Walter Gonzalez Email & Phone Number

Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States

Manage a focused manufacturing operation entailing 10 major functional organizations with over 300+ direct and matrix reports in support of DoD related production. Provide for direct interface with DoD on all matters related to production deliveries. Work effectively in an open and trusting relationship with DOE leadership. Implement INL policies and initiatives while exhibiting INL core values. Drive for growth opportunities in business volume as well as capital investment. Nurture a strong organizational culture focused on safety, security, quality and environmental stewardship. Develop and execute strategies to help position and foster future growth.

Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Responsible for leading the BAE Systems Weapon Systems Assembly & Machining Operations and associated Manufacturing Engineering group at the Louisville, Kentucky Site. This site is considered BAE Systems Center of Excellence with regards to the manufacturing of key U.S. Naval defense platforms including MK45 Naval Gun, (AGS), MK38, and Mk110 Gun Systems, Vertical Launch Missile Systems, and Submarine propulsor unit. Responsible for the successful execution of production contracts. The focus of effort consisted of technical leadership driven towards business execution while fostering a strong workforce organizational built on customer and process improvement culture.

Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Lead project efforts towards the establishment of commodity versus program centric approach to material acquisition. Developed both the process and necessary tools to evaluate and analyze supplier bids against requirements. Developed and implemented improved a supplier evaluation and rating tool that improved upon the prior version by incorporating attributes such as technical capability, financial risk, strategic relationship, and business stability. Project concluded in November with overall efforts yielding materials savings of ~$6M for 2015-2019 materials requirements. Project drew favorable acceptance and praise from Sector Leadership.

Cordova, Alabama

Successfully started the Cordova Operations site for Armament Systems as Operations Manager with Site Executive responsibilities. Managed operations areas including facilities, process transition and start-up, staffing and organizational development, process development, and operations performance management. Lead cross functional team covering Operations, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Safety professionals. Involved in the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of key Naval Gun and Missile Launcher products.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Responsible for the site operations functions of approximately 150+ union and professional staff involved in the production, manufacturing engineering, facilities, and supply chain aspects of key US Naval components and assemblies in support of Gun and Missile Launcher product lines. Task with performance of issues concerning safety, quality, cost and schedule. Pursued and implemented Lean Manufacturing program focused on the identification, chartering, implementation, and tracking of Lean Mfg. projects across all facets of welding, machining, mechanical, and electrical production.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Responsible for the Manufacturing Engineering department consisting of ~ 25 manufacturing engineers. Department supported the welding, machining, mechanical, and electrical processes involved with Naval Gun & Missile Launcher manufacturing. Involved in the capture and development of new business opportunities, effectively marketing capabilities to capture Naval Destroyer DD(X) ship power generation and drive motor work. Worked with both internal and external resources to produce key manufactured components and assemblies. Responsible for the individual and organizational development of Manufacturing Engineering personnel as well as key systems used for producibility analysis, process planning and tool design. Involved in identification and implementation of large capital investment projects.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Responsible for both the Manufacturing Engineering and Operations Team Lead in the Electrical Manufacturing Unit. Provided both technical support as well as 1st line supervision of unit involved in the electrical and electronic manufacturing of Naval Gun & Missile Launcher electronics. Lead department consisting of 30 electrical assemblers, quality assurance, and materials planning. Helped drive for quality and productivity improvements. Worked in existing legacy product lines as well as new product introductions. Technologies included Printed Wiring Assemblies (PWAs), Electrical Harnesses, Cables, and Electrical Modules assemblies.

Missile Systems Division - Rancho Cucamonga, California

Provided Manufacturing Engineering technical support to Man Portable (MANPAD) shoulder launch missile programs including Stinger and Stinger-RPM. Transitioned new products from design development to rate production. Worked several new business production proposals and plans for US Army missile programs. Established and managed the Division's Manufacturing Technology program. This included the identification, planning, selection, and financial review of proposed manufacturing technologies involving Missile manufacturing.

Santa Ana, California

Developed and prepared production processes and cost estimates for Aerospace fasteners. Provided technical support to the areas of metal forming, machining, heat treatment, and plating areas.

Pomona, California

Manufacturing Engineer responsible for process development, tool design, NC programming, production planning, QA metrology, and customer interface for sheet metal fabrication job shop. Products involved a mix of commercial, food, automotive, and aerospace product lines employing sheet metal fabricated components and assemblies.

Mba, Operations Management, Graduated With Honors

Activities and Societies: Society of Manufacturing Engineers - Technical Fellow

B.S., Manufacturing Engineering Technology