Richard Rhom
Rutherfordton,NC
Summary
Accomplished Process & Materials Engineer specializing in manufacturing processes and performance analysis. Demonstrated success in developing innovative solutions that improve product reliability and customer satisfaction, ready to leverage expertise for operational excellence. I bringing years of experience in promoting process improvements and deployment enhancements in composites. Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets . Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Willingness to learn and poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results.. Skilled in materials selection, failure analysis, and process optimization. Known for effective team collaboration and adaptability to changing project demands. Dependable and focused on delivering high-quality results in every task.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Process & Materials Engineer
Molded Fiber Glass Company
Morganton, NC
12.1996 - 02.2026
- Helped develope and tested composite materials for enhanced performance in molded applications.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce waste.
- Supported design reviews to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications.
- Coordinated and evaluated manufacturing processes for efficiency and profitability.
- Applied core engineering principles when working through manufacturing processes.
- Streamlined manufacturing processes to remove unnecessary steps and produce quality products through faster, more efficient systems.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize material usage and reduce production costs.
- Interacted with different engineering professionals outside of company staff on projects and initiatives.
- Assisted sales team members with technical inquiries from customers regarding material specifications and performance criteria.
- Established strong working relationships with external partners, such as suppliers and research institutions, facilitating access to new materials and technologies that could benefit the company.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced waste generation during manufacturing operations, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
- Gathered documentation such as photographs and evidentiary reviews and generated detailed reports outlining findings.
- Planned and evaluated new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary.
- Supervised work of technicians and other engineers and scientists.
- Led cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Developed and optimized engineering processes, reducing waste and increasing productivity across multiple projects.
- Conducted analyses of manufacturing workflows, identifying bottlenecks and recommending strategic solutions.
- Collaborated with quality assurance teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Facilitated root cause analysis sessions to address production issues, resulting in sustainable corrective actions.
- Supported capital projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Modified production processes to reduce non-conforming material occurrences.
- Optimized production processes by identifying and implementing improvements in equipment and procedures.
- Increased product yield by implementing improved processes.
- Spearheaded technology transfer activities, ensuring smooth production scale-up from pilot plant to full-scale manufacturing operations.
- Improved product quality by conducting root cause analysis on process deviations and implementing corrective actions.
- Monitored design progress and estimated manufacturing feasibility.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies, resulting in significant process enhancements.
- Evaluated new technology implementations, ensuring seamless integration into existing processes without affecting productivity levels.
- Provided expert troubleshooting support during critical plant issues, quickly resolving incidents while minimizing production losses.
- Optimized processes to reduce cost and increase efficiency.
- Provided technical assistance to production team when issues arose.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify, prioritize and eliminate process losses.
- Reviewed processes, identifying areas requiring improvement.
- Supported development of new compounds and formulas based on strict customer requirements.
- Maintained all technology documentation, providing updates and addendums when required.
- Visited customer sites to supervise new product trials and troubleshoot when issues arose.
- Established proper processes to meet production capacity demands.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams to design and optimize production workflows.
- Analyzed production data to identify trends and recommend actionable solutions.
- Collaborated with quality assurance to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Utilized CAD software to create detailed engineering drawings.
- Engaged in continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation within teams.
- Lead teams to troubleshoot non-conformances and develop corrective actions for root cause analysis findings.
- Supported the introduction of new products through pilot runs and ramp-up activities while maintaining quality standards throughout the process transition period.
- Improved equipment reliability through preventive maintenance programs and operator training initiatives.
- Implemented lean manufacturing principles to reduce lead times, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.
- Developed process documentation, ensuring consistent operations across all shifts.
- Mentored teammates in best practices for process engineering methods and tools, contributing to overall team effectiveness and skills development opportunities within the organization.
- Conducted time studies to identify areas for improvement within the manufacturing process.
- Streamlined manufacturing processes by identifying inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
- Reduced waste and improved productivity through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assisted in capacity planning efforts by providing accurate data on cycle times, throughput, and equipment utilization rates.
- Contributed to cost savings initiatives by identifying opportunities for material substitution, process improvements, or equipment optimization.
- Provided technical support during equipment installation or upgrades, minimizing downtime during transitions between production lines or facilities.
- Performed concurrent design and manufacturing engineering and other functions to reduce time required to bring product to market.
- Applied project management metrics and tools in oversight of engineering and manufacturing projects and program services.
- Resolved technical and quality issues by collaborating with customer, manufacturing, quality assurance, vendors and supplier personnel.
- Conducted root cause analysis for process failures, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Led startup and shutdown procedures, maintaining compliance with plant operations manual and technical guidelines.
- Oversaw solution mixing, distillation, drying, and containment processes.
- Prepared standard operating procedures (SOPs) documents for incoming personnel.
- Developed processes based on critical needs, preset efficiency standards and cost reduction measures.
- Evaluated new technologies or processing techniques for potential integration into existing or future operations, ensuring competitive advantage within the industry.
- Conducted root-cause analyses to identify areas for process improvement, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs.
- Served as a key point of contact during regulatory inspections and audits, demonstrating compliance with all applicable industry regulations and standards.
- Played a key role in the successful scaling up of pilot projects into full-scale production plants, meeting project timelines and budget constraints.
- Supported development new compounds and formulas based on strict customer requirements.
- Designed and implemented tooling solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
- Developed standardized work instructions for all staff members using tools or equipment.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve tooling-related issues, resulting in smoother production processes.
- Supported multiple projects concurrently from concept through execution, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Significantly reduced scrap rates via diligent monitoring of tools'' condition and timely replacement when necessary.
- Mitigated supplier risk through investigation and sourcing of qualified suppliers and on-site evaluations of processes and capacities.
- Supported mold fabrication processes to enhance efficiency and reduce production times.
- Analyzed production data to identify trends and recommend strategic adjustments for operational excellence.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize mold designs for manufacturability.
- Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, driving operational excellence within the organization.
- Conducted root cause analyses to identify and resolve recurring issues in the molding process.
- Standardized documentation procedures to maintain consistent records across all projects, streamlining future reference processes.
- Conducted thorough inspections and evaluations of molds to ensure quality standards compliance.
Manufacturing Shift Leader/Facilitator
Aeroquip
Forest City, NC
01.1988 - 07.1996
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
- Mentored team members, fostering skill development and enhancing overall performance.
- Streamlined workflow processes, reducing downtime and improving efficiency in production.
- Resolved conflicts between team members in a professional manner, preserving strong working relationships in the process.
- Collaborated with other shift leaders to maintain consistent standards across all shifts, promoting a cohesive workplace culture.
- Enforced company policies and regulations with employees.
- Managed shift operations, supplied resources and monitored team performance to keep business profitable and running smoothly.
- Supported a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and addressing areas for potential growth, both individually and as a team.
- Conducted regular evaluations of employee performance, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Conducted regular team meetings to discuss targets and strategies, keeping everyone aligned with goals.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Technology
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC10.1996
Associate of Applied Science - Engineering
Isothermal Community College
Spindale, NC10.1993
Skills
- Knowledge of composite material applications
- Product development research
- Methodical experiment planning
- Process performance analysis
- Effective problem resolution
- Effective communication
- Performance evaluation
- Continuous process refinement
- Manufacturing processes
- Standards development
- Process optimization
Timeline
Process & Materials Engineer
Molded Fiber Glass Company
12.1996 - 02.2026
Manufacturing Shift Leader/Facilitator
Aeroquip
01.1988 - 07.1996
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Technology
Western Carolina University
Associate of Applied Science - Engineering
Isothermal Community College