Bio

Biography

Who I am Professionally:

I am a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in operations and quality systems, specializing in ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards. I have applied my expertise across various industry sectors, primarily in the automotive and semiconductor industries, covering a wide spectrum of activities, from design and development to mass production, supply chain management, and customer-facing roles.

With a proven track record as a Project Lead, I've successfully managed cross-functional teams, both within the United States and internationally, including Latin American and Asian markets. 

Where I Worked and My Experience:

My journey in the automotive and semiconductors industry has taken me to some remarkable places. I currently serve as a Program Manager Technical, Automotive and Quality Systems at Intel Programmable Solutions Group (PSG), a division of Intel Corporation, based in San Jose, CA. In this role, I am responsible for maintaining and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) for Intel's Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Design and Development business, to ensure product quality at customer hands. 

Notable achievements include co-defining and re-building the QMS, achieving ISO 9001:2015 Certification in 2018, and integrating Advanced Product Quality Planning and Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) into product lifecycle design and development.

Arriving to Intel Oregon site for an ISO 9001 task force collaboration - Intel shuttle.

Prior to this, I contributed to product excellence at Tesla Inc., focusing on the quality of high and low-voltage distribution systems for Tesla Model S and X vehicles. My responsibilities included supplier development, where I made significant impact by increasing vehicle assembly plant capacity and reducing components production costs.

One of my significant achievements was the successful orchestration of manufacturing outsourcing from the 2nd floor in the Fremont site, specifically the high-voltage components crucial to Model S & X vehicles. This strategic move aligned with Elon Musk's vision of refocusing Tesla's efforts on vehicle assembly while outsourcing the production of critical components. This endeavor presented a substantial challenge in 2014, as Tesla's production volume represented less than 1% of the entire automotive market, leading to a longer return on investment for suppliers. However, I successfully engaged with a supplier, resulting in the establishment of two dedicated production sites for Tesla's high-voltage cables. This marked a pivotal moment in increasing vehicle assembly capacity and achieving cost efficiencies.

Going back home after a long day - Tesla Fremont Assembly Plant.

My career journey also includes roles at Ford Motor Company in Mexico City, where I served as a Supplier Technical Assistance Engineer (STA) responsible for corporate supplier development for the electrical commodity. I managed multiple supplier sites from different geographic regions, achieving significant reductions in PPM and zero manufacturing "stop ships".

Going out for lunch - Ford Motor Company World Headquarters.

My experience extends to Lear Corporation in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, where I held positions as a Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer and Manufacturing Quality Engineer, responsible for product quality in the manufacturing of seats and headrests for customers such as BMW, Ford, GM and Chrysler.

Approving production parts from Lear Supplier Base - Lear Corporation Trim Division.
Approving production parts from Lear Supplier Base - Lear Corporation Trim Division.

A Little Bit About My Education:

I hold a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Quality & Efficiency. In addition to my formal education, I have acquired certifications in areas such as Six Sigma Green Belt, problem solving, ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949. My commitment to learning extends to areas beyond engineering, as reflected in my interests, including communication, conflict resolution, child psychology, parenthood, music composition, guitar & bass, audio engineering, and keeping a pulse on the latest in the tech industry, Software Quality and Artificial Intelligence.

My cultural Background:

I was born in Mexico, and my multicultural background has enriched my professional journey, allowing me to engage with diverse teams and businesses globally.

Currently, I reside in California, a state that has become my primary home, and I'm deeply committed to contributing to its vibrant business community.

With fluent proficiency in both English and Spanish, I'm driven by a passion for continuous improvement, and I welcome opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to the field of quality management systems.

Please feel free to reach out to me for any inquiries, collaborations, or discussions. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable to me, and I look forward to connecting with you.

The Personal Side:

I'm a devoted family man with two wonderful daughters and an incredible wife. Her unwavering support helps keep me grounded and navigate life's twists and turns.

My life is driven by a few key motivations:

  • Family First: Above all, I'm dedicated to supporting my family and providing them with the tools they need for growth and success. I strive to be a role model, showcasing the values of growth, learning, and tenacity, not only for my loved ones but for my broader community as well. Our aim is to cherish life and embrace the things we're most passionate about.
  • A Passion for Collaboration: I'm enthusiastic about collaborating with the world. Whether it's in the realms of business, operations, quality, strategy, teaching, coaching, parenthood, or music, my goal is to contribute positively to these domains. I believe in lifelong learning and the power of sharing knowledge.
My loved family - Disneyland Park

I firmly believe that quality is an ingredient of everything we do. The methods by which we conduct our activities, the frequency of our efforts, and the measured variability all play critical roles in determining the outcomes we desire. Life can often be seen as an intricate equation with numerous variables and constants. By identifying these elements, we can work towards finding optimal solutions for that equation called life.

Manuel Alex Rodriguez

ISO 9001 blog & consulting

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