Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Nicholas Hapka

Oshkosh,WI

Summary

Results-driven Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, offering over 11 years of experience in manufacturing and field service engineering. Expertise in process optimization, workflow improvements, and cross-functional project management, consistently delivering measurable productivity gains in industrial environments. Proven track record in partnering with teams to identify inefficiencies and implement Lean solutions, enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost savings while aligning with end-user productivity goals in construction and manufacturing sectors. Skilled in coaching on Lean tools and driving continuous improvement initiatives to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Feild Service Engineer

Valmet
07.2024 - Current
  • Disassembled and reassembled complex machinery to repair or replace worn or malfunctioning components.
  • Scheduled service calls according to customer location and urgency of need.
  • Maintained tools and equipment, parts inventory, and library of machine manuals.
  • Updated and maintained assigned machines per manufacturer specifications.
  • Tested equipment performance and demonstrated operation and servicing best practices.
  • Recommended design changes, upgrades and replacements to improve systems performance.
  • Translated main cable and equipment location blueprints to technicians while declaring system outages and rerouting staff for timely service completion.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing prompt and professional onsite support for critical system malfunctions.

Field Service Engineer

Valmet
07.2020 - 07.2024
  • Partnered with cross-functional teams and end-users to assess operations, identify improvement opportunities, and implement Lean-based solutions, resulting in enhanced workflows and measurable productivity increases in mechanical electrical rebuilds and installations.
  • Led multiple continuous improvement efforts from inception to completion, coaching teams on Lean tools and methods to build internal capabilities and sustain long-term process enhancements.
  • Analyzed current workflows and explored 'what-if' scenarios to uncover efficiency and cost-saving opportunities, applying Lean Six Sigma techniques to reduce downtime and improve system reliability.
  • Developed and deployed training manuals, SOPs, and process flows using Autodesk software, fostering strong user partnerships and enabling teams to independently drive productivity improvements.
  • Managed project timelines, defined key metrics, and provided executive-level updates on progress, ensuring alignment across stakeholders and delivering lasting results in industrial settings.

Mechanical Engineer

Valmet
07.2018 - 06.2020
  • Managed end-to-end projects from acquisition to procurement, utilizing Lean Six Sigma to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance supply quality in manufacturing operations.
  • Collaborated with internal teams to solve operational challenges, implement process improvements, and coach on Lean practices, directly contributing to efficiency gains and user-focused solutions.
  • Created detailed process flows and training materials for cross-team use, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and enabling measurable impacts on productivity and safety.
  • Built relationships with stakeholders to stay informed on industry trends and customer needs, supporting the development of innovative solutions tailored to construction and manufacturing workflows.

Mechanical Designer

Valmet
06.2014 - 07.2018
  • Assisted lead engineers in optimizing designs by converting 2D drawings to 3D models, focusing on creating stronger, more efficient parts to avoid full system replacements and improve overall productivity.
  • Applied problem-solving skills to analyze and enhance machine systems in paper manufacturing, identifying opportunities for process improvements that reduced waste and increased operational efficiency.
  • Collaborated with teams to explore design alternatives, ensuring solutions aligned with user needs and delivered cost-effective, sustainable results in industrial environments.

Drafting Intern

Pierce Manufacturing
01.2014 - 06.2014
  • Created technical drawings and transitioned 2D designs to 3D models for production, streamlining workflows and supporting continuous improvement in manufacturing processes for custom vehicles.
  • Updated and remastered hundreds of drawings, applying attention to detail to enhance accuracy and efficiency in assembly operations.

Driver & Project Manager

Hapka Contracting Inc.
04.2006 - 08.2011
  • Managed diverse construction projects from planning to execution, including site preparation and artistic installations, focusing on optimizing daily workflows to meet timelines and goals.
  • Coordinated resources and teams in hands-on construction environments, solving on-site problems to improve efficiency and deliver high-quality results.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI
01.2018

Associate's Degree - Mechanical Design Technology

Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI
01.2014

High School Diploma - undefined

Germantown High School
Germantown, WI
01.2011

Skills

  • Lean Six Sigma Methodologies
  • Team Coaching and Building
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Project Management
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Cross-Team Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Autodesk Software (ReCap 360, NavisWorks, CATIA)
  • Technical Training
  • SOP Development
  • Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
  • Manufacturing and Construction Environments
  • Metrics and Performance Reporting
  • Rockwell Automation
  • Field Service and Work Order Management
  • Customer Relations and Support
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Equipment Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
  • Control Systems and PLC Programming
  • Technical Documentation and Drafting

Certification

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB)
  • Train the Trainer
  • Performance Management: Setting Goals and Managing Performance
  • Learning PLC Ladder Logic: The Basics
  • Logix Basics and Troubleshooting
  • OSHA 10 Hour Outreach Training Program - General Industry

Timeline

Senior Feild Service Engineer

Valmet
07.2024 - Current

Field Service Engineer

Valmet
07.2020 - 07.2024

Mechanical Engineer

Valmet
07.2018 - 06.2020

Mechanical Designer

Valmet
06.2014 - 07.2018

Drafting Intern

Pierce Manufacturing
01.2014 - 06.2014

Driver & Project Manager

Hapka Contracting Inc.
04.2006 - 08.2011

Associate's Degree - Mechanical Design Technology

Fox Valley Technical College

High School Diploma - undefined

Germantown High School

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

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Nicholas Hapka