Dereck W.Private profile: Upwork shows its earnings only to signed-in members, so we check it every few weeks, not daily. MRR here is a rough estimate (Upwork's six-month earnings ÷ months active). Last read Nov 5, 2026.

I am a seasoned Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations leader with a proven record of transforming organizations in aerospace, defense, and medical device industries. I specialize in building compliant, scalable, and profitable systems that enable companies to achieve certification, improve throughput, reduce cost, and strengthen customer confidence. I bring a rare blend of hands-on technical expertise, executive-level leadership, and real manufacturing ownership experience. I have successfully launched new production facilities, recovered at-risk operations from near closure, and led businesses to double and triple year-over-year growth. I understand the realities of running a manufacturing company—quoting, training, compliance, capacity planning, customer pressure, and profitability—because I have lived it firsthand. Clients hire me when they need practical, no-nonsense solutions, not theory. I eliminate waste, simplify processes, and implement systems that work on the shop floor, not just on paper. My reputation is built on delivering measurable results, clear communication, and a high-accountability consulting style that ensures projects exceed expectations. If you need support developing a Quality Management System, achieving AS9100/ISO certification, improving efficiency, or leading a high--impact improvement initiative, I will help you execute with speed, clarity, and excellence. Core Expertise Quality Management Systems & Compliance • ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, IATF16949 implementation • Internal Audits, Supplier Audits, Certification readiness & support • APQP, PPAP, FAI, IQ/OQ/PQ, Control Plans, FMEA • Corrective Action & Root Cause (8D, 5-Why), Risk Management Lean Manufacturing & Operational Excellence • Lean Kaizen, Gemba, Standardized Work, 5S, VSM, RIEs • Throughput improvement, waste elimination, capacity optimization • KPI & performance dashboard development • Policy deployment, visual management, training programs Leadership & Strategic Growth • Fractional Quality Manager / Operations Manager • Organizational alignment, strategic planning, scalable systems • Turnarounds and rapid improvement programs • Business expansion, cost reduction, and revenue growth strategies Engineering & Technical Capabilities • Mechanical & design engineering, CNC machining, CAD/CAM • Process development, metrology, GD&T, tooling & fixturing • Data analysis, statistics, Excel/VBA automation • Additive manufacturing, molding, forging, and foundry expertise Why Clients Choose Me ✔ Experience leading and owning real manufacturing companies — not just consulting ✔ Practical solutions that simplify operations, reduce costs, and improve compliance ✔ Deep industry expertise across aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical device ✔ Formal certifications: AS9100 Lead Auditor, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, BSME ✔ High-touch, high-accountability delivery model with consistent results Typical Engagements • Build or upgrade QMS for certification (AS9100/ISO/IATF/ISO13485) • Fractional Quality or Operations leadership (10–40 hrs/month) • Lean transformation and throughput improvement programs • Audit preparation, internal audits, supplier audits • PPAP, FAI, and APQP support for OEMs and Tier suppliers • Process development, work instructions, and training programs