Summary

Highly accomplished and strategic Program Manager with over 20 years of extensive experience in the defense, aviation, and space sectors, underpinned by a solid technical foundation in aerospace engineering and a successful career in the USAF. He excels in leading the execution of complex projects and programs, particularly within DOD manufacturing and subcontracting, showcasing a proven ability to manage and coordinate cross-functional teams to meet stringent project objectives and deadlines. His expertise includes developing and implementing robust program management plans, risk mitigation strategies, and resource allocation frameworks. With a strong track record in maintaining high-stakes government projects, He brings exceptional skills in client and stakeholder management, ensuring clear communication and strong relationships throughout the program lifecycle. His strategic approach to program performance monitoring, continuous improvement initiatives, and compliance with regulatory standards makes him an ideal candidate to contribute significantly to the development of cutting-edge simulation technologies in the defense industry.

 

Specialized Experience

• Defense and Aerospace Program Management: Over 15 years leading major defense acquisition projects, including fighter aircraft, ICBMs, satellites, and space program integrations. Managed ABMD systems and OEM supply chain site contractor management.

• Leadership and Site Management: Provided program site management and leadership, resolving issues for senior management, supply chain, engineering, quality control, and contracts. Managed customer relations with OEM, DOD, FAA, NATO, and international military forces, including 4.5 years in Saudi Arabia.

• Risk and Opportunity Assessment: Experienced in OEM site auditing, risk assessment, and identifying opportunities for improvement in compliance with FAA, NTSB, DOD, and international standards.

• Cost, Schedule, and Technical Performance: Reviewed and analyzed cost proposals and technical requirements, contributing to cost containment successes and preventing program overruns. Implemented Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement.

• Surveillance and Compliance: Monitored contractor site management and manufacturing, devising and enacting corrective action plans to adhere to DoD, NATO, and international quality standards.

• Earned Value Management (EVM): Utilized EVM techniques for predictive assessment of project performance, certified in PMP with extensive application in field assessments.

• Risk Management: Managed risk through situation representation reports, Six Sigma analysis, and site auditing, providing recommendations and reporting to national and international agencies.

 

Professional Experience

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
Project Manager – Manager of Programs/Projects, 2022 - 2023

• Overseeing the complete lifecycle of projects, from initiation to completion, emphasizing defense-related engineering standards and practices.

• Managing and coordinating a diverse team, including construction managers, engineers, project control, quality, and safety personnel, ensuring alignment with project goals and compliance to regulatory standards.

• Leading the Integrated Project Team (IPT) to execute projects within budget and schedule, maintaining strict compliance with defense industry standards.

• Developing, reviewing, and managing project budgets; forecasting resource needs and implementing corrective actions to address variances.

• Establishing and maintaining effective communication and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including engineering and subcontracting teams, to meet customer requirements and project deliverables.

 

HESLIN CONSULTING
Program Management Technical Consultant, 2017 – 2022

• Provided program management consulting services, focusing on the transition back to the United States and the pursuit of full-time employment.

• Built and maintained strong customer relationships, effectively managing accounts for high-profile clients like Toyota.

• Executed short-term contracts with a commitment to delivering results and meeting client objectives in the consulting sector.

 

RGTS DEFENSE
Program Manager, Site Quality Engineer, 2014 – 2016

• Served as the in-country representative for the F-15 series SA Program in Saudi Arabia, managing a $30 billion project with 200 personnel, focusing on operations, quality, and compliance with international defense standards.

• Led senior operations and quality management for F-15 aircraft platforms, collaborating with stakeholders like CRM, RSAF, DCMA, DOD, and NATO to ensure strategic alignment and program success.

• Managed foreign military sales and defense contracting between the US and Saudi Arabian governments, enhancing international relations and compliance with defense regulations.

• Directed site operations, engineering, and project management, coordinating with defense giants like General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, and overseeing MRO processes for aircraft systems.

• Developed and implemented change management and corrective action plans, negotiating contracts and schedules to fulfill client requirements and ensure timely, cost-effective delivery of services and products.

• Provided strategic leadership and risk management for site operations and global supply chain, conducting analyses to improve efficiency, prevent cost overruns, and maintain high program profitability.

 

HESLIN CONSULTING
Program Management Technical Consultant, 2007 - 2012

• Oversaw diverse aviation and aerospace projects, leading efforts in engineering operations, contract negotiations, quality control, procurement, and supply chain management for key industry players like DynCorp International and Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin.

• Executed senior operational and quality program management, coordinating across 44 aircraft platforms and integrating DOD customer relationship management protocols.

• Provided strategic program management consultancy, adhering to stringent standards like ISO/AS/MIL-SPEC/CMMI and FAA, FAR, DOD DFARS, which included system development and comprehensive audits.

• Advised on high-profile mergers and international trade issues, notably the SNECMA and GE Aviation merger and the Alcoa vs. China imports case, aligning with regulatory and quality standards.

• Spearheaded conceptual product development and research initiatives, leading to significant advancements in aeronautical design, medical device innovation, and low orbital flight technology, while applying agile and waterfall methodologies for effective program management.

 

RAYTHEON DEFENSE
Site Management/Quality Engineer/Supply Chain, 2006 – 2007

• Led the Weapons Systems program management, streamlining processes across manufacturing, systems engineering, operations, quality, and purchasing for 600 personnel, ensuring program alignment and compliance.

• Enhanced mission assurance, maintainability, EHS, and operational reliability through strategic initiatives, contributing to the production of defect-free products within budget and schedule constraints.

• Managed manufacturing and supply chain efforts for TOW Missiles, playing a key role in active warfront support in Afghanistan and overseeing financial and operational aspects to generate significant revenue.

• Conducted extensive technical reviews and audits, adhering to international standards like ISO 9001, AS 9110, ITAR, CMMI, NADCAP, and DOD DFARs, while establishing strong OEM partnerships and improving supplier management.

• Led Supplier Chain Development and continuous improvement initiatives, employing methodologies like DOE, DFMA, PFMEA, and Lean/Six Sigma to enhance production quality, efficiency, and risk management.

 

PRATT & WHITNEY COMMERCIAL
Project Engineer, 2005 – 2006

• Oversaw project engineering for the F119 and F135 engines by Pratt & Whitney and the GE-CFM56 engine, leading a team of 300 engineers in reverse engineering and operational process enhancements.

• Acted as a key consultant for the Compressor Services Module Center, focusing on military programs like the F119, emphasizing cost reduction, project investigations, pre-manufacturing planning, and staff coordination.

• Led design verification processes and customer relationship management (CRM) to ensure project alignment with technical and business objectives, facilitating successful project execution and engineering outcomes.

 

L3 COMMUNICATIONS
Operations Manager, Missile Defense Agency, 2005 – 2006

• Managed the development of advanced missile defense prototypes, leading a team of 150 personnel across purchasing, systems engineering, manufacturing, and quality control, ensuring strategic alignment with defense objectives.

• Directed key operations and quality engineering initiatives for military programs, supervising flight demonstrations and prototype testing at White Sands, NM Test Range, to validate defense capabilities and innovations.

• Implemented rigorous engineering and quality assurance processes, upholding standards such as ISO, AS, MIL-SPEC, CMMI, NADCAP, FAA FARS, and DOD DFARS, while developing comprehensive project documentation and control measures.

• Facilitated successful program execution through effective coordination with FAA, DOD, DCAS/DCMA, and CRM inspectors, ensuring optimal compliance and performance at critical stages of system development and integration.

 

LOCKHEED MARTIN/GENERAL DYNAMICS SPACE
PME Manager Quality Control Team Lead Launch Operations, 1989 - 2004

• Directed mission assurance, safety, reliability, and launch operations for major aerospace projects, leading quality control initiatives and managing large teams in developing and re-assembling launch complexes for Titan/Atlas programs.

• Oversaw the engineering, construction, and quality assurance of 15 rockets, ensuring adherence to industry standards like ISO, AS, MIL-SPEC, and CMMI, and facilitating successful launches in collaboration with agencies like NASA and the DOD.

• Managed complex system engineering and quality control tasks, including heavy manufacturing and assembly, system integration, and operational troubleshooting, significantly enhancing project outcomes and operational readiness.

• Demonstrated exceptional crisis management skills, resolving critical engineering issues to maintain program integrity and ensuring the delivery of defect-free aerospace products within stringent timelines and regulatory frameworks.

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Experience 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA)
Airworthiness Inspector/FAA External Public Relations Spokesperson

• Oversaw integrated supply chain and MRO facility operations for a range of aircraft, enforcing compliance with FAA, FAR, DOD DFAR, and international quality standards, and led technical training and certification programs.

• Conducted extensive risk management and technical reviews, supporting principal inspectors in regulating the aviation and aerospace sectors, including OEMs and major airlines like Rolls Royce and United Airlines.

• Played a pivotal role in accident investigations and safety assessments, collaborating with the NTSB, insurance investigators, and manufacturers to implement effective corrective actions and enhance flight safety.

• Represented the FAA in public relations efforts, effectively communicating complex technical and safety information to the media, stakeholders, and the public during critical national aviation incidents.

 

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (USAF)
Technical and Projects Management/Director of Quality

• Directed diverse project and program operations, providing leadership in mission assurance, maintainability, EHS safety, and reliability, with a notable role in NATO's "Ready Five" nuclear first strike capability and foreign affairs coordination.

• Managed comprehensive MRO and engineering manufacturing, including NATO air wings' flight line operations, boosting rapid combat response and efficiency in systems like the F-111E.

• Managed MRO and engineering manufacturing, including NATO air wings' flight line management, enhancing rapid combat response and operational efficiency for aircraft systems like the F-111E.

• Achieved recognition for exceptional service and leadership, evidenced by an Honorable Discharge and significant contributions to strategic defense initiatives and international military relations.

 

Education/Achievement/Clearance 

Education:

Master’s Certification, Project Management, Villanova University

B.S., Aviation Maintenance Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, New Horizons

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, New Horizons

CAM Humphries & Associates DOE

Leadership Courses | NCO leadership, Airframe and Powerplant 

 

Clearance:  DoD/Intel/DoE clearance

 

Additional Training, Experiences, and Technology Skills

• Computer Skills: Proficient in PC, Windows, MS Office suite, programming languages (Quick Basic, COBALT, FORTRAN), and system administration, with expertise in H/P 3000 mainframe and SAP systems.

• Advanced Ballistic and Missile Defense (ABMD): Experienced in missile systems such as SM_3, 6, 2, PAVEWAY, TOMAHAWK, and KEI, demonstrating broad knowledge in defense technologies.

• Major Repair and Overhauls (MRO): Comprehensive experience in managing and repairing various aircraft types, including military and commercial jets, with a strong background in systems engineering and technical operations.

• Rockets and Propulsion Systems: Proficient in DFMA for rocket systems like ICBM, Atlas, Centaur, and Titan IV, with expertise in propulsion engineering and support for NASA and NOAA space launches.

• Ground Systems: Managed complex ground support systems, including cryogenic fuel operations and launcher system maintenance, ensuring effective operations and testing.

• Jet Engines: Advanced skills in gas turbine engineering, MRO, and test cell operations for engines from Pratt & Whitney, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and other major manufacturers, underpinning a deep understanding of aerospace propulsion.