NICO RAICES
Orlando,FL
Summary
Operations and production management professional with over 10 years of experience in processes optimization, enhancing operating efficiency, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across various industries. Experienced engineer and Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams through process development, product design and project management from conception to execution. Adept at regulatory compliance, cost reduction strategies, risk management and implementing sustainable solutions. Passionate about driving operational excellence through data-driven decision making and strategic planning. Extensive experience in leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve overall business operations, including production planning, gap analysis, staffing decisions, facility layout optimization, qualification and validation processes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Operations Management
RTT Medical
Orlando, FL
11.2022 - Current
- Serves on the Operations Management Team, leading from an engineering perspective and overseeing employee training and performance assessments
- Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes, improving production efficiency and product quality
- Lead Product design and development projects to align business and manufacturing capabilities with customer needs
- Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to analyze data, eliminate process bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement
- Spearhead the scale-up of development processes to full-scale production while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
- Manage technicians, enhancing team capabilities and ensuring best practices in a controlled manufacturing environment
- Oversee supplier qualification and selection to secure high-quality raw materials, ensuring consistency in manufacturing
- Define, identify, and procure new equipment to optimize manufacturing workflows
- Implement a risk-based approach in the development, validation, and execution of all processes
- Successfully managed project budgets, aligning resource allocation with financial objectives
- Applied Lean Six Sigma strategies to optimize facility layout, streamline staffing decisions, and ensure seamless validation and compliance
Process Development Engineer
Zimmer Biomet
Jacksonville, FL
02.2021 - 11.2022
- Led process remediation efforts to ensure full compliance with FDA and EUMDR standards
- Developed comprehensive risk management plans, usability studies, and critical quality assessments for new product introductions
- Collaborated with quality and development engineers to optimize verification, validation, and CAPA-driven improvements
- Executed validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) to enhance process reliability and mitigate risks
- Functioned as a key liaison between development teams and production facilities, ensuring seamless integration of new products
- Developed process flow maps and standardized procedures to ensure consistent and scalable production methodologies
- Utilized Lean Six Sigma methodologies to optimize overall operations, improve production planning, minimize risk to customers, and enhance compliance measures
Process Engineer
Signature Systems
Orlando, FL
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Optimized production workflows through root cause analysis, resulting in significant efficiency improvements
- Led lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance operator safety, ergonomics, and cost savings
- Directed product development and design projects, implementing CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) to drive innovation and manufacturability
- Developed standardized work procedures and instructions for engineering, quality, and production teams
- Managed statistical process monitoring systems, utilizing data analytics to improve production efficiency
- Spearheaded validation trials for new product qualifications and material changes, ensuring compliance with industry standards
- Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to streamline product development and material selection processes
- Applied advanced Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve facility layout, enhance staffing decisions, and mitigate operational risks
Additive Parameters Development & Analysis
General Electric Aviation
Cincinnati, OH
04.2018 - 12.2018
- Conducted metallographic analysis and SEM evaluations for additively manufactured aerospace components
- Provided technical evaluations for additive manufacturing structures, optimizing production parameters
- Led statistical data verification and macro development for integrity assessments, improving data accuracy
- Supported high-profile GE LEAP and GE9X engine programs, ensuring adherence to performance and safety standards
- Applied Lean Six Sigma tools to refine production processes and improve operational efficiency
Various Technical & Manufacturing Roles
General Electric Aviation
Cincinnati, OH
06.2014 - 04.2018
- Managed inventory control, scheduling, and training for manufacturing teams in high-paced production environments
- Ensured compliance with FAA and DOT regulations for aircraft component manufacturing
- Operated CNC, EDM, and CMM machinery, optimizing precision manufacturing processes
- Designed custom machine tooling and facility layouts using CAD software
Education
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING -
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FLMECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE -
Cincinnati State Technical College
Cincinnati, OHENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY -
Waubonsee Community College
Aurora, ILMECHANICAL ENGINEERING -
Western Illinois University
Macomb, ILSkills
- Operational Management
- Process Development and Product Design
- Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance
- Black Belt Lean Six Sigma
- Statistical Process Control
- Project Management
- Strategic Cross-Departmental Leadership
- Supplier Audits
- Contract Negotiation
- Operational Efficiency Improvement
- Efficient Supply Chain Management
- Process Validation
- Cost Analysis
- Cost Reduction Strategies
- Production Planning
- Business Operations Strategy
- Facility Layout Optimization
- Workforce Planning Expertise
- Workforce Development
- Performance Evaluations
- ERP
- Minitab
- Tableau
- Proficient in CAD Software
Timeline
Operations Management
RTT Medical
11.2022 - Current
Process Development Engineer
Zimmer Biomet
02.2021 - 11.2022
Process Engineer
Signature Systems
02.2019 - 02.2021
Additive Parameters Development & Analysis
General Electric Aviation
04.2018 - 12.2018
Various Technical & Manufacturing Roles
General Electric Aviation
06.2014 - 04.2018
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Professional, Six Sigma Global Institute
- Certified Pro-Molder & Extrusion, Paulson Plastics Academy
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING -
University of Central Florida
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE -
Cincinnati State Technical College
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY -
Waubonsee Community College
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING -
Western Illinois University
Certification
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Professional, Six Sigma Global Institute
- Certified Pro-Molder & Extrusion, Paulson Plastics Academy
References
References available upon request.
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