Christopher Velarde Jr.
Stockton
Summary
Production Lead with 8+ years in high-volume manufacturing (Tesla & Krispy Kreme). Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and lead teams to meet aggressive production targets while maintaining zero-defect quality. Hands-on expertise in CNC operations, equipment troubleshooting, and process optimization—saving significant downtime through cross-functional collaboration with Maintenance Engineering. Experienced with production management, focusing on optimizing operations and leading teams. Utilizes effective communication and problem-solving skills to maintain high standards of quality and efficiency. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and process improvement techniques, ensuring consistent and reliable production outcomes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
CNC Production Lead
Tesla Motors
05.2017 - Current
- Lead cross-functional teams to meet daily takt-time targets across all 4 CNC departments (Motors, Extrusions, Chassis, Model Y).
- Develop and maintain Standardized Work Instructions (SWIs) and train 20+ associates on safe, efficient operations.
- Collaborate with Maintenance Engineering to resolve equipment faults, restart warm-up programs, and reroute pallets—reducing downtime by 15–20%.
- Support control plans to ensure critical features meet specs; enforce zero-defect policy at every station.
- Design hiring plans and onboarding programs to scale production capacity during Model Y ramp-up.
CNC Production Associate
Tesla Motors
12.2014 - 05.2017
- Certified in all 4 CNC departments; consistently hit daily targets without quality compromise.
- Conducted start/end-of-shift safety checks and ensured all gauges/tools were present and calibrated.
- Maintained clean, safe workstations in compliance with Tesla safety protocols.
Shift Supervisor
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
02.2011 - 02.2017
- Supervised 8–12 crew members to fulfill daily donut orders for franchise stores and special events on time.
- Performed daily maintenance on fryers and production equipment; operated forklift safely to move materials.
- Logged sales, inventory, and operator records in nightly tracker per company policy.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bear Creek High School
Stockton, CA06-2007
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Prior Supervisory Experience
- Training Program Design
- Manpower Planning & Scheduling
- Quality Control & Root Cause Analysis
- Detail-Oriented Production Standards
- Standardized Work Instructions
- Issue Resolution & Corrective Action
- CNC Machine Operation (Motors, Extrusions, Chassis, Model Y)
- Tesla Forklift Certified
- Basic Equipment Maintenance & Repair
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
- Production Time Management & Multi-Tasking
- Safety Compliance & Workstation Readiness
Accomplishments
- Saved 100+ hours of downtime over 5 years by assisting Maintenance on CNC cell recoveries and pallet rerouting.
- Trained 50+ associates at Tesla on SWIs, safety, and quality standards.
- Zero safety incidents under direct supervision at both Tesla and Krispy Kreme.
Timeline
CNC Production Lead
Tesla Motors
05.2017 - Current
CNC Production Associate
Tesla Motors
12.2014 - 05.2017
Shift Supervisor
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
02.2011 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
Bear Creek High School