Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Caleb Prater

Machinist
West Lafayette

Summary

Knowledgeable Machinist/Engineer with strong background in engineering principles and project management. Successfully led multiple initiatives to improve process efficiency and product quality. Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

L4 Machinst

Caterpillar
03.2025 - Current
  • Maintain production on CAT's 3600 blockline and ensure that each product has the highest level of quality.
  • Troubleshoot machine when issues arise and work and coordinate with maintenance personnel to solve machine issues.
  • Worked with team members to improve production processes and procedures.
  • Improved workplace safety by performing routine maintenance on machinery and ensuring all equipment was in proper working order.
  • Optimized tooling performance through regular inspection, cleaning, sharpening or replacing worn tools as needed.
  • Studied daily work instruction, sketches, drawings, blueprints, and manuals to determine dimensions and tolerances accurately.

Process Engineer (Swiss/Chucker Lathe Machinist)

LH Medical
04.2024 - 03.2025
  • Create/Develop and maintain CNC Swiss Lathe programs to meet customer product.
  • Designed and executed experiments to identify process improvements, leading to reduced costs and increased efficiency.
  • Provided technical support for troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining plant reliability and minimizing operational disruptions.
  • Developed documentation, diagrams, and specifications to meet project requirements and regulatory standards.
  • Optimized manufacturing processes by implementing continuous improvement initiatives and lean methodologies.
  • Act as an Assistant Production Manager whenever Production Manager is out. Maintain production schedules, people management, and coordinate with tooling representatives.

Machinist

Zimmer Biomet
08.2019 - 03.2024
  • Enhanced production efficiency by setting up, adjusting, and operating various machines according to specifications.
  • Supported recordkeeping by logging daily production, scrap rate and machine maintenance data.
  • Performed preventative maintenance on machines regularly to minimize downtime due to breakdowns or malfunctions.
  • Assisted in training new machinists on company procedures, best practices, and safe operation of equipment.
  • Delivered complex projects on time, managing multiple machining tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams to refine product designs for manufacturability.

NPI Prototype Lead Machinist (Swiss Lathe)

Avalign Cutting Instruments
02.2017 - 08.2019
  • Served as a key contributor in cross-departmental projects, fostering collaboration between machinists, technicians, and engineers.
  • Prove out new product programs from programming, also prove out inspection processes as well.
  • Work alongside programming and quality engineering in order to effectively to complete new product processes.
  • Improved product quality with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to manufacturing standards.
  • Contributed to cost reduction efforts by identifying inefficiencies within production processes and proposing solutions for improvement.
  • Enhanced team productivity, providing guidance and training to junior machinists on proper techniques and safety protocols.
  • Collaborated with engineers for design improvements, resulting in reduced material waste and optimized production processes.


Education

Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Indiana Institute of Technology
Fort Wayne, IN
05-2026

Associate of Science - Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Indiana Institute of Technology
05.2001 -

Technical Certificate - CNC Machining Technology

Ivy Tech Community College
Warsaw, IN
05.2001 -

Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, Public Safety

Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN
05-2015

Skills

    Skilled in prioritizing concurrent responsibilities

    Critical thinking ability

    Problem-solving expertise

    Strategic issue analysis

    Effective interpersonal skills

    Collaborative team member

    Clear communication skills

Timeline

L4 Machinst

Caterpillar
03.2025 - Current

Process Engineer (Swiss/Chucker Lathe Machinist)

LH Medical
04.2024 - 03.2025

Machinist

Zimmer Biomet
08.2019 - 03.2024

NPI Prototype Lead Machinist (Swiss Lathe)

Avalign Cutting Instruments
02.2017 - 08.2019

Associate of Science - Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Indiana Institute of Technology
05.2001 -

Technical Certificate - CNC Machining Technology

Ivy Tech Community College
05.2001 -

Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Indiana Institute of Technology

Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, Public Safety

Vincennes University

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