Dave Schaefer

Background

About Dave Schaefer

Award-winning multi-faceted management professional offering over 2 decades’ progressive experience overseeing engineering, quality, and manufacturing operations in diverse environments. Success rooted in “anti-status quo” and “push the performance envelope” work ethic with demonstrated appreciation and passion for manufacturing processes and continuous improvement. Embrace value of holding roles covering spectrum of disciplines including Operations Manager, Engineering Manager, Quality Manager, Maintenance Manager, Senior Project Engineer, and Product Engineer. Outcomes include double-digit improvement of performance metrics across the board, including product production efficiency, maintenance spending, production line downtime, year-over-year (YoY) technician labor variance, Sigma customer quality satisfaction rating, defective pieces claims, and annual cost of external poor quality. Drive culture of Continuous Improvement, Lean, & Innovation, motivating team members to think creatively and adapt to changing market demands. Experienced in developing cohesive departments towards a unified goal. Versed in implementation and enforcement of quality standards that include UL, CSA, ATEX, PPAP, QS, APQP, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, IATF 16949, and PPAP. Wide range of material experience used in designing products and manufacturing techniques. Select Career Highlights: Technical Services Manager | Rable Machine, Inc.* Lead the Quality, Engineering, Tooling, and Maintenance departments in delivering world-class products within a high-mix, low-volume, quick-changeover environment.* Successfully navigated ISO recertification audit during a complete Quality System restart. Engineering Manager - New Product Development | Warren Rupp, Inc.* Engineered industry first heavy-duty plastic flap valve air operated double diaphragm pump (AODD) capable of pumping up to 2-inch semi-solids at 150 GPM (patent pending). Oversaw product design, engineering, manufacturing, and quality from ideation through initial production. Drove pump design using VoC. Produced pump at 14% under capital budget and 6% under component/material cost budget. Engineering Manager | Hi-Stat, A Stoneridge Company * Accountable for use of $4.9 million in capital to produce 1.75 million units annually, taking over program 6-8 months behind schedule. Shifted strategy and refocused team via definitive and measurable project scope, securing 100% team dedication to turn around performance. Recognized by Ford Motor Company with “Successful Launch – 2007 Super Duty Diesel” award.