Chris Contos

Background

About Chris Contos

Reliable, efficient processes? Yes, please! I took the R&D career path because I’ve always loved the challenges and rewards of developing and improving processes. Twenty years of experience at a small chemical manufacturing company allowed me to: • Perform synthesis and other hands-on laboratory work to develop scores of new specialty products. • Design dozens of scalable processes for safely manufacturing multi-ton batches of hazardous materials in large reactors. • Transfer technology into plant equipment by writing batch records, leading hazard and process reviews, and supervising scale-up. • Apply phase-gate management to advance projects based on specialized customer needs. • Prepare supporting documents such as product specifications, QC test sheets, test methods, cost estimates, and technical and safety data sheets. • Continuously troubleshoot and improve processes using DOE studies, CAPA and FMEA methods. I’m a huge fan of using quality management tools to mitigate risks and prevent failures. • Author practical, ISO 9001-compliant quality SOPs for design and development, inspection and testing, and vendor approval processes. • Demonstrate compliance by representing my company in dozens of second- and third-party audits. I remained devoted to process improvement and cost reduction as I trained and inspired others to perform delegated duties. I’m especially proud of my leading role in building the safety and quality cultures in my former company – an effort requiring influence, patience, and dedication. During a career break, I supported my family, volunteered, and earned my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Recently, I began a fun, part-time job creating and solving chemistry problems to train AI models. Now, I’m eager to find a full-time position where I can leverage my versatile mix of technical and quality experience to add value to an organization. There is always room for improvement, and I can help you find it.