Contributed to root cause analysis to determine core reason for failures and errors.
  • Coordinated with quality control staff to complete inspections.
  • Led problem-solving activities to quickly identify and permanently resolve quality and productivity issues.
  • Facilitated process improvements to successfully decrease errors.
  • Developed traceability documentation to aid in investigating faults and defects.
  • Reported on non-compliance issues and other negative factors discovered during production.

Quality Manager

Firefly Aerospace
01.2021 - 05.2023
  • Fluids and Propulsion QE
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • KPIs
  • Process Audits
  • AS9100 audit team lead
  • Auto-CAD, jira, confluence and Odoo lead
  • ERP system designer
  • Process engineering
  • Training
  • Lead PFEMA team manager
  • MRB manager
  • Improved product quality by implementing stringent inspection processes and quality control measures.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by monitoring and addressing customer complaints promptly and efficiently.
  • Streamlined production processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
  • Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration, ensuring seamless communication between departments regarding quality matters.
  • Conducted thorough audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance consistently.
  • Led continuous improvement initiatives by actively seeking opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
  • Reduced product defects by introducing advanced testing methodologies and equipment into production processes.
  • Provided training to employees on best practices in quality management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
  • Managed root cause analysis investigations, determining underlying issues in product failures and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Increased efficiency of the QMS by regularly reviewing procedures and making updates based on changing business needs or industry advancements.
  • Mentored junior staff members in quality management principles, fostering professional growth among team members.
  • Promoted a proactive approach to risk management within the organization, mitigating potential concerns before they escalated into larger issues.
  • Championed data-driven decision making by conducting regular reviews of performance metrics and adjusting strategies accordingly.
  • Optimized supply chain operations through close collaboration with vendors on quality assurance matters, improving supplier relationships over time.
  • Ensured consistent delivery of high-quality products by closely supervising production teams throughout manufacturing processes.

Senior Quality Engineer/Special Processes Engineer and Quality Manager

BAE SYSTEMS
01.2015 - 07.2021
  • Modifications on BFV inspections and processes building (Bradley Fighting
  • Vehicle)
  • Supplier audits
  • Procedure Writing
  • Semiconductors
  • Team manager (106 employees)
  • FS3
  • CBRN
  • BFT2
  • AOA
  • T&TD
  • Modifications lead quality on M109A7 (PIM PROGRAM)
  • Modifications lead quality to MLRS
  • NDT process and procedure qualifications
  • Design and approve shop aids/templates
  • Designed and built a Mobile Fall protection system (see attached letter of recommendation)
  • Read print’s modification drawings, Technical manuals
  • Holding a Senior Welder/Fabrication NDT SME
  • Preform inspections on BFV M3A3 for induction into Bradley Common Hull (BCH) modification
  • Preformed out of scope work to fit needs of the company
  • Preform out processing inspections on vehicles after BCH modification has been completed
  • Collect records and provide data using the company database
  • Auto-CAD
  • Work within contract restraints and scope of work
  • Complied with company safety policies and maintain a safe work environment
  • Managed quality engineering team (19 members)
  • Ensured conformity to military standards OSHA
  • Improved product quality by implementing robust testing procedures and updating manufacturing processes.
  • Streamlined production lines for increased efficiency, reducing defects and minimizing waste.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with thorough root cause analysis and timely resolution of complaints.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize design, manufacturing, and validation processes.
  • Developed comprehensive quality assurance plans, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Conducted regular audits of suppliers and vendors to maintain high-quality supply chain management.
  • Managed risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions for continuous improvement.
  • Provided technical support in resolving complex quality issues by conducting thorough investigations and presenting data-driven recommendations.
  • Championed process improvements initiatives, leading to reduced cycle times and increased production yields.
  • Mentored junior engineers on best practices in quality engineering, fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
  • Implemented effective corrective action plans based on thorough data analysis and investigation findings.
  • Led Six Sigma projects resulting in cost savings through improved process capabilities and waste reduction strategies.
  • Contributed to root cause analysis to determine core reason for failures and errors.
  • Facilitated training sessions on various topics including statistical process control techniques, lean principles, or problem-solving methodologies for enhancing employee competencies within the organization.
  • Supported quality team members during corrective action updates.
  • Facilitated process improvements to successfully decrease errors.

Senior Quality Engineer

General dynamics
12.2009 - 12.2014
  • General Welding inspection/ NDT process builder Responsible for daily inspections of all welded materials in a MOD setting
  • Modifications quality inspections on M1A1 Abrams
  • Quality team lead (9 members)
  • Auto-CAD
  • Parts ordering/inspection of received parts
  • Read print’s modification drawings, Technical manuals
  • Inspected all outgoing parts and fabricated items Welder U.S
  • ARMY August 2005 to

Welder

US Army
08.2005 - 09.2009
  • Built and installed Rhino Mounts on several military vehicles
  • Built and installed, Screens on JSS (Joint Systems Security) FOBs
  • Maintained as a Master Welder in a Brigade Setting
  • Supply System (SAMS-E/PLL) management and parts ordering
  • Produced weekly status reports
  • Routine daily Maintenance of all welders/generators
  • Inspected work of others to ensure the highest of standards were met
  • Preformed 10/20 Maintenance
  • Maintained vehicle electrical, fuel and mechanical systems
  • Repair vehicles to 10/20 standards
  • Troubleshooting faults found on vehicles from all sections
  • Replaced major components of tracked vehicles, including engines, transmissions, final drive, wheels, and tracks
  • Conducted troubleshooting, rebuilding and replacing electrical components such as starters, alternators and other vehicle electrical components
  • Conducted vehicle battery maintenance, including inspecting, charging and reissuing to customers
  • Enhanced welding quality by following precise welding procedures and maintaining proper equipment settings.
  • Increased production efficiency with expert time management skills and adherence to project deadlines.
  • Collaborated with team members for seamless project execution, improving overall productivity.
  • Conducted thorough inspections of welds to ensure adherence to industry standards and codes.
  • Streamlined work processes through effective communication with supervisors and team members about project requirements and progress updates.

Education

Bachelors degree - Mechanical Engineering

American Military University

Bachelors of science and biochemical - Engineering Michigan State

Skills

  • Quality Processes
  • Compliance Monitoring
  • Management Consulting
  • Statistical Analysis Skills
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Team Training
  • Document Management
  • Issue Resolution
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • SOP Development
  • Familiarity With Quality Standards
  • Operational Improvements

Timeline

Advanced Quality Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems Advanced
05.2023 - Current

Quality Manager

Firefly Aerospace
01.2021 - 05.2023

Senior Quality Engineer/Special Processes Engineer and Quality Manager

BAE SYSTEMS
01.2015 - 07.2021

Senior Quality Engineer

General dynamics
12.2009 - 12.2014

Welder

US Army
08.2005 - 09.2009

Bachelors degree - Mechanical Engineering

American Military University

Bachelors of science and biochemical - Engineering Michigan State

Mishel Bickerstaff