Claude (Cj) Valle Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

Responsible for all company functions aside from medical sales. Scaled production to 3 units per month with labor per unit reduced by approximately 50%. Enrolled in the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) and won ISO 13485 compliance to reduce regulatory burden and launch international sales. Oversaw the creation of a 3-person sales team. Based on sales needs and feedback, built a fleet of 4 minivans outfitted with bespoke robot storage to conduct in-person product demonstrations nationwide. Managed the relocation of the company and build-out of the new space, including medical production line, saving over 25% on rent per month. Navigated Barrett’s first FDA audit since launching Burt. Reconfigured finance department; reduced staff by 1/3, worked with new Controller to build new chart of accounts, switch banks, auditors, credit card and payroll providers to automate processes and reduce costs. Developed cash forecasting tools and FAR-compliant SBIR expense tracking system.

Managed a team of 8 engineers and 6 manufacturing staff. Responsible for all product development initiatives, overseeing 6 to 12 active projects at a time. Navigated COVID-related reduction in force, salary reductions and furlough with no attrition. Negotiated engineering contracts worth over $3M with strategic partner. Managed SBIR proposal process, with specific responsibility for commercialization plans and budget. Managed strategic outsourcing of components overseas, netting an inflation-adjusted 45% reduction in BOM cost. Developed employee handbook and other HR procedures.

Newton, Ma

Managed a team of 3 engineers and 4 manufacturing staff. Led the creation of Burt manufacturing line in accordance with FDA regulations. Developed and documented numerous procedures, including standardized BOMs for all products, proactive purchasing procedures to eliminate part shortages, the customer service and support process, and checkout/shipping procedures that reduced errors. Instituted time tracking for production staff to measure time spent per unit and on overhead tasks. Managed relationships with vendors, including corrective action requests and blanket purchasing. Built out machine shop including mill, lathe, and other metalworking equipment.

Drove completion of the hardware (mechanical and electrical) for the Burt medical device. Designed control console, mobile stand, monitor cart, and numerous subassemblies. Supervised the design of all system electronics (8 circuit boards and dozens of cable harnesses). Created and enforced procedures for control and review of electronic designs. Conducted long-term durability testing on Burt and iterated design to increase the lifetime of the unit from less than 6 months to 10+ years. Drove IEC 60601-1 EMC testing and certification process. Contributed to the continuous improvement of Barrett’s other products, including a high-speed version of the WAM arm and a new sensor package for the BarrettHand. Named inventor on 4 pending patents, lead inventor on 1 issued patent.

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

Managed a team of 20 throughout the design, build and testing of a single-seat off-road vehicle. While captain, team increased attendance at national competitions from once to three times per year, increased budget by 50%, and reduced vehicle weight by 20%. Designed drivetrain for 2013-15 vehicles. Built parts using manual and CNC machines, including 4th-axis CNC Mill. CNC lead from 2013-15.

Avon Lake, Oh

Developed advanced printers for exotic materials and lower-cost printing, including mechanical and electrical (PCB) design. Equipment supported over $1M in R&D projects.

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

Responsible for the engineering, functional design, and manufacturing of a green, water-saving consumer electronics device. Worked with team of five to develop product.

Cleveland, Oh

Installed, maintained and documented machine tools including manual and CNC mills, lathes, 3D printers, laser cutters and other hand tools. Assisted students with projects and led classes in proper tool usage and safety.

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

Designed tests for and evaluated new CT machine coatings. Reviewed and corrected Device History Records in FDA-compliant environment. Designed new positioning laser mounts to reduce error. Designed assembly fixtures to ease manufacturing.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Designed and built cable strength/endurance tester with team. Created current support web site and populated with information (support.barrett.com). Developed and implemented inventory sorting system. Wrote code and basic software manual for the WAM robotic arm. Assisted customers with software, electrical and hardware problems.

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Mechanical Engineering, Senior

Activities and Societies: Baja SAE Team

High School Diploma

Activities and Societies: Swim team, Honors Society