Amber Erickson
Dalton City,IL
Summary
Diligent work ethic with a solid foundation in quality assurance and process improvement. Successfully contributed to enhancement of product quality and reduction of defects in high-stakes manufacturing environments across multiple value steams and reducing risks to our customers as a whole. Demonstrated analytical problem-solving and effective communication skills. Along this journey in my current role I have been able to open up communication and create a culture change between several teams within Caterpillar globally.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Engineer
Caterpillar
07.2024 - Current
- Assisted in implementing BIQ
- Implemented service letters within the facility across multiple products reducing over 500 field defects.
- Implemented weekly communication from shop floor to engineering to improve process and advocate for internal escalation.
- Reduction of DPU with timely resolution of non-conformance issues and effective corrective actions.
- Performed quality inspections and drafted reports to detail non-conforming material issues.
- Contributed to root cause analysis to determine core reason for failures and errors.
- Implemented process improvements based on Lean Six Sigma methodologies, resulting in reduced waste and increased efficiency.
- Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous inspection procedures and conducting thorough root cause analysis.
- Facilitated training sessions for team members on quality management principles and best practices, enhancing overall competency levels within the department.
- Streamlined internal communication, fostering cross-functional collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
- Improved supplier reliability with thorough assessment and feedback mechanisms, fostering stronger partnerships.
- Initiated cross-functional team collaboration, integrating quality standards across departments to ensure uniformity in product excellence.
- Guided transition to new quality management system, minimizing disruption and aligning with best practices in industry.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovative solutions to quality challenges.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
- Implemented new strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency of engineering team.
- Assisted in developing cost-effective solutions to engineering problems.
- Conducted research to identify and evaluate new technologies and concepts.
Production Manager
Caterpillar
09.2023 - 08.2024
- RIOP WIN most 988 LWL shipped in Decatur in one month of 72 loaders.
- RIOP WIN most 992 LWL shipped in Decatur in one month 25 loaders.
- Reduced manpower by 86.12%
- Successfully absorbed all major repair for LWL value stream.
- Merged 992 & 988 LWL PDI
- Improved throughput of 22 days to 6 days.
- Conducted regular process audits to identify areas for improvement.
- Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
- Established clear performance expectations to drive accountability and results.
- Cultivated high-performing teams by fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Coordinated cross-departmental efforts to achieve project milestones.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Developed comprehensive production schedules by aligning resources and priorities.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget constraints.
- Analyzed workflows for enhanced efficiency and reduced waste.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
Manufacturing Engineer
Caterpillar
10.2022 - 09.2023
- RIOP WIN for 2 assembly plate designs for 794/796/798 models. The first plate was for assembling the radiator to the frame on all 794 models. This design reduced manpower from 2 to one assembler, increased velocity by 6 hours, reduced rework due to frame defects, eliminated out of sight assembly and withdrawal of $30,000 capital project for an SRB. The additional plate I designed will be released March of 2025 for all generator and engine mounts. This will reduce manpower hours, eliminate pinch points, engage accurate dynamic torque and effectively reduce field defects.
- Successful velocity improvement in radiator sub assembly.
- Developed technical documentation, including standard operating procedures, work instructions, and engineering drawings to support manufacturing operations.
- Led adoption of lean manufacturing principles, significantly reducing waste and increasing overall productivity.
- Improved manufacturing efficiency by streamlining production processes and implementing lean methodologies.
- Reduced production downtime through proactive maintenance scheduling and timely equipment repairs.
- Increased capacity utilization by identifying bottlenecks within the production process and implementing targeted improvements.
- Identified problems and specific resolutions to fix defective, damaged, or malfunctioning parts, assemblies, equipment and systems.
- Optimized assembly line layouts to maximize productivity and improve overall workflow efficiency.
- Evaluated manufacturing equipment performance regularly, recommending upgrades or replacements as needed to maintain optimal efficiency.
- Promoted Design for Manufacturability philosophy.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by identifying opportunities for reducing material waste in the production process.
- Conducted root cause analysis on defective products, leading to targeted improvements in manufacturing processes.
- Managed capital projects from concept through completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
- Provided engineering support during new product launches, coordinating efforts between design, production, and quality control teams.
- Reviewed products for compliance with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) requirements.
PDI Large Wheel Loader Team Lead
Caterpillar Inc
09.2017 - 10.2022
- Experience in lean manufacturing principles
- Standard work improvement during line balance with manufacturing engineer team
- Continuous improvement
- Improved CI card process with John Yotter
- Eliminating waste and improving cost, reducing scrap
- 5s worksheets assigned on 988 line
- BIQ
- Training new assemblers
- Trouble shooting electrical issues with software
- Creating standard work for MRDR process (films)
- Creating standard work for Duo Cone repair (PDI)
- Various tools made for production
- CQMS meetings
- Major repair projects
- Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel
- PQVC metric boards
- Communicate with cross-functional leaders in regard to build schedule, inventory issues, manpower issues, quality issues
- Currently enrolled in hydraulic engineer classes with Ed Mate
General Manager
NPC International
06.2012 - 09.2016
- Hiring process and evaluate performance
- Inventory
- Analyzing accounting and financial data
- Training employees
- Customer Service
- Developing and implementing growth strategies
- Creating and managing budget
- Improving revenue
- Oversee daily business operations
Assistant Administrative Director of Nursing
Decatur Memorial Hospital
04.2008 - 05.2012
- Responsible for collaborating, organizing, directing and evaluating nursing care delivery systems and staff practice assigned to the observation unit
- Relief of staff when absence, vacation or manpower concerns
- Implement, monitor and practice all aspects of patient care
- Document patient charts
- Enter doctor orders for patients and double check for clinical errors
- Update medical records
- Established strong partnerships with community resources including hospice providers, home health agencies, and outpatient rehabilitation centers to enhance patient care transitions and discharge planning.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and development while maintaining high standards of patient care and bedside manner.
- Streamlined communication between nursing departments for efficient workflow and patient care coordination with either floor transfer or discharge.
- Oversaw infection control efforts throughout the observation area, contributing to reduced transmission rates among patients and staff members alike.
Education
No Degree - Personal Professional Development
Richland Community College
Decatur, IL05-2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05-2005
High School Diploma -
Acadiana High School
Lafayette, LA05-2001
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Word
- Proficient in Excel
- Proficient in PowerPoint
- Blueprint reading
- Lean manufacturing
- Root-cause analysis
- Control plan development
- Quality processes
- Quality improvement plans
- Root cause identification
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Quality documentation
- Failure modes and effects analysis
- Documentation and reporting
- Risk management
- Process change documentation
- Corrective action planning
- Multitasking and organization
- Waste reduction
- Process validation
- Inspection processes
- Materials inspection
- Failure investigation and analysis
- Team collaboration
- Six sigma methodologies
- Critical thinking
- Quality training development
- Process optimization
- Issue resolution
- Problem solving techniques
Accomplishments
RIOP WIN for a total of 72 988 LWL shipped from Decatur, previous record of 54 - 2022
RIOP WIN for a total of 25 992 LWL shipped from Decatur, previous record of 14 -2024
RIOP WIN for assembly support plate for 794 radiators - 2023
RIOP WIN for design of assembly support plate for 794/6/8 engine and generator - 2023
986 Lever Project with Emily Cole - 2018
836 Neef/EEF Project -2019
ERG Project - 2020
Project East Bound 2022-2023
Certification
- CNA
- Basic Life Support - American Heart Association
- CPR certification - American Red Cross
- BSN - currently not up to date on state required continuous learning, license inactive
- Yellow Belt - Six Sigma
- Green Belt - Six Sigma
- Brand Advocate - Caterpillar
- Personal Professional Development in management and leadership training - RCC
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Quality Engineer
Caterpillar
07.2024 - Current
Production Manager
Caterpillar
09.2023 - 08.2024
Manufacturing Engineer
Caterpillar
10.2022 - 09.2023
PDI Large Wheel Loader Team Lead
Caterpillar Inc
09.2017 - 10.2022
General Manager
NPC International
06.2012 - 09.2016
Assistant Administrative Director of Nursing
Decatur Memorial Hospital
04.2008 - 05.2012
- CNA
- Basic Life Support - American Heart Association
- CPR certification - American Red Cross
- BSN - currently not up to date on state required continuous learning, license inactive
- Yellow Belt - Six Sigma
- Green Belt - Six Sigma
- Brand Advocate - Caterpillar
- Personal Professional Development in management and leadership training - RCC
No Degree - Personal Professional Development
Richland Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Arizona
High School Diploma -
Acadiana High School
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