Wes Kitchen, Pmp Email & Phone Number

Indianapolis, In, Us

Cincinnati, Oh, Us

Gas turbine engine manufacturer representative focused on facility modernization and engine test cell revitalization. Work with client on strategic planning and facility analysis. Developed proposals with specialized equipment manufacturers to replace 50–70-year-old aging gas turbine testing equipment and facilities. Manage projects through PMP practices. Manage scope, schedule and budgets on approved projects.

Seattle, Wa, Us

Oversight of inbound operation daily intake of ~30,000-60,000 products utilizing 6 area managers and 130~300 associates. Utilizing Power BI and other tools, increased order picker stow rates +240% and quality indicators by 47% post peak season. Doubled pallets processed per labor hour by refining staffing model. Improved on-boarding experience for hourly associate by driving improved training materials.

Greensburg, In, Us

• Plan and execute quality strategies for Warranty prevention, achievement in JD Power Initial Quality Survey and Global Direct Pass Rate (combined metric to judge delivery and quality) for Honda CRV.• Quality Cross Functional leader for 3 Zone (division level) project leaders Purchasing, Manufacturing and Quality, 18 department project leaders, ~300 support engineers/staff, 4 global frame factories, 5 engine/transmission facilities, accounting, certification, sales and R&D divisions for 2017-2022 Honda CRV maturation and development. Global collaboration required across design, purchasing, manufacturing, accounting and quality. Accomplishments Completed 100% specification maturation, testing, validation and certification for 2017, 2018 and 2019 Honda CRV.  Created new review process that promoted speed and high-risk concerns closure prior to mass production start. Achieved lowest quantity of pending/open concerns at startup compared to previous model launches at Indiana.  Smooth mass production startup with no shipping delays to sales network per production plans. Achieved best JD power Initial Quality Survey score among 5 Honda CRV global factories and helped CRV model achieve 2nd highest rating within all Honda automobiles. 1st time in Honda history successfully launched Honda CRV at 5 Global factories shipping to the same sales market.  Achieved best direct pass rate amount all 3 models produced at Indiana facility.

Greensburg, In, Us

• Technical support for all new model and mass production items with emphasis on vehicle chassis (tire, wheel, suspension, steering, brakes, engine/transmission/rear diff mounts, driveshaft, propeller shafts. knuckles and wheel bearing).• Technical support planning vehicle inspection area to prepare for future technologies and to innovate for more efficient operation.• Provide general direction and support for 3 quality division department managers.Accomplishments Provided Chief Inspection Engineer information to make inform decision on recalls, stop ship or other quality concerns. Reduced cost for vehicle inspection area building expansion plans. Improved Associate Technical skills through mentoring

Greensburg, In, Us

• Cross Functional Leader plan, budget and execute all testing requirements confirming manufacturing capabilities on 2012-14 Acura ILX and 2016 Honda Civic. Focus on warranty prevention and customer satisfaction.• Complete vehicle durability, performance, cycle, Hot, Cold, Humidity and High-altitude environmental test. • Collaborate with all Honda testing facilities and test members to properly select and plan from a large matrix of test. Evaluate test need based on risk and features applied to each model for the market the vehicle is sold.• Generate and manage budgets between $50k and $5m per model.• Manage all concerns generated from testing. Follow-up with appropriate department or division. Accomplishments Completed test per budget and schedule. Achieved Platinum award in JD Powers Developed new test project leader through 3 yr. program. HR presented to plant president as great execution example.

Greensburg, In, Us

• Initiate through closing manage $9 million project to expand site capability.• Prepare design concept proposal, cost estimates and gain approval through sponsor/executives.• Design and construct new custom 51,200 sq. ft building to support quality and testing activities. • Design and construct $4 million in new testing equipment including anechoic chamber and custom vehicle environmental chamber with built in 4 post vehicle actuators. Accomplishments Collaborated with facilities, environmental, safety, corporate planning, public relations and administration to satisfy all stakeholders needs. Presented and gained approval through plant president and North America investment committee. Collaborated between Environmental Chamber company design, 4 Post actuator company design and building design company to develop custom design for improved functionality for problem analysis.  Developed custom pits and building structure designs that mated properly with large equipment including a large seismic mass. Successful cutover of water, fire, electrical, security and network systems with no impact to production system or causing downtime. Organized groundbreaking and grand opening ceremonies with company executives, associates and general contractor. Speeches by plant president, chief inspector engineer, quality division manager and project manager. Closed project within 1% of budgets. Spending complete within appropriate fiscal year. Completed projects on time and managed per schedule.

Greensburg, In, Us

• Establish product engineering chassis group for new 550+ million automobile assembly plant. Work from temporary office established in old retail store. Collaborate on construction site with general contractors and suppliers.• Support design and construction of vehicle testing tracks, production alignment equipment, and vehicle dynometers. • Manage and develop new Honda associates. Generate operation standards for product engineering department• Conduct interviews for new hire non-exempt production associates and for exempt product engineers.• Conduct associate performance reviews.Accomplishments Trained simultaneously 3 new engineers in chassis systems and product engineering. Maintained zero attrition during tenure with group. Optimized test track dimensions after identifying gaps with original plans. Provided $100 solution to $2 million problem when production volumes increased with simple floor mat switch.

Us

Complete consistent vehicle testing on Honda and Acura automobiles using a variety of data acquisition and lab equipment. Worked with a variety of equipment – Robots, Torque Guns, PLC’s, Vision Systems & various types of specialized equipment in Programming & Troubleshooting of equipment to solve various production problems to ensure quality of products produced. Performed root cause analysis on non-conformances – stamping cracks, fastener torque, suspension, plastic & rubber parts and many other vehicle components & systems. Conduct problem analysis, problem resolution and issued reports for concerns identified. Implemented countermeasures with responsible plant, department, supplier or division. Manage multiple projects concurrently. -B level driver’s license and expert ride evaluator for mass production, new model and special media vehicles. Supported media events.-Bolted joint subject matter expert. Established testing procedures utilized in all North American facilities to ensure quality. Received Honda Bronze award for $375k in scrap reduction.-Lead special new technology testing and manufacturing plans.-Supported complex, chassis/suspension, steering, brakes, and steering investigations for 7 North American factories utilizing data acquisition systems. Identified design and manufacturing concerns before mass production. Completed problem analysis on durability and endurance vehicles-Utilizing Honda’s proving grounds and lab, completed problem analysis using strain, load, displacement, torque, and vibration tools.-Visited Honda/Acura dealerships and completed warranty investigations throughout the US and Mexico. -Developed budgets for new model and equipment planning. -Maintained training records for team and department associates and worked with corporate to improve training system. -Verified ISO compliance on controlled documents. -Mentored college Co-op students. Created study to assist company and student on thesis paper.

West Lafayette, In, Us

Lab Technician and course grader. Manufactured and assembled hydraulic test stands for statewide campus. Provided technology and equipment demonstrations for high school students on campus tours. Dynamics and Machine Elements course grader.

Yorba Linda, California, Us

Design engineer for tie rod pneumatic cylinders. AutoCAD design work for air cylinder group. Researched engineering data and provided quotes to vendors. Completed manufacturing assembly instructions and process sheets that were generated based on design.

Design and process engineer for part machining fixtures. AutoCAD design work of manual and hydraulic fixtures for machining operations. 5/96-8/96, 5/97-8/97

Vocational Machining Trades

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician

Associate Of Science - As, Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician