Rod Alter
Fort Wayne
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in process engineering and quality control, focused on implementing integrated automated systems to boost productivity. Proven track record in strategic planning and leading cross-functional teams, ensuring operational efficiency and project success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
BIW Material Integration Engineer; General Motors (Contract)
NDX Corporation
Auburn Hills
11.2024 - 12.2025
- Led contractors and collaborated with teams to deploy integrated automated systems, including AMRs and AFTs, in body in white materials department.
- Resolved material delivery issues through cross-team collaboration, reducing downtime and facilitating timely project milestones.
- Participated in system testing to validate integration functionality, ensuring seamless deployment of automated systems.
Manufacturing Engineer; BAE Systems (Contract)
Advanced Technology Innovation Corporation
Wrentham
03.2024 - 11.2024
- Led 7S implementation in development department, expanding organization practices facility-wide while overseeing two hourly employees.
- Collaborated with team to implement FactoryLogix software, enhancing integration of new manufacturing system.
- Facilitated product management activities, clarifying system features for improved user understanding.
- Adapted swiftly to master legacy and new systems for comprehensive understanding.
General Manager
Glaze Tool & Engineering
New Haven
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Spearheaded day-to-day operations and set goals for a team of 12 employees, confirming alignment with project timelines and quality standards.
- Directed job processing for diverse projects, including machining, automation, conveyor lines, and machinery construction.
- Scheduled manpower and overtime, optimizing resource allocation to meet project deadlines.
- Improved performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), such as on-time delivery, overhead efficiency, and productivity.
- Utilized Job Boss ERP to manage job orders, materials, and labor effectively.
- Analyzed blueprints, coordinated material orders, and arranged external resources to ensure project readiness.
Operations Manager
Prince Manufacturing
Garrett
01.2016 - 12.2022
- Led all employees, providing comprehensive leadership, coordination, and strategic direction across production areas, such as logistics, planning, operations, maintenance, and quality assurance.
- Directed performance to achieve key performance indicator (KPI) targets, ensuring on-time delivery, parts per million (PPM) quality metrics, cycle time, overhead efficiency, and productivity.
- Oversaw facility operations and evaluated productivity through analysis of performance metrics, financial data, and activity reports to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Employed Epicor ERP extensively to streamline and optimize processes across all operational facets.
Manufacturing (Launch) Engineer
Multimatic Indiana
Butler
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Engineered and optimized processes for new model year launches, contributing to successful rollouts for GM and FCA.
- Resolved production issues, including mechanical failures and process inefficiencies, ensuring launch timelines remained on track.
- Collaborated in installation, troubleshooting, and implementation of robotic welding cells, enhancing operational capabilities at a Tennessee production facility.
- Developed comprehensive Work Instructions, Process Flow diagrams, and CAD layouts to support efficient facility setup and operations.
Plant Engineer
Colwell Incorporated
Kendallville
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Implemented maintenance software and systems to transition from reactive to preventative and predictive maintenance, manage MRO inventory, and track utility costs.
- Led team of five maintenance technicians, overseeing daily operations and ensuring effective maintenance practices.
- Confirmed health, safety, and welfare of approximately 200 employees daily within a 200,000 sq. ft. facility valued at around $300M.
- Drafted Statement of Work (SOW) to support relocation of production line from sister facility, streamlining operational capacity.
- Developed processes and work instructions for manufacturing paint samples, ensuring project management aligned with production goals.
Tool & Process Engineer / Senior Tool & Process Engineer
AM General, LLC
Mishawaka
01.2007 - 12.2012
- Refined processes and work instructions for HMMWV military vehicles, ensuring compliance with high standards for production.
- Collaborated with team to analyze root causes and implement solutions, reducing scrap and defects through 5 Why’s, fishbone diagrams, and is/is not analysis.
- Designed and deployed SharePoint system to enhance collaboration
- Regularly utilized UGS, SAP, Team Center, Microsoft Office, and Visio for project execution and process documentation.
Education
Certification in Executive Management -
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, INBachelor of Science - Management
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, INBachelor of Applied Science - Automated Manufacturing Technology
ITT Technical Institute
Fort Wayne, INAssociate of Applied Science - Tool Engineering Technology
ITT Technical Institute
Fort Wayne, INLean Six Sigma Green Belt Training
Skills
- Material integration
- Process engineering
- Automation integration
- Quality control
- Materials optimization
- CAD modeling
- Project coordination
- Reporting documentation
- Strategic execution
Certification
Completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training
Timeline
BIW Material Integration Engineer; General Motors (Contract)
NDX Corporation
11.2024 - 12.2025
Manufacturing Engineer; BAE Systems (Contract)
Advanced Technology Innovation Corporation
03.2024 - 11.2024
General Manager
Glaze Tool & Engineering
01.2022 - 12.2023
Operations Manager
Prince Manufacturing
01.2016 - 12.2022
Manufacturing (Launch) Engineer
Multimatic Indiana
01.2015 - 12.2016
Plant Engineer
Colwell Incorporated
01.2013 - 12.2015
Tool & Process Engineer / Senior Tool & Process Engineer
AM General, LLC
01.2007 - 12.2012
Certification in Executive Management -
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science - Management
Indiana Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Applied Science - Automated Manufacturing Technology
ITT Technical Institute
Associate of Applied Science - Tool Engineering Technology
ITT Technical Institute