Steve Palicka, CSCP

Experience

• 

  Caterpillar Inc.

  Apr 2004 - Mar 2017

  • Self-directed project planning for new and corrective engineering changes to meet deadlines based on safety, quality, cost analysis, and product design with follow through to implementation.• Played an instrumental role in leading supply planning and execution teams of 6-12 member teams in developing and driving forward-cost initiatives that resulted in $3.5M savings in 3 years through process automation, capital installation, and additional innovations and ideas.• Reduced operating costs by $5M through introduction of several configuration and product innovation program updates by managing implementation based on demand planning.• Develop performance metrics, operating goals, realignment initiatives, productivity improvements, and cost reduction programs that consistently improve output, high quality sustainability, customer confidence, and set operational policies through process development and best practices.• Research data management review for specifications needed for conversion from current ERP system for SAP integration with 100% readiness.• Cooperation with Design Engineering and operation teams, providing analytical partnerships for design reviews for implementation of strategic product development plans for best results for safety, reliability, and cost management with minimal impact to product line efficiencies. Show less • Management experience for 15 to 25 persons on various manufacturing operations including product assemblies and weld fabrication; increased operational performance 5% and completed ramp-up activities in 1st Ops―eliminated a 3-week, past-due record while maintaining current build requirements within a 4-week period.• Multi-task manager for continuous improvement for systems design including preventive maintenance for production equipment, work load schedules, recruiting flexible staffing solutions.• Employee development through job performance metrics with focus on standard work, process changes, quality standards control, and safety requirements while meeting distribution requirements for internal and external customers.• Motivated personnel through a RIF while maintaining cost effective work rates and positive safety culture.• Technical design engineering for burn parts into sigma nest for nesting on plate steel with increased efficiency by 5-10%. Show less • Led all HEX NPI projects as primary contact for Supply Chain Team. New launch products included 3 new model implementation and process improvement in paint before assembly.• Delivered strong and sustainable operating gains: oversaw all NPI Focus Team activities. • Project Management skills involving manufacturing, quality, supply chain, operations, engineering, and global purchasing groups while keeping focus on project scope.• Completed product engineering updates for all production projects for hydraulic excavators with end to end material planning; successfully reduced scrap and surplus at post-production through warehouse logistics and inventory reviews.• Knowledge sharing oriented to progress, risks, and plans to implement projects with due diligence with timely, budget, and quality compliance for team members, stakeholders, and management. • Detail oriented communication skills with written reports and project status updates on tracking project plans with numerical graphs and status reports. Show less • PRO/E Tool Design and Team Instructor; 3D modeling of tooling components for 3D programming review and mechanical clearance checks. Training team members on common modeling practices and standardization requirements.• Successfully implemented multiple cost pricing initiatives by completing feasibility studies, verification tests, and performance improvement of various tooling options including sourcing of machine tooling.• Procurement and acquisitions for indirect tooling and gaging for vendors purchase orders.• Analytical skills used to troubleshoot facility manufacturing issues with tool breakage or quality issues in the machining systems and diagnose equipment or material issues (Sandvik Machining School, 2005). Show less

  • Product Change Control Engineer

    Jan 2011 - Mar 2017

  • Operations Supervisor

    Jun 2008 - Dec 2010

  • Senior Manufacturing Specialist (Focused Project Manager)

    Mar 2006 - Jun 2008

  • Tooling Specialist

    Apr 2004 - Mar 2006
• 

  Power Solutions International

  Sept 2017 - Jan 2019

  Manufacturing Engineer
• 

  CNH Industrial

  Jan 2019 - now

  Product Cost Analyst