Blaine Kussmaul

Blaine Kussmaul

Journeyman Tool & Die Maker | Tooling/Manufacturing Engineer

Brattleboro, US.

About

Results-driven Tooling and Manufacturing Engineer with over 5 years of experience in high-volume automotive and precision manufacturing, specializing in CNC programming, robotics, and process improvement. Promoted to lead apprentice during an immersion-based engineering program, I leverage a strong background in tool & die making and a US Army Ranger's discipline to design and implement successful process improvement projects, enhancing quality control and operational efficiency. Eager to apply advanced technical skills and leadership to drive manufacturing excellence and innovation in a forward-thinking company.

Work

G.S. Precision

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CNC Milling & Tool Grind Engineer

Brattleboro, VT, US

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Summary

Currently optimize CNC milling, CMM laboratory, and tool grind engineering processes to ensure high-precision production and quality control.

Highlights

Optimized CNC machine performance by precisely setting up and adjusting equipment, significantly reducing production variation.

Engineered and produced specialized cutting tools in-house, enhancing internal manufacturing capabilities and efficiency.

Ensured part adherence to specifications through meticulous CMM reporting and precise CNC machine adjustments, improving overall quality control.

Eagle Bend Manufacturing

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Assistant Department Supervisor / Tool and Die Maker

Clinton, TN, US

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Summary

Supervised welding operations, managed CNC and stamping processes, and led continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.

Highlights

Oversaw all department welding operations, enhancing shift-wide productivity and maintaining high quality standards.

Operated and maintained advanced manufacturing equipment including CNC machines, hot and cold stamping presses, and manual milling/lathe, contributing to high-volume production targets.

Instituted and improved Lean Six Sigma and 5S methodologies, optimizing workflows and achieving significant process improvements.

Managed preventive maintenance schedules for all cold stamp department cells, minimizing equipment downtime and extending asset lifespan.

Collaborated cross-functionally to identify and resolve production issues, leveraging data analytics to predict and mitigate machine function challenges during new product rollouts.

Trump National Golf Course

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Executive Chef

West Palm Beach, FL, US

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Summary

Led a team of 120 staff, managing comprehensive daily culinary operations, including large-scale event catering and meticulous inventory control.

Highlights

Directed daily operations for a staff of 120, overseeing scheduling, inventory, distributor relations, and menu design.

Successfully catered events for over 1,000 guests, ensuring high-quality service and client satisfaction.

Maintained meticulous inventory records, enhancing cost control and operational efficiency.

Hullabaloo

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Executive Chef

West Palm Beach, FL, US

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Summary

Managed a staff of 30 and daily culinary operations, including scheduling, inventory, and catering services.

Highlights

Directed daily operations and managed a team of 30 staff, overseeing scheduling, inventory management, and client relations.

Designed and implemented new menus, enhancing culinary offerings and customer satisfaction.

Managed catering operations, ensuring seamless execution for various events.

US Army 75th Ranger Regiment

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Sergeant, Regimental Reconnaissance Company

Confidential, Confidential, US

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Summary

Achieved the rank of Sergeant and organized and led critical mission planning for battalion headquarters.

Highlights

Achieved the rank of Sergeant, demonstrating leadership and commitment within the US Army 75th Ranger Regiment.

Organized and led critical mission planning operations for battalion headquarters, ensuring strategic readiness and execution.

Completed advanced mathematics and land navigation training, enhancing tactical and analytical capabilities.

Awarded 2 Purple Heart awards, 2 Service Commendation Medals, and 1 Army Meritorious Unit Citation for bravery and gallantry.

Education

Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, TN, United States of America
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Associate's Degree Tooling Engineering

Lincoln Culinary Institute

West Palm Beach, FL, United States of America
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Associate of Science (A.S.) Culinary Arts

Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School

Easton, MA, United States of America
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High School Diploma Advertising & Design Program

Awards

Best of Brevard: Chef

Best of Brevard

Recognized as the top chef in Brevard, highlighting culinary leadership and skill.

2nd Place, James Beard Award

James Beard Foundation

Awarded 2nd place in the prestigious James Beard Award competition, recognizing culinary excellence.

Purple Heart

United States Army

Awarded two Purple Heart medals for wounds sustained in combat while serving in the US Army.

Service Commendation Medal

United States Army

Received two Service Commendation Medals for acts of bravery and gallantry during military service.

Army Meritorious Unit Citation

United States Army

Awarded the Army Meritorious Unit Citation, recognizing exceptional service and performance of the unit.

Languages

English

Certificates

Journeyman Tool & Die Maker Card

USDL

Certified Welder

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)

Certified Machinist

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)

ToolingU Certified Tool & Die Maker

ToolingU

Skills

Manufacturing & Tooling

Tool & Die Making, CNC Machining, Manual Machining, Hot & Cold Stamping, Welding, Fabrication, Precision Measuring Tools, Robotics, Mechatronics, Tooling Design, Machine Maintenance.

Engineering & Process Improvement

Tooling Engineering, Process Engineering, Lean Six Sigma, 5S Methodology, Process Improvement, Quality Control, Poka-Yoke, Data Analytics, Troubleshooting, Continuous Improvement.

Leadership & Operations

Team Leadership, Project Management, Supplier & Customer Communication, Preventive Maintenance, Safety Committee Participation, Employee Advocacy, Strategic Planning, Inventory Management, Scheduling.

Interests

Creative Arts

Graphics Design, Original Art, Product Design.

Projects

Chevrolet Corvette Quality Control Improvement

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Summary

Designed and fabricated a warning poka-yoke to reduce variance and improve quality control for Chevrolet Corvette parts.

Volkswagen Tiguan Production Enhancement

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Summary

Assisted engineers and served as Tool and Die Maker and Process Engineer for the Volkswagen Tiguan, focusing on manufacturing safety features and optimizing production flow.

In-House 200-Ton Hot Stamping Press Installation

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Summary

Co-led the design, layout, and installation of a new 200-ton hot stamping press, including stakeholder engagement and tooling design.

Volvo Semi Truck Cab Development

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Summary

Served as Tool and Die Maker and Process Engineer for the Volvo semi-truck cab and frame, focusing on manufacturing safety features and optimizing production flow.

BMW 2025 SUV Rollout

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Summary

Manufactured critical metal safety features and collaborated with the tool and die team from design to installation for the BMW 2025 SUV rollout.

BK Designs (Entrepreneurial Venture)

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Summary

Founded and operated an online business selling original art and products, involving hand-drawn designs and computer editing.

Kitchen Redesign Project (Culinary Arts)

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Summary

Redesigned an entire kitchen to improve cost-effectiveness and workflow efficiency.