Kain Place-Hildesheim

Kain
Place-Hildesheim

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I am a PMP-certified engineer with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, passionate about solving real-world problems in product design, automation, and manufacturing. My work includes developing patented consumer products and leading multi-million-dollar automation projects. Outside of work, I enjoy hands-on projects like cooking and woodworking that keep my curiosity and creativity active.

2022 - Present

Wolfspeed

Equipment Engineer, Wafering

  • Owned critical CNC OD grinders and CNC wire EDMs, providing technical leadership on performance, uptime, and process capability

  • Troubleshot complex mechanical, electrical, and process issues, applying root cause analysis to restore reliability and dimensional accuracy

  • Developed custom tooling solutions and process adjustments to improve part retention, accuracy, and throughput

  • Reduced operating costs by analyzing spare parts usage, sourcing or fabricating in‑house alternatives, and leveraging additive manufacturing for noncritical components

  • Identified energy‑saving opportunities by evaluating tool utility consumption, such as optimizing idle circulation pump operation on EDMs

Automation Project Manager, Crystal Growth

  • Managed $20M+ automation projects for a greenfield semiconductor facility, overseeing scope, schedule, and budget while partnering with integrators to design proprietary manufacturing systems

  • Led a machine learning proof‑of‑concept for automated wafer defect detection, evaluating internal versus external development to replace manual inspection

  • Maintained momentum during financial deferments by preserving vendor relationships and safeguarding critical technical documentation

  • Closed out suspended projects in a structured manner, preparing design packages, agreements, and records for seamless future restart

  • Mentored new engineers and interns, accelerating technical skill growth and enabling smooth project handoffs

2019 - 2022

BAE Systems

Systems Engineer, Digital Pre-Assembly, Ground and Amphibious Vehicles

  • Developed and deployed a Digital Pre‑Assembly process to enhance design verification and reduce manufacturing errors, collaborating across engineering and production teams

  • Led implementation of Auros IQ knowledge‑aware software, serving as business administrator and ensuring adoption across multiple defense programs

  • Integrated and validated vehicle subsystems for military platforms, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, system interfaces, and mission requirements

Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Support for Items in Production, Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV)

  • Resolved design and manufacturing issues in defense systems by analyzing GD&T, reviewing 3D CAD models, and coordinating cross‑functional solutions

  • Optimized welding, machining, and assembly processes by driving design updates to improve manufacturability

  • Led root cause analyses and weld design experiments with quality teams to reduce variation and enhance production reliability

2018 - 2019

weldon solutions

Application Engineer

  • Delivered turnkey automation and CNC grinding solutions, from design through customer acceptance

  • Programmed and optimized FANUC robots and CNC systems to achieve precision manufacturing outcomes

  • Commissioned, tested, and supported advanced grinding and robotic equipment for production deployment

2016 - 2018

Armstrong world industries

Product Design Engineer

  • Designed and developed new consumer products from concept through production, earning multiple patents

  • Created and tested prototypes in 3D‑printed, metal, and wood mediums to validate design performance

  • Coordinated with overseas manufacturers to deliver production‑ready prototypes and optimize fabrication methods

2013

Amerimax exterior home products

Engineering Intern

  • Performed and managed wind load and leak testing for exterior products to determine performance capabilities

  • Updated 2D drawings of aluminum extrusion products by modeling them in 3D CAD software SolidWorks

The pennsylvania state university

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Minor, Computer Science
December 2015

Johns hopkins university

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Focus, Robotics and Controls
December 2024