Ricardo Mendoza
Clovis,NM
Summary
Professional with bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics and experience in quality, production, and controls in the food manufacturing industry. My experience includes optimizing production systems, developing metric dashboards, working with AI vision systems, increasing NIR reliability, and using machine learning to improve process monitoring and outputs. I enjoy solving problems, learning new technologies, and finding practical ways to improve manufacturing processes.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Controls Graduate
Southwest Cheese Company LLC
Clovis, NM
01.2026 - Current
- Used Python and Structured Query Language within Ignition Designer to develop and improve the reporting gateway.
- Developed and updated OEE dashboards to give operators and leadership a clearer view of equipment performance and production downtime.
- Debugged and improved reporting screens to make equipment issues easier to identify and track.
- Worked on implementing AI vision systems to detect foreign material on production equipment, including collecting images, training the system, and testing detection performance.
- Integrated NIR outputs into the HMI to provide operators with real-time process information.
- Developed machine learning models using NIR data to predict final product quality results to improve NIR reliability.
Team Leader (Cheese Graduate)
Southwest Cheese Company LLC
Clovis, NM
08.2024 - 12.2025
- Monitored cheese production processes from raw milk intake to final packaging to ensure all operations met CTQ (Critical to Quality) standards.
- Verified product specifications throughout the shift; made adjustments to equipment or process settings to maintain compliance.
- Completed daily CTQ reports detailing shift performance, quality metrics, and deviations for internal tracking and audit readiness.
- Delivered shift summaries and production updates during daily department head briefings.
- Improved the CTQ reporting system to make quality data easier to track and review.
- Created a CTQ training foundation to help prepare upcoming team members for responsibilities and expectations.
- Automated data tracking for in-process and final product results, reducing manual data entry and improving time efficiency.
- Participated in a Foreign Material FMEA team to identify risks and reduce foreign material throughout the cheese production process.
Quality Internship
Southwest Cheese Company LLC
Clovis, NM
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Validated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Sanitation SOPs (SSOPs) to ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
- Performed microbial testing by plating HTST (High-Temperature Short-Time) samples on Petrifilm to verify bacterial kill effectiveness.
- Reintroduced and standardized lactose testing procedures to enhance product quality monitoring.
- Promoted a positive work culture by collaborating across departments and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive Quality Certification training for upper management, reinforcing policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
Quality Technician
Plains Dairy
Amarillo, TX
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Systematically analyzed product samples using industry-standard laboratory equipment to evaluate their chemical and physical properties.
- Diligently followed protocols to detect contaminants and ensure products are compliant with health regulations.
- Interpreted data and documented results with precision to maintain thorough records for quality assurance and control.
- Collaborated with the quality management team to implement improvements and ensure consistent product integrity.
- Stayed current with regulatory updates and integrated best practices into testing procedures to exceed industry benchmarks.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX12-2023
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX12-2023
Skills
- Quality Assurance
- Team Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Backend Development
- Technical Communication
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Japanese
Elementary
Timeline
Controls Graduate
Southwest Cheese Company LLC
01.2026 - Current
Team Leader (Cheese Graduate)
Southwest Cheese Company LLC
08.2024 - 12.2025
Quality Internship
Southwest Cheese Company LLC
05.2024 - 08.2024
Quality Technician
Plains Dairy
01.2024 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
West Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
West Texas A&M University
References
Kyle Kropf - Current Supervisor
Title: Controls Maintenance Manager
Company: Southwest Cheese LLC
Email: kkropf@southwestcheese.com
Relationship: Direct supervisor as my role as a Controls Graduate at Southwest Cheese LLC.
Kevin Poulin – Former Supervisor
Title: GPS Manager
Company: Southwest Cheese LLC
Email: kpoulin@southwestcheese.com
Phone: 575-693-6539
Relationship: Direct supervisor during my role as CTQ TL at Southwest Cheese LLC.
Shiquan Tao, Ph.D. – Professor/Advisor
Title: Professor of Chemistry
Institution: West Texas A&M University
Email: stao@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2539
Relationship: Academic advisor and instructor during my Chemistry program.
Daniel Seth, Ph.D. – Professor
Title: Professor of Mathematics
Institution: West Texas A&M University
Email: dseth@wtamu.edu
Relationship: Academic instructor during my Mathematics program.