Paul Runco

Profile

Professional, ever-curious, engineer trained as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with over 7 years experience analyzing and designing solutions to complex manufacturing problems.

A leader through influence, practiced in managing projects to establish new and improve existing manufacturing processes under AS9100 and ISO13485 certified quality systems.

Experience

Process Engineer

Web Industries | Nov 2016 - Jun 2023

• Leveraged deep understanding of manufacturing processes and cost structures to develop accurate and compelling cost models and proposals. Actively partnered with the sales team of the largest revenue segment in customer meetings, contributing to the generation of over $20 million in annual revenue.
• Led a technical team to concurrently introduce three new product programs for a Tier-1 aerospace customer, requiring close collaboration with the customer and coordinated execution across three separate manufacturing facilities.
• Led a seven-member team through the Lean DMAIC methodology, increasing production capacity by 12% for the division's highest-volume and highest-value customer program.
• Led a cross-functional team in a six-month risk-mitigation project, successfully addressing a top-tier customer corrective action request through root cause analysis and achieving a total value stream RPN reduction exceeding 30%.
• Co-managed the selection, acquisition, and implementation of new automated cutting equipment, encompassing evaluation, decision analysis, capital requisition, installation, and qualification.
• Selected out of 700 for the Front Line Leadership training program, gaining valuable leadership, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution skills.

Project Engineer

Web Industries | Jul 2020 - Jul 2021 (COVID-19)

• As part of a small team, spearheaded the design, sourcing, installation, qualification, and startup of industrial packaging lines capable of delivering over 2 million rapid tests per month. This project involved managing capital investments exceeding $1.7 million and a compressed timeline of less than nine months.
• Rapidly overhauled and implemented a standardized New Product Introduction (NPI) process prioritizing first-pass quality and lean principles while ensuring compliance with the certified quality system and applicable federal regulations.

Owner/Operator

Firestarter Designs, LLC | Jan 2016 - Present

• Founded and operated "Firestarter Designs, LLC" a small business specializing in laser-cut product and services.
• Developed and built open-source laser cutting equipment, driving cost efficiency and customization.
• Set prices, sold, and delivered precision laser cutting services to local customers including bars, coffee shops, restaurants, makers, and design students.

Assistant (to the) Used Car Manager

Cabe Toyota Long Beach | May 2014 - Feb 2016

• Shared responsibility for the purchase and turnover of over $1.2M in used vehicle inventory every month.
• Conducted market research and made purchase recommendations based on automotive market trends.
• Interacted directly with customer to facilitate leases and purchases of new and used vehicles.