Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Dan Gerhardson

Moorhead

Summary

Dynamic machinist with extensive experience at Caterpillar, excelling in precision machining and quality control. Proven ability to enhance production efficiency and reduce waste through meticulous setup and troubleshooting. Skilled in CNC operation and blueprint reading, with a strong commitment to team collaboration and continuous improvement.

Knowledgeable machinist with solid background in operating and maintaining precision machinery. Proven ability to create high-quality components, ensuring all specifications and tolerances are met. Demonstrated proficiency in CNC machining and blueprint reading, contributing to efficient production processes and team success.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Machinist

Caterpillar
05.2007 - Current
  • Inspected completed parts to verify compliance with specifications and quality standards.
  • Utilized micrometers and calipers to measure and verify precise tolerances.
  • Operated drill presses, lathes and milling machines to produce required parts.
  • Manually set up machinery, lathes, and grinders.
  • Adapted to frequently changing priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring timely completion of all assignments.
  • Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings and schematics to determine parts dimensions.
  • Used CNC and manual equipment to perform both initial and final machining.
  • Adjusted machine settings to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
  • Worked with team members to improve production processes and procedures.
  • Supported team members in troubleshooting complex machine issues, sharing knowledge and expertise to resolve problems quickly.
  • Studied daily work instruction, sketches, drawings, blueprints, and manuals to determine dimensions and tolerances accurately.
  • Assisted in training new machinists on company procedures, best practices, and safe operation of equipment.
  • Monitored equipment to detect and report malfunctions and prevent accidents.
  • Optimized tooling performance through regular inspection, cleaning, sharpening or replacing worn tools as needed.
  • Achieved tight tolerances by carefully calibrating machines before beginning each job.
  • Supported recordkeeping by logging daily production, scrap rate and machine maintenance data.
  • Completed projects on time and under budget and maintained equipment and tools.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality work standards.
  • Lubricated parts and performed minor and preventive maintenance to improve machine function and increase lifespan.
  • Collaborated with quality assurance team to resolve discrepancies and implement corrective actions for non-conforming parts.
  • Reduced waste and increased material utilization with precise measurement and cutting techniques.
  • Improved workplace safety by performing routine maintenance on machinery and ensuring all equipment was in proper working order.
  • Collaborated with engineers to develop new parts, interpreting blueprints and schematics for accurate production.
  • Suggested new methods of machining that resulted in better product quality with reduced production time.
  • Reduced error and non-conformances with by utilising fixtures and cutting tools on CNC machines.
  • Supported cost-efficiency efforts, identifying and implementing ways to reduce operational expenses.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams to refine product designs for manufacturability.

Production Supervisor

Composite America
05.2003 - 12.2006
  • Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
  • Oversaw employee training initiatives to ensure all team members were proficient in company procedures, safety regulations, and job-specific tasks.
  • Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
  • Mentored team members through regular feedback and performance evaluations, leading to professional growth and skill development.
  • Trained staff of direct labor employees to perform assembly and manufacture of specified products.
  • Consistently met or exceeded production targets while maintaining strict quality standards, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
  • Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
  • Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
  • Achieved on-time shipments goal by empowering employees to continued success.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively to ensure availability of raw materials and minimize stock discrepancies.

Machinist

BTD Manufacturing
05.1997 - 05.2003
  • Demonstrated flexibility in working with various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, to produce high-quality machined components.
  • Performed preventative maintenance on machines regularly to minimize downtime due to breakdowns or malfunctions.
  • Maintained detailed records of completed jobs, tracking materials used and time spent on each project for accurate billing purposes.
  • Calibrated machines to maintain required productivity levels and adherence to quality standards.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by setting up, adjusting, and operating various machines according to specifications.
  • Enhanced precision in product manufacturing by operating and adjusting CNC machinery for optimal performance.
  • Optimized tool usage, selecting appropriate cutting tools for different materials and tasks.
  • Improved product quality with meticulous inspection of machined parts against strict industry standards.
  • Mastered various machining operations, including milling, drilling, and turning, to expand production capabilities.
  • Streamlined production processes, setting up machinery and tools before each project.

Machinist

C&W Machine
05.1995 - 05.1997
  • Maximized machine uptime by efficiently scheduling jobs based on priority level and resource availability.
  • Increased precision of manufactured components by implementing quality control measures and using advanced measuring tools.
  • Achieved consistent quality, performing detailed final inspections and adjustments on completed parts.
  • Repaired and maintained machine tools, fixtures and other production equipment.
  • Used various precision measuring instruments to check workpiece accuracy.
  • Operated CNC and manual lathes, mills and drill presses to produce precision machined components.
  • Inspected and measured machined parts for conformance to specified tolerances.
  • Trained and mentored new and existing machinists on proper machining techniques.
  • Studied sample parts, blueprints or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Moorhead, MN
05-1995

Skills

  • Blueprint reading
  • Machine operation
  • Troubleshooting
  • Lathe operation
  • Precision machining
  • Machine setup
  • Quality control
  • Visual inspection
  • CNC machine operation
  • Caliper use
  • Precise measuring
  • Manufacturing
  • Equipment operation
  • CNC operation
  • Deburring skills
  • Tool selection
  • Fanuc controls

Accomplishments

  • Conserved resources by using equipment and supplies efficiently. GM award for salvaging carriers. $50,000 per year savings.

Certification

First aid/CPR/AED certified

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Machinist

Caterpillar
05.2007 - Current

Production Supervisor

Composite America
05.2003 - 12.2006

Machinist

BTD Manufacturing
05.1997 - 05.2003

Machinist

C&W Machine
05.1995 - 05.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Dan Gerhardson