Jennifer Strait
Cuba
Summary
Results-driven CNC Machinist with extensive experience at Caterpillar, excelling in multi-axis machining and precision processes. Proven adaptability and problem-solving skills led to consistently exceeding production goals. Recognized for optimizing tool selection and enhancing product quality through rigorous inspections and collaboration with engineering teams. Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
CNC Lathe Operator
Caterpillar
East Peoria, IL
06.2026 - Current
- Operated CNC lathe machinery to produce precision components following engineering specifications.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks on equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.
- Monitored production processes, making adjustments as necessary to maintain quality standards.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot machine issues and implement effective solutions.
- Prepared and set up machine systems for daily operation and adhered to production goals.
- Identified and replaced broken or worn tools and made tool offsets.
5 Axis CNC Machinist
Caterpillar
East Peoria, IL
06.2021 - Current
- Operated CNC machinery to produce precision components for heavy equipment.
- Interpreted technical drawings and specifications to ensure accurate machining processes.
- Conducted regular maintenance on CNC machines to maintain optimal performance and reduce downtime.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve production issues effectively.
- Monitored production metrics, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and quality control measures.
- Maintained tight tolerances with design specifications.
- Ensured consistent high-quality output by conducting thorough inspections using various gauging techniques.
- Optimized tool selection for specific jobs, resulting in reduced wear and longer tool life.
- Regularly exceeded daily production goals by effectively troubleshooting machinery and programming issues.
- Exceeded production goals consistently by focusing on effective time management strategies while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
- Collaborated closely with engineering team to refine product designs for manufacturability.
Lead Process
Caterpillar
East Peoria, IL
04.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed and implemented process improvement initiatives, reducing waste and optimizing resource utilization.
- Analyzed production data to identify trends, driving strategic decisions for process enhancements.
- Collaborated with quality assurance teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Enhanced product quality through rigorous data analysis and implementation of effective process control strategies.
- Provided assistance to production team when issues arose.
- Reviewed processes, identifying areas requiring improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Logistic Specialist
Caterpillar
Morton, IL
09.2019 - 06.2021
- High Rise, counting, sorting and packing parts into appropriate shipping containers.
- Tracked supply, equipment and product inventory quantities to maintain necessary levels.
- Maintained compliance with all relevant regulations, ensuring safe transportation of goods while avoiding costly fines or penalties due to non-compliance issues. Hazardous and non-harardous material.
- Managed loading, unloading, movement, and sorting of supplies to keep deliveries on schedule. Cross docks.
- Implemented systems and procedures for accurate data collection and reporting. Checking Quality tags for SLP shipping and loading SLP trailers for shippment.
- Bizz Bay- pack, sort and load emergancy items to ensure proper arrivel time of items.
- Outbound loading( J-Dock) Dock support, Bizz Bay and Customer Service loading.
- Validated inventory levels and updated systems using handheld devices.
Foundry/Core Specialist
Caterpillar
Mapleton, IL
10.2018 - 09.2019
- Operated foundry machinery to produce high-quality metal components efficiently.
- Inspected castings for defects, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize production workflows and reduce downtime.
- Utilized specialized tools and equipment to perform specific tasks, ensuring precision and accuracy in each step of the foundry process.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives within the foundry, sharing insights for process optimization with team members and supervisors, Handled hazardous materials responsibly, adhering to safety protocols while managing chemicals used in the casting process. Sprayed and painted core boxes with Rheotech and used a Cherry touch to dry the paint before iron pour.
- Collaborated with engineers and designers to improve casting designs for better manufacturability and costefficiency. Trying different methods and paint material on Line 4 liners to prevent scrap.
- Updated standard work and assist Mapleton foundry on the new eletronic standard work project.
- Measured, mixed, and poured Sillica sand to create new molds.
- Core Specialist on New line 6, set core into molds using a hoist, used specializied glue, set upper and lower molds to prepare for Iron pouring. Break anchors, oil pans, Turbos.
- Volunteer in the United Way campaign becoming a United Way Champion, providing leadership into driving the campaign to success.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Spoon River College
Canton, ILHigh School Diploma -
Cuba Jr Sr High
Cuba, IL04-1996
Skills
- Multi-axis machining
- Precision machining
- Deburring operations
- Tool wear monitoring
- CNC troubleshooting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Effective communication
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Completed as follows=CAT Technology AI program 1- Generative AI Fundamentals course. Harvard Business Review- The two Traits of the best problem-solving teams, Decision making and critical thinking additional resources, LPSD fundamental Engineering training, Incident investigation and root cause Analysis, Phishing-Hall of Hackers- Professor Guesser,
- Enrolled and in progress of completing Fundamental Engineering training, Introduction to prompt Engineering for Generative AI and OTD Manufacturing Engineering Qualifications.
- Many other educational classes that are offered on workday that I am inspired to complete on my own time.
Timeline
CNC Lathe Operator
Caterpillar
06.2026 - Current
Lead Process
Caterpillar
04.2024 - 08.2024
5 Axis CNC Machinist
Caterpillar
06.2021 - Current
Logistic Specialist
Caterpillar
09.2019 - 06.2021
Foundry/Core Specialist
Caterpillar
10.2018 - 09.2019
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Spoon River College
High School Diploma -
Cuba Jr Sr High