Nate Kralovetz
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Manufacturing and Engineering Leader with 20+ years of experience in CNC programming, advanced machining, and medical device manufacturing. Proven track record of building and leading high-performing engineering and programming teams, implementing automation and cost-reduction initiatives, and developing robust, validated manufacturing processes in regulated environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engineering Manager
EPTAM Precision Metals Inc / Relius Medical LLC
08.2024 - Current
- Founded and chaired a multi‑site technical development committee to share best practices and evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies.
- Led cross‑functional teams of manufacturing engineers, engineering technicians, CNC programmers, toolmakers, and machinists.
- Drove development of new product lines, cost‑improvement initiatives, and automation of existing manufacturing lines.
- Led a validation remediation effort, successfully re-qualifying 85 pieces of manufacturing equipment.
- Planned and designed automated manufacturing cells for intramedullary nails and external fixation clamps.
- Active member of the site safety committee.
Programming Manager
EPTAM Precision Metals Inc / Relius Medical LLC
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Managed and mentored a team of CNC programmers and machinists supporting multiple medical device product lines.
- Implemented Asana to manage project timelines and improve cross‑department workflow visibility.
- Owned hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and performance management responsibilities.
- Led cutting‑tool research initiatives, evaluating manufacturers and aligning tooling strategies with emerging technologies.
Manufacturing Engineer / CNC Programmer
EPTAM Precision Metals Inc / Relius Medical LLC
10.2016 - 08.2022
- Developed complex CNC manufacturing cycles for medical devices, including bone plates and knee replacements.
- Created and maintained work instructions, setup documentation, inspection documents, and work travelers.
- Quoted new work and supported new product introductions.
- Semi‑automated CNC mill setups using macro programming and Renishaw probing.
- Implemented standardized tooling and optimized programs using High‑Efficiency Milling (HEM) on 5-axis mills.
- Designed poka‑yoke tooling and participated in Kaizen events to streamline production lines.
- Designed custom cutting tools to significantly reduce cycle times.
- Programmed CNC equipment using Mastercam; supported laser etching operations.
- Trained and mentored new programmers and production staff.
CNC Programmer
Prescott’s Manufacturing Inc.
04.2011 - 10.2016
- Programmed CNC mills and live‑tool lathes using Mastercam.
- Designed optics tooling and streamlined legacy manufacturing processes.
- Collaborated directly with customers to deliver cost‑effective, DFM‑optimized solutions.
- Machined complex optical assemblies with multi‑lead threads and gear‑driven mechanisms.
- Designed surgical microscope components in SolidWorks; created GD&T‑compliant drawings.
- Machined a wide range of exotic materials, including gold, silver, Monel, nickel, PPS, Kovar, GPO3, and magnesium.
- Supported injection mold manufacturing and reverse‑engineered components for optical system refurbishment.
- Implemented systems for organizing repeat work, including part numbering, setup documentation, and work travelers.
Manufacturing Engineer
Magnum Manufacturing Center Inc
03.2005 - 04.2011
- Developed manufacturing processes, fixtures, and CNC programs for 5‑axis mills, horizontal mills, and wire EDM.
- Created setup documentation, work instructions, shop prints, and macro programs.
- Edited post‑processors and supported machine setup, operation, and program proofing.
- Performed in‑process inspection and documentation.
Machining Technology Instructor
Pikes Peak Community College
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Taught Mastercam 2D, Mastercam 3D, 2D lab, 3D lab. Development of a curriculum to help students fit the needs of the industry.
Machining Technology Instructor
Pueblo Community College
01.2006 - 05.2007
- Taught conventional lathe operations, Mastercam 2D, Mastercam 3D, G-Code programming, and Advanced programming. Mentoring of students in the areas of machine operation, setup, and general work ethics.
Mill Programmer / Machinist
Excalibur Machine and Sheet Metal
03.2002 - 03.2005
- Programming and setup of all CNC Milling Machines with the use of Mastercam or handwritten G-code. Troubleshooting and editing programs. Experience with Haas, Fanuc, and Yasnac Controllers. Inspection, Use of Conventional machines, surface grinders, mills, and lathes. Assembly, prototypes, stamping dies, and small production runs, 4-axis machining, machine maintenance and repair.
Education
Machining Technology
Pikes Peak Community College
05.2003
Machining Technology
Pikes Peak Community College
05.2002
Woodland Park High School
05.2002
Skills
- CNC Programming
- MasterCam
- Cycle time optimization
- Prioritization
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Fixture design
- Proficient in GD&T
- Budgeting & estimating
- Coaching and mentoring
- Forward-thinking mindset
- Personnel management
Certification
- Pikes Peak Community College Machine Tech Lathe Journeyman
- Pikes Peak Community College Machine Tech Mill Journeyman
Awards
- Third place in the National Skills USA-Vocational Industry Clubs Of America (VICA) Automated Manufacturing 2003,
- Third place in the National Skills USA-Vocational Industry Clubs Of America (VICA) Automated Manufacturing 2002,
- First place in the Regional Skills USA-Vocational Industry Clubs Of America (VICA) Precision Machining 2001
Experience
- 20 years of programming for CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDMs in the medical device industry. Experience with manual machines in home business modifying and restoring of Browning M1919A4 and M2HB firearms. The product development, manufacture, and sales of Titanium Wedding Bands. Three years of training at Pikes Peak Community College in the Machining Technology Program. Experience with Solid Works, Mastercam and G-Code Programming along with basic Microsoft office skills.
Timeline
Engineering Manager
EPTAM Precision Metals Inc / Relius Medical LLC
08.2024 - Current
Programming Manager
EPTAM Precision Metals Inc / Relius Medical LLC
08.2022 - 08.2024
Manufacturing Engineer / CNC Programmer
EPTAM Precision Metals Inc / Relius Medical LLC
10.2016 - 08.2022
CNC Programmer
Prescott’s Manufacturing Inc.
04.2011 - 10.2016
Machining Technology Instructor
Pikes Peak Community College
08.2006 - 05.2007
Machining Technology Instructor
Pueblo Community College
01.2006 - 05.2007
Manufacturing Engineer
Magnum Manufacturing Center Inc
03.2005 - 04.2011
Mill Programmer / Machinist
Excalibur Machine and Sheet Metal
03.2002 - 03.2005
Machining Technology
Pikes Peak Community College
Machining Technology
Pikes Peak Community College
Woodland Park High School