Kain Place-Hildesheim
Kain Place-Hildesheim

Kain
Place-Hildesheim

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I am an engineer and project manager with a passion for learning and exploring new fields, from product design to advanced manufacturing and programming. My career has been shaped by diverse experiences, from developing ceiling systems to programming CNC grinders and implementing machine learning solutions. Currently, I’m focused on automating silicon carbide crystal growth production to drive operational efficiencies. This breadth of knowledge allows me to lead complex projects, bridge gaps between disciplines, and innovate in both product development and process automation

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Engineering design

I started my product design career off working on a small team of mostly industrial designers creating new products and systems and am now working on the backend of design for a combat vehicle manufacturer.

Computer things

My intrigue with programming started with my first CS course in undergrad, a required MATLAB course for mechanical engineers. This lead me to pursue a minor in computer science which initially wasn’t even available, so i had to create it. As an application engineer, I was able to apply my learnings to programming CNC grinders and FANUC robots. Now with renewed vigor from graduate level programming courses, I continue to pursue this as a hobby in my free time.

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Manufacturing/
Production

From troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems like robot tended CNC grinders that turn out a part every few seconds to solving assembly and weld line issues on multimillion dollar ground combat vehicles to automating unique silicon carbide crystal growth processes, I’ve built a diverse set of skills through my hands on production experience.

Around the House

Cooking, woodworking, and more. Check out what I have been up to.

2022 - Present

Wolfspeed

Automation Project Manager, Crystal Growth

  • Manage 7 projects and $20+ million of capital, over 2+ years to automate existing manufacturing processes

  • Mentor new engineers and engineering interns

2019 - 2022

BAE Systems

Digital Pre-Assembly, Ground and Amphibious Vehicles

  • Developed and deployed a Digital Pre‑Assembly process by piloting on smaller programs and creating documentation; which led to increased design verification capabilities and reduced errors on the manufacturing line

  • Led implementation and training of Auros IQ knowledge aware software by acting as the business admin, configuring the tool, and deploying to different programs, with successful adoption in the design community

  • Decomposed installations into discreet interfaces to create reusable knowledge units of production and assembly design requirements

  • Developed role and access control plans in coordination with out I.T. team to efficiently administer roles and access throughout our organization

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

  • Facilitated drawing changes between machining and design teams to create producible GD&T on drawings

  • Investigated and executed root cause analysis of design issues on the weld, machining, and assembly lines by checking and interpreting drawing GD&T, and inspecting the 3D CAD in Creo

  • Collaborated with the quality team to perform weld joint design of experiments (DoE) and understand weld variation

2018 - 2019

weldon solutions

Application Engineer

  • Developed and implemented turnkey automation and grinding solutions for customer applications

  • Wrote and maintained programs for FANUC robots and CNC grinding applications

  • Commissioned and installed grinding and robotic systems

  • Troubleshot, tested, and fixed systems to prepare them for production run-offs and customer acceptance

  • Created training materials and trained customers on operation of installed systems

  • Machined the precision components used in our production systems

2016 - 2018

Armstrong world industries

Product Design Engineer

  • Designed and developed new products and systems from ideation to production on a team with industrial designers

  • Created 3D printed, metal formed, and wood design prototypes for preliminary testing

  • Designed and tested my patented QuickHang system for human factors important in residential products

  • Coordinated with a overseas production facilities for manufacturing needs and production prototypes of stamped and formed metal components

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