Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Additional Information
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Hi, I’m

Vanessa L Rutherford

Engineering Manager
Valencia,CA
Vanessa L Rutherford

Summary

Materials Engineer, and Industrial Designer with over 25 years of experience in the aerospace and aviation industry. Extensive experience in the integration of new products, software, and materials into manufacturing environments. Focus on project and program management, including planning production schedules, manufacturing documents (visual aids, quality forms, BOMs), and cross functional team training. Currently transforming company culture through Lean training specifically developed for the environment and processes. Execution of large scale, multi-department improvement projects as well assisting and guiding department personnel to complete small, focused events and projects.

Overview

25
years of professional experience

Work History

Honda Performance Development
Santa Clarita, CA

Process Improvement Manager
10.2020 - Current

Job overview

  • Assigned to head the newest department to focus on incorporating Lean concepts and process improvement to the division using corporate guidance.
  • Conceptualize and establish a specialized Lean training program for the business.
  • Designed online training program for Covid restrictions with transition to in person.
  • Managed change among staff to achieve buy-in and cooperation and overcome resistance.
  • Achieved cultural shifts and process change through tenacious determination and interpersonal skills.
  • Evaluated impact of process change on overall operation and determined return on investment.
  • Improved efficiency and effectiveness of performance and management of processes across departments.
  • Analyzed steps of activities to discern existence of business processes for formalization, including full transition to electronic documentation in production, conversion of Quality Assurance to new software, and trackside commercial product sales streamlined and addition of new procedures to maintain profitable inventory.
  • Conducted focus groups, surveys and feedback sessions to gather input from stakeholders for strategic planning of projects and events to optimize material and data flow from product design to final testing and shipping.
  • Generate trainings, documentation, work instructions, and control plans to maintain changes long term
  • Focus on cost reduction, labor hour reduction, increase of quality, and increase of access to critical data for feedback into engineering development.

Sr Quality Engineering
11.2017 - 09.2020

Job overview

  • Drafted reports to detail non-conforming material issues.
  • Contributed to root cause analysis to determine core reason for failures and errors.
  • Supported quality team members during corrective action updates.
  • Leverage software transition to boost vendor relationships with the Quality Assurance Department.
  • Engage in vendor site visits with Procurement for risk assessments, enhancement of communication, and solve product quality concerns.
  • Incorporate vendor feedback into new procedures to streamline feedback on non-conformances.
  • Recommended revisions to internal controls and operational and management policies and procedures.
  • Facilitated process improvements to successfully decrease errors.

Donaldson Company
Valencia, CA

Manufacturing Engineering and Facilities & Maintenance Manager
02.2014 - 11.2017

Job overview

  • Manage 4 departments on-site (Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities & Maintenance, Test Lab, and IT) with 12 direct reports
  • Review and verify costing of products for sales and customer service departments at corporate including PMAs and repair station
  • Participate in the development and execution of the annual strategic and cost planning
  • Maintain budgets for 3 departments and report out on costs to the Plant Manager
  • Contribute, oversee, and report to corporate leadership on $1M in cost reductions annually for a $22M sales operation
  • Program manager for New Product Introduction (NPI) in collaboration with Design Engineering, Production, and Sales
  • Incorporate and develop 3D printing technology to enhance processes and procedures in production including machining fixtures, tooling, and inspection aides
  • Provide training to operators and management on various manufacturing topics including labor scanning and non-conformance documents
  • Mentor direct reports on career development, project management, budget planning, and cost analysis
  • Implement and supervise new maintenance software to track requests, costs incurred, and establish a PM program in the facility
  • Execute with contractors and guide employees on a roof repair on a 92,000 sq-ft facility without stopping production resulting in 0 injuries and no loss of equipment as well as no loss of production
  • Complete analysis and ROI on capital investments
  • Coordinate and approve contractors for installation of new equipment, repairs, electrical upgrades, and guide Lean and 6S activities
  • Represent my employer in the community at fundraisers and charity events.

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
Puyallup, WA

Design Engineer/Program Manager
12.2011 - 02.2014

Job overview

  • Of composite projects, responsible for new and core products from concept through development, including the processes, research, design, development, and analysis of manufacturing processes using Lean Manufacturing concepts
  • Responsible for manufacturing planning, process implementation, capital equipment procurement, time and schedule management, and personnel training, including composite lay-up, part assembly, and paint
  • Ensure timely and efficient completion of projects while maintaining strict deadlines through quick resolution of manufacturing problems, and material review board activities
  • Creation, review, and approval of manufacturing documents including Bill of Materials (BOMs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and Process Specifications (SOPs)
  • Meet established individual and company goals to increase sales margin by $180K in 5 months, and maintain a steady increase of production to hit $450K in 7 months
  • Cost reduction activities resulted in a 10% profit margin increase
  • Interface with customers and sales team to understand requirements and provide technical support to align product functions with the end user experience.

Wyzant Tutoring
Seattle, WA

Independent Tutor
10.2011 - 12.2012

Job overview

  • Supported high-school students with helpful study habits and exam strategies in advanced math and science curriculum.
  • Enabled underachieving students to reach target attainment levels by providing individualized coaching and activities.
  • Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum, lesson plan, and materials.
  • Mentored and coached students with focus on developing independence and self-confidence.
  • All students improved by one letter grade or higher in a semester.

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Redondo Beach, CA

Engineer II
06.2004 - 03.2011

Job overview

  • Responsible for the qualification, documentation, budget, timeline, and training associated with the implementation of new materials and processes for several projects, including the James Webb Space Telescope
  • Directly supervise lab technicians in sample fabrication and testing, per ASTM standards, and shop personnel in material application processes
  • Maintain testing methods, and material specifications
  • Collaborate with departments to obtain final validation of the new materials and processes, and integration into the manufacturing environment
  • Spearhead research of innovative materials to increase company’s technological and competitive edge in the industry and reduce overall manufacturing costs by up to 30%
  • Provide sustaining engineering support to the production and assembly teams of various federal programs to maintain manufacturing efficiency and reduce schedule delays by 20%
  • Ensure proper upkeep and maintenance of controlled technical documents, material qualification reports, and corrective analysis studies
  • Key Accomplishments:
  • Sample of innovative conductive, nanofiber filled epoxy delivered on final Discovery mission for two years of exposure on the International Space Station
  • Developed material application processes of composite structures for the James Webb Space Telescope by managing laboratory teams, researching new materials, and coordinating milestone schedules with upper management.

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Palmdale, CA

Engineer I
08.2002 - 06.2004

Job overview

  • Drive and own the closure of material discrepancies (from non-conformance to obsoletion) with outside suppliers and customers
  • Responsible to maintain the full capabilities of materials used on the B-2 Bomber outer surfaces
  • Determine project plan, schedule, and budget to resolve issues related to product non-conformances and performance test failures
  • Coordinate with production floor technicians and supervisors to solve material issues with a 30% increase in overall response efficiency
  • Support all Air Force bases in application and repair processes training and troubleshooting
  • Gain experience with structural composites, experimental adhesives, carbon fiber fillers, ceramic tiles, and ceramic coatings.

Education

The Art Institute of California

Bachelor of Science from Industrial Design

University Overview

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science from Materials Science and Engineering

University Overview

Skills

Six Sigma Green Beltundefined

Affiliations

Affiliations

Honda USA Foundation – Board Director, 2021 to present

Space Camp Alumni Association - Board Member, 2024 to present

Circle of Hope SCV – Secretary, 2022 to present

SCV Lean In Circle – Founding Member, 2019 to present

Santa Clarita Valley Junior Chamber International (SCV JCI) – Alumni Member

Additional Information

Additional Information
  • IDSA – 2011 IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) Finalist in Student Designs category
  • IDSA – 2011 Student Merit Award Winner and presenter at IDSA Midwest Conference
  • US Patents – Fastener Container US D671, 832
Availability
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Quote

Work begins when the fear of doing nothing at all finally trumps the terror of doing it badly.
Alain de Botton

Timeline

Process Improvement Manager
Honda Performance Development
10.2020 - Current
Sr Quality Engineering
11.2017 - 09.2020
Manufacturing Engineering and Facilities & Maintenance Manager
Donaldson Company
02.2014 - 11.2017
Design Engineer/Program Manager
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
12.2011 - 02.2014
Independent Tutor
Wyzant Tutoring
10.2011 - 12.2012
Engineer II
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
06.2004 - 03.2011
Engineer I
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
08.2002 - 06.2004
The Art Institute of California
Bachelor of Science from Industrial Design
05.2011
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science from Materials Science and Engineering
05.2001
Vanessa L RutherfordEngineering Manager