Principal Engineer, NDT

• Jun 2022 - Present

NDT Responsible Level III

• Oct 2020 - Present

For Virgin Galactic, in my role as Responsible Level III, I manage, company-wide, all aspects of our NDT training and certification program, including the creation and implementation of formal lesson plans and self-study modules across multiple NDT disciplines. I have final approval responsibility for all NDT reports and techniques generated across the company. My regular duties include onsite vendor audits, reviewing process specifications and drawings, and supporting state-of-the-art NDT activities in Mojave, California and Virgin Galactic's Spaceport near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. I also lead the company Teammate Resource Group for Mental and Physical Wellness. Show less

Guided-Wave and Phased Array Specialist

• Dec 2018 - Sep 2020

Directed NDT activities for leading provider of inspection, testing, and evaluation services on several projects across the western United States and in Alaska. I managed and coordinated all activities leading to successful completion of multiple projects including, scoping of project, identification of resources (internal and external), selection of consultants or contractors, cost estimates, budgeting, permitting, design, material procurement and start-up. As a technical leader, I gave direction to consultants, contractors, engineers, and technical specialists and project team. Some of my key accomplishments include: ✰ Serving as the team’s key contributor, training staff and providing subject matter expertise on a range of NDT topics. ✰ Developing methodologies to allow client organizations to solve routine technical problems expeditiously. Show less

Advanced NDE Specialist

• Jun 2016 - Dec 2018

With SpaceX, I was technical lead on NDE activities for all Falcon 9 builds. I performed volumetric NDE inspections with advanced NDE machines and interpreted, evaluated, communicated, and reported findings to production and engineering teams. I supported development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries and assisted research and development of future NDE technology for operational improvements. My successes with SpaceX included: ✰ Managing a team of NDT staff in refurbishing recovered first-stage launch vehicles. ✰ Leading a select team of technicians through NDT on first- and second-stage launch vehicles and Dragon spacecrafts. Show less

Advanced NDE Lead

• Aug 2013 - Feb 2016

I planned, coordinated, and executed NDT inspections at facilities nationwide and headed advanced services team for pipeline company and assessed pipe conditions using techniques such as guided-wave testing, phased-array UT, and HOMC. I drove technology improvements in NDT with new equipment and processes, and I established procedures, standards, and specifications that ensured use of most cost-effective and technically appropriate materials, equipment, construction practices, and operating procedures. Successes I had in this role include: ✰ Spearheading guided-ultrasonics program for Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System, identifying several areas of concern for asset failure and environmental damage. Show less

Product Line Specialist

• Dec 2009 - Aug 2013

For Mitras Group, I conducted conventional NDE, GWT, and PAUT inspections for various refinery clients across the United States. I imparted subject matter expertise in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and instructed employees nationwide on use of technology, leveraging unique knowledge and skill set in emerging NDT technologies. For Mitras Group, I conducted conventional NDE, GWT, and PAUT inspections for various refinery clients across the United States. I imparted subject matter expertise in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and instructed employees nationwide on use of technology, leveraging unique knowledge and skill set in emerging NDT technologies.

Senior Inspection Specialist

• Jan 2008 - Dec 2009

I was selected as one of two staff to evaluate oil spill-impacted pipelines across Alaska North Slope and identified areas of concern undetected for decades. As a technical leader, I presented on guided-wave UT technology to multiple executives with BP, members of Alaska state legislature, and various environmental regulators and groups, and I coordinated with research and development to design and manufacture a state-of-the-art reformer tube scanner. I was selected as one of two staff to evaluate oil spill-impacted pipelines across Alaska North Slope and identified areas of concern undetected for decades. As a technical leader, I presented on guided-wave UT technology to multiple executives with BP, members of Alaska state legislature, and various environmental regulators and groups, and I coordinated with research and development to design and manufacture a state-of-the-art reformer tube scanner.

Senior NDE Specialist

• Jan 2001 - Dec 2007

I steered specialized method of shear wave UT on first-stage gas turbine blades to rectify faulty blade design on turbines worldwide. I traveled globally to assess turbine conditions and make corrective action recommendations to expedite blade replacement; my recommendations resulted in GE avoiding catastrophic failure and loss of millions of dollars. My specialized skills set contributed greatly to my key role on a steering committee for ConocoPhillips for Los Angeles refineries, affecting changes in ConocoPhillips Safe Work Procedures that resulted in decreased incident rates. Show less

Submarine Electronics Technician

• Jun 1992 - Jun 1996

Served onboard the USS San Francisco (SSN 711) as a part of the Interior Communications and Electronics department. Responsible for internal communications, atmospheric monitoring, and forward electrical systems in port and while underway. Worked with the ships leadership and crew to ensure effective communication was achieved. Earned the Submarine Warfare insignia, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Honorably discharged at end of enlistment. Served onboard the USS San Francisco (SSN 711) as a part of the Interior Communications and Electronics department. Responsible for internal communications, atmospheric monitoring, and forward electrical systems in port and while underway. Worked with the ships leadership and crew to ensure effective communication was achieved. Earned the Submarine Warfare insignia, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Honorably discharged at end of enlistment.