Socrates Duarte
Tijuana,Mexico
Summary
Results-driven Senior Manufacturing Engineer with over 10 years of experience in the medical device and automotive industries, specializing in process optimization, equipment validation, and lean manufacturing. Proven expertise in troubleshooting manufacturing processes, process validation (IQ, OQ, PQ), root cause analysis (RCA), and continuous improvement initiatives. Adept at implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve product quality, reduce costs, and enhance production efficiency. Strong background in CAPEX management, new product introductions (NPI), equipment automation and transfer of medical devices.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Engineer I
Merit Medical
Tijuana, Mexico
01.2023 - 03.2025
- Successfully led the transfer of Vessel Sizing Catheter from Pearland Texas to Tijuana Mexico, ensuring seamless transition and operational readiness
- Developed and executed of MVP, IQ, OQ and PQ for critical manufacturing equipment and processes
- Reduce scrap from 37% to 4% using the SPC tools
- Lead a group of 5 Engineers to achieve company KPI (Scrap, Labor and Efficiency)
- Mentored junior engineers, aiding professional growth and development.
- Conduct the initiative to reduce weekly labor from 48 hr to 40 hr to mitigate the financial impact driven by Mexican Gov
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, ensuring smooth project execution.
Manufacturing Engineer II
Medtronic
Tijuana, Mexico
11.2020 - 12.2022
- Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for oximetry sensor production, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards
- Design and implement test equipment and automated solutions to increase throughput and optimize production processes from 1.7M to 2.4M of pieces weekly
- Manage CAPEX projects, including equipment procurement, validation, and process improvements
- Utilize SPC tools (Control charts, Cp, Cpk) to monitor and optimize critical process parameters
- Drive Lean Six Sigma and 5S initiatives to improve labor efficiency and workplace organization
Sr. Transfer Engineer
Teleflex Medical
Tecate, Mexico
08.2019 - 11.2020
- Successfully led the transfer of Vascular Solutions acquisition catheter from Minnesota to Teleflex Tecate Mexico, ensuring seamless transition and operational readiness
- Developed and executed validation plans (IQ, OQ, PQ) for critical manufacturing equipment and processes
- Partnered with Quality Engineering to conduct risk assessments, PFMEA, and implement preventive measures to mitigate potential failures
- Designed visual workplace improvements, enhancing process control and operator efficiency
Process Engineer II
Autoliv Safety Technology
Tijuana, Mexico
04.2017 - 08.2019
- Led new manufacturing line introductions, including process validation, equipment commissioning, and operator training
- Designed and optimized fixtures, tooling, and automation solutions to improve product consistency and reduce cycle times
- Conducted statistical data analysis (DOE, SPC) to optimize manufacturing processes, reducing defects and increasing yields
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive cost reduction projects, achieving significant material savings
Manufacturing Engineer
Belden
Tijuana, Mexico
02.2015 - 04.2017
- Spearheaded process automation initiatives, increasing production output and reducing labor costs
- Developed cost-saving projects by optimizing raw material usage and implementing waste reduction strategies
- Led new product introduction (NPI) projects, ensuring successful ramp-up and integration into production
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Electromechanical Engineering, Specialization in Manufacturing
Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana
01.2011 - 01.2016
Skills
- Process Engineering & Optimization
- Lean Six Sigma & Continuous Improvement
- Root Cause Analysis & CAPA Implementation
- Manufacturing Equipment and Process Validations (IQ, OQ, PQ)
- Design, develop & Implementation of Automation Systems
- New Product Introduction (NPI) & Line Transfers
- Technical Documentation & FDA Compliance
- Cp and Cpk Analysis
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Project Management & CAPEX Budgeting
- Cross-functional Team Collaboration
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Principles (Black Belt in progress)
- Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
- 5 Principles – Problem Solving Tool
- Gage R&R, Cp, Cpk Analysis
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Languages
Spanish
Native
English
Advanced
Additional Information.
Open to Relocation & Travel.
Timeline
Sr. Engineer I
Merit Medical
01.2023 - 03.2025
Manufacturing Engineer II
Medtronic
11.2020 - 12.2022
Sr. Transfer Engineer
Teleflex Medical
08.2019 - 11.2020
Process Engineer II
Autoliv Safety Technology
04.2017 - 08.2019
Manufacturing Engineer
Belden
02.2015 - 04.2017
Bachelor's Degree - Electromechanical Engineering, Specialization in Manufacturing
Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana
01.2011 - 01.2016
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