Erika Arellanes
Lake Elsinore
Summary
Experienced manufacturing and production professional with a strong background in medical device and high-volume production environments, including work with Abbott Laboratories and Glidewell Laboratories. Skilled in quality control, 100% inspection processes, and operating manufacturing equipment while following strict SOPs and regulatory standards. Proven ability to lead teams, train employees, and maintain production efficiency as a Manufacturing Team Lead. Detail-oriented with hands-on experience in visual and microscopic inspection, pull testing, and defect identification. Recognized for maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, and supporting continuous improvement in fast-paced environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operator
Abbott Laboratories
Temecula
02.2026 - Current
- Performed 100% inspection of wire components used in catheter production
- Conducted pull testing on each wire using specialized testing equipment to ensure product integrity and compliance
- Followed strict quality control procedures to determine pass/fail criteria before advancing products in the production process
- Cleaned components using water and alcohol, then dried under controlled lamp conditions
- Conducted detailed visual inspections to identify defects and ensure product quality
- Used a microscope to inspect for contamination and ensure adherence to quality standards
- Maintained accuracy and consistency while inspecting high volumes of products to uphold quality standards
- Verified all inspected materials met company and regulatory requirements prior to advancing to the next production stage
Manufacturing Team Lead
Glidewell Laboratories
Irvine
11.2018 - 12.2025
- Coordinate and oversee day-to-day operations within the department to meet production goals and deadlines.
- Assign tasks, monitor team performance, and ensure all work meets Glidewell’s quality and accuracy standards.
- Train new and existing employees on procedures, equipment operation, safety protocols, and best practices.
- Troubleshoot production issues, resolve bottlenecks, and communicate critical information to supervisors and other departments.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant work environment, ensuring adherence to OSHA, company, and industry safety standards.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying workflow improvements, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for team concerns, providing coaching, feedback, and positive leadership.
- Ensure equipment is properly maintained and report any maintenance needs promptly.
- Operate manufacturing equipment and machinery according to Glidewell’s production guidelines and safety protocols.
- Prepare, inspect, and handle materials used in the fabrication of dental restorations and products.
- Follow detailed work instructions, SOPs, and manufacturing steps to ensure accuracy and consistency in all products.
- Perform quality checks on parts, components, and final products to maintain Glidewell’s high quality standards.
- Record production data, maintain accurate documentation, and complete all required logs.
- Identify and report equipment issues, defects, or process deviations to supervisors or maintenance staff.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with OSHA and company standards.
- Collaborate with team members to meet daily production quotas and efficiency goals.
Dishwasher
24 Carrots Catering and Events
Costa Mesa
03.2018 - 11.2018
- Unpack, sort, and organize dirty dishware and equipment returned from catered events to ensure an efficient cleaning process.
- Rinse dishes with hot water and prepare items for commercial dishwasher operation.
- Operate dishwashing equipment to thoroughly clean and sanitize all dishware.
- Repack, label, and store clean items in the warehouse so they are ready and organized for upcoming events.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment in compliance with company sanitation standards.
Press Operator
Freudenberg-Nok
Santa Ana
02.2015 - 02.2018
- Operated a wide variety of press machines and became one of the few employees trained to run nearly all machine types.
- Trained and supported new press operators to ensure proper machine use, safety, and production quality.
- Served as a Water Spider in the shipping and receiving department, organizing materials and ensuring efficient workflow.
- Participated as a member of the company’s rescue/emergency response team.
- Selected annually to assist with mandatory inventory checks due to prior experience and accuracy in inventory control.
- Followed safety procedures, maintained equipment, and supported overall production efficiency.
Full Time Cashier
Ibarra's Market
Anaheim and Fullerton
05.2010 - 04.2013
- Operated the cash register, processed customer transactions, and provided friendly customer service.
- Entered new merchandise into the store’s system, ensuring accurate pricing and item descriptions.
- Updated and adjusted product prices whenever new specials or promotions were released.
- Led inventory checks by tracking stock levels, identifying shortages, and ensuring accurate counts for all merchandise.
- Assisted with organizing shelves and maintaining a clean, well-stocked sales floor.
Education
Summer College Success Program -
Santiago Canyon College
Orange08-2002
High School Diploma -
Orange High School
Orange06-2002
Skills
- Operating Manufacturing Equipment & Machinery
- Following SOPs and Detailed Work Instructions
- Quality Control & Inspection
- Material Preparation and Handling
- Troubleshooting Production Issues
- Identifying Defects and Process Deviations
- Maintaining Production Documentation & Logs
- Safety Compliance (OSHA & Company Standards)
- Adaptability
- Listening Skills
- Time Management
- Planning Skills
- Feedback
- Trustworthy
- Coordinating Daily Production Activities
- Meeting Production Quotas & Deadlines
- Continuous Improvement & Efficiency Optimization
- Reducing Waste and Improving Workflow
- Team Leadership
- Training & Mentoring Staff
- Coaching and Providing Feedback
- Leading Production Teams
- Positive and Supportive Communication
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Reporting Equipment Problems & Maintenance Needs
Languages
- Fluent in English and Spanish
Awards
- High School Diploma
- Summer College Success Program
- Distinguished Students of Fall 2001
- Volunteer Achievement Award at Palmyra Elementary School
- Employee of the Month
- RCP Advanced Life Support - Certificate of Completion
Timeline
Operator
Abbott Laboratories
02.2026 - Current
Manufacturing Team Lead
Glidewell Laboratories
11.2018 - 12.2025
Dishwasher
24 Carrots Catering and Events
03.2018 - 11.2018
Press Operator
Freudenberg-Nok
02.2015 - 02.2018
Full Time Cashier
Ibarra's Market
05.2010 - 04.2013
Summer College Success Program -
Santiago Canyon College
High School Diploma -
Orange High School