NATHAN CHARLES
Appleton,WI
Summary
Experienced technical leader driving companies towards growth and innovation. Demonstrated success in executive leadership, implementing strategic initiatives and improving operational efficiencies. Known for fostering effective team collaboration and making strategic decisions that yield positive results.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
CRUCIBLE METAL SOLUTIONS
03.2015 - Current
- Negotiated purchase agreement, coordinated due diligence, and secured funding to acquire a pattern tooling, foundry and machining manufacturer
- Sought out low-cost, high-impact resources in business advisement, machine and facility repair to offset $1M in business challenges related to undisclosed issues prior to acquisition
- Increased team’s collective knowledge of additive manufacturing; including 3D sand printing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAM softwares and other technologies to improve competitiveness
- Grew EBITDA over 3x’s from 2015 to 2019
- Navigated team through major challenges due to Covid in 2020, ramp back of operations through 2021 to normal operations in Q1 2022
- Navigated a $1.3M casualty loss and ramp back of operations again in 2022 due to a vendor collapsing the foundry facility’s roof July of 2022
Director of Operations, Defense
WISCONSIN ORDNANCE WORKS
02.2020 - 04.2021
- Responsible for delivery of strategic business objectives related to the growth of the business and margin improvement of current products; while maintaining zero lost-time safety record, 100% OTD, and less than 0.5% of sales internal scrap rate
- Reduced cost of labor on long term contract parts in the first 2 quarters of employment, resulting in significant savings of $1.5M over the term of the contract
- Worked with the leadership team in CapEx planning, selection, installation, and ramp up; through customer PPAP and government audit
- Implemented installation of new CNC equipment, new job fixturing, supplier selection and management of customer requirements
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
Account Manager
BURGESS-NORTON
09.2012 - 03.2015
- Negotiated Long-Term Agreements (LTA) and necessary cost increases with major OEMs
- Evaluated Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating suppliers and negotiated localized supply
- Spearheaded return of major OEM and increased plant revenue 25%
- Facilitated customer meetings with purchasing and technical leaders to promote the value of Burgess-Norton’s products, processes and people
- Contributed to the launch of Sugar CRM and the tailoring of the system to support the needs of the organization
OEM Application Engineering Manager – Diesel Engine Integration
NAVISTAR, INC.
04.2012 - 09.2012
- Managed team of 6 direct engineer reports with accountability for application integration Design Validation Plan and Report (DVP&R) and product lifecycle support
- Formalized customer communications process across teams to ensure alignment of metrics associated with application engineering expectations and consistent customer touch points
- Lead cross-functional teams for customer launch, on-time delivery and release documentation prior to end use
OEM Business Segment Manager – Commercial Diesel Engine Sales
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Responsible for developing and delivering profitable growth in designated markets and communicating state of business to executive management
- Direct efforts for engineering release, purchasing, manufacturing, marketing and sales of loose diesel engines utilized in both on-highway and off-highway OEM products
- Gather client requirements to propose solutions from existing products and communicate requirements to engineering for System Requirements Documentation (SRD)
- Lead sales team during client meetings, acting as product and technical liaison
- Substantially increased brand awareness through participation in key national trade shows and industry publications
OEM Business Segment Manager - Defense Diesel Engine Sales
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Managed engine development projects for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), and various other tactical vehicle bid programs
- Analyzed project requirements to assemble scope of work and ensure product compliance to System Requirements Documentation (SRD)
- Delivered high-level presentations on capability gap analysis, budget requirements, and program delivery status
- Initiated high level of team engagement in focused product delivery process resulting in increased product quality with shortened project timelines
- Coordinated with design, purchasing, and suppliers to expedite hardware delivery to manufacturing
Emission Homologation Engineer - Sr. Project Engineer
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Recipient of Chairman’s Award for reducing engine certification burden for the 2007 model year, resulting in $1M cost reduction
- Initiated and supervised product testing for all changes and upgrades ensuring engine compliance throughout the model year
- Optimized emissions Averaging, Banking & Trading (AB&T) schema via excel modeling and VBA programming
- Acted as liaison to the EPA & CARB for diesel emission certifications and negotiations related to inline engines ranging from 7.6L to 12.4L
Performance & Emissions Calibration Engineer - Sr. Engineer
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Led team for Inline 6 Current Product Calibration; managed multiple calibration development projects, delegated/prioritized work orders to team members, and analyzed/communicated project results to upper management
- Interfaced daily with engine test technicians regarding test requests and work instruction
- Analyzed data and optimized engine calibration to meet System Requirements Documentation
- Teamed with the Design & Manufacturing departments to determine product evolution requirements
Mechanical Development & Reliability Technician - Team Leader
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Supervised 30 union lab technicians and 30+ test cells, overseeing overall performance
- Administered all activities associated with the hiring of new technicians
- Participated in continuous management training through internal and external classes
- Worked with union stewards and committeemen to improve lab throughput
Engineering Co-op
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP.
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Worked in 6 divisions over 3 terms, alternating between school and part-time employment
- Participated in Product Design & Development, managing testing of new product designs
- Performed failure mode and effect analysis, ensuring comprehensive product test & reliability
- Tested utility vehicles for acceleration, grade ability, fuel economy, and sound
- Diagnosed and analyzed lab/field engine failures
- Tested/evaluated various piston configurations in small engine development
Education
Master of Engineering - Professional Practice
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin01.2001
Study abroad program -
Thames Valley University
01.1998
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Employee relations
- Revenue generation
- Program oversight
- Crisis management
- Operations management
- Business development
- Contract negotiation
- Vendor sourcing and negotiations
Timeline
Director of Operations, Defense
WISCONSIN ORDNANCE WORKS
02.2020 - 04.2021
Owner
CRUCIBLE METAL SOLUTIONS
03.2015 - Current
Account Manager
BURGESS-NORTON
09.2012 - 03.2015
OEM Application Engineering Manager – Diesel Engine Integration
NAVISTAR, INC.
04.2012 - 09.2012
OEM Business Segment Manager – Commercial Diesel Engine Sales
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2009 - 01.2012
OEM Business Segment Manager - Defense Diesel Engine Sales
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2008 - 01.2009
Emission Homologation Engineer - Sr. Project Engineer
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2005 - 01.2008
Performance & Emissions Calibration Engineer - Sr. Engineer
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2004 - 01.2005
Mechanical Development & Reliability Technician - Team Leader
NAVISTAR, INC.
01.2002 - 01.2004
Engineering Co-op
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP.
01.2000 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin
Study abroad program -
Thames Valley University
Master of Engineering - Professional Practice
University of Wisconsin
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