Christopher C. Uché
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-***-**** E-mail: ******@*********.***
OBJECTIVE: A Quality Assurance position that offers challenge and responsibility with an opportunity for growth and career development.
EDUCATION: THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, Norman, OK
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 06/90
B.S. Applied Mathematics 12/88
Active DoD Secret Clearance
Summary:
30 years of DoD Quality Engineering professional experience in the Aerospace industry which include missiles, satellite integration and launch, Rockets and Space launch; 12 years of this experience include supporting SMC/ECL. Travels extensively to United Launch Alliance (ULA) subcontractors providing oversight review and certification of launch vehicle components and systems for Mission Assurance Team, USAF Program Office Pedigree Review and National Reconnaissance Office. Conduct sub-system review of structures, avionics, propulsion and mechanisms. Evaluate Atlas V and Delta IV rockets and Defense Support Program (DSP), DMSP, SBIRS, STSS, AEHF satellites. Prepare risk assessment of end item data packages for conformance to specification. Compare class II configuration modification changes to successfully flown baseline. Conduct AS9100 audits and perform functional and physical configuration audits. Attend and report on PDR, CDR, ERB, CCB, MRB, TIM and other technical reviews. Matrixed out to MILSATCOM Systems Engineering department whenever available. Performed technical review of MDA boosters, target vehicles and EKV payload. Quality program management of propellant tanks, domes, covers, sumps, turbine pump assembly and hydraulic actuator. Identified Review Items Discrepancies (RID) at 20% of the Process, Product and System audits.
Developed analysis tool for ranking Suppliers to prioritize Quality Engineering’s manpower allocation.
Analyzed MRB data to uncover continuous improvement opportunities.
Supported FY 13 Air Force proposal with basis of estimate fact finding.
Persuaded Customer to re-organize Quality Engineers to optimize the team’s ability to provide more effective service.
Negotiated the commencement of Air Force QE’s participation at Government Agency Audits.
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW:
Quality Assurance Engineer, ManTech International Corporation/JPL/USAF-Space and Missile Systems Command, El Segundo, CA 05/2010 – 07/2022
Perform Pedigree Reviews of Atlas/Delta Rockets flight hardware and build books for the United States government.
Establish Mandatory Inspection Points (MIPs) for JPL Cognizant Engineers and with subcontractors.
Present progress against baseline plans with respect to findings, non-conformances, schedules and resolutions.
Verify hardware meets specifications and requirements.
Analyze inspection results and documents findings.
Review Engineering plans and procedures providing concurrence or recommend changes.
Perform required inspection activities on Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) hardware.
Perform “Root Cause Analysis” and documentation activities.
Coordinate and participate in Material Review Board (MRB) and Failure Review Board (FRB) meetings. Participate in Test Operations, Test Procedures, test data and test readiness reviews.
Work or collaborate with Engineering, Test, and Manufacturing to ensure prompt resolution of Subcontractor non-conformances. Perform audits of quality systems for deficiency identification and to ensure that corrective and preventive measures are implemented. Experience working with JIRA and Confluence.
Quality Engineer 4, Northrop Grumman Strike & Surveillance Systems, El Segundo, CA 10/08 – 04/2010
Participate in and facilitate root cause analysis efforts, driving timely and effective CA/PA to address high impact - CORR and repetitive - defects and process yield penetrations
Support the monthly Preventive and Corrective Action Board (PCAB) and the quarterly Quality Systems Review (QSR)
Successfully prioritize daily and weekly activities to ensure that commitments are completed on time
Provide support of PMT/PMTC activities, the SIS Observation Process, and the First Article Inspection (FAI) efforts within the IPT
Provide defect trend analysis to identify the high impact quality issues within the IPT, and generate meaningful Quality Engineering presentations for the Weekly IPT Performance Meeting
Analyze, maintain and provide quality visibility for the IPT's Statistical Process Control data
Perform timely and effective investigation and root cause analysis to address Boeing IQDS reports, Suspect Documents and investigations associated with the Daily Boeing Non-Con process
Sr. Member of Technical Staff - Quality, Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, CA 05/04 – 10/08
Provide final Satellite/Payload/Antenna Integration and Test of government satellites programs, to include mechanical and electrical integration, test verification and surveillance, inspection and engineering operations, system testing, Mechanical and Electrical alignments, mass properties, EGSE/MGSE validation, deployment testing and configuration verification for all activities. Verify conformance to program specifications and drawings and verify adherence to documentation requirements.
Analyze, review and approve drawings, process specifications, test procedures and EGSE validation. Perform system audits, product evaluations, process monitoring, supplied part problem resolution and lead/participate in various process improvement initiatives. Perform nonconforming hardware disposition and ensure root cause analysis and effective corrective action is implemented. Participate in FRB and MRB activities. Verify discrepancy documentation to program requirements via the Quality Database. Ensure the safety and reliability of hardware meet customers'' requirements and contractual agreement.
Participate in troubleshooting and failure analysis and FRBs. Coordinate problem resolution with engineering and project office. Provide support to EGSE, MGSE & Operational Ground Support Equipment. Certified in Preliminary Review/Material Review Board. Able to interface with various engineering disciplines, program office, safety, reliability and configuration management
Generate, approve and close TRS. Provide engineering support in troubleshooting and discrepancy resolution of test anomalies. Reviewed documentation requirements, FRB and MRB activities. Generate, approve and close Discrepancy Reports. Provide root cause analysis using fish-borne diagrams and 5Ys. Implemented Corrective Actions. Initiated CARs for non-conformances to prevent recurrence including the assessment of the effectiveness of the root cause determination and corrective actions. Establish, generate and analyze metrics related to quality issues. Review and update procedures and submit change requests.
Participate in electrical/mechanical PAP focal point meetings. Prepare TRS and DR monthly status metrics for quantity, aging and attributes using pareto charts. Perform capability studies to determine product specifications. Offsite duties at subcontractor facilities to perform inspection of hardware’s and review of shipping documents like DD1149 and Quality Field Reports (QFR).
SR. QUALITY ENGINEER, Kirkhill-TA/Esterline Technologies, Valencia, CA 05/03 – 01/04
Perform nonconforming hardware disposition, identified root cause and implement effective corrective action.
Develop and establish quality systems and procedures, quality trends, statistical plans and continuous improvement initiatives.
Prepare and distribute monthly quality performance metrics reports.
Evaluate and approve all raw materials from suppliers and outside process parts from vendors.
Verify purchase orders and requisitions to ensure quality clauses are applied.
Ensure that all documentation, certification/inspection reports, part marking, packaging, source inspection and approved source are identified and acceptable. Responds to customer corrective action requests in a timely manner by investigating and determining root cause and corrective/preventive measures to eliminate deficiencies.
Issue corrective action requests to vendors and cell supervisors and do follow-ups upon response.
Performed significant roles in the company’s AS9100 certification process.
QUALITY ENGINEER: Sierracin/Sylmar Corporation, Sylmar, CA 11/01 – 11/02
Responsible for continuous process improvement through the use of DOE and statistical tools to optimize various aircraft transparency processes.
Prepared and distributed monthly quality performance metrics reports.
Performed nonconforming hardware disposition, identified root cause and implemented effective corrective action.
Evaluated and approved all raw materials from suppliers.
Developed in-process test procedures. Worked with receiving inspection to ensure quality of incoming parts.
Implemented a quality measurement system for each processing cell to identify and solve chronic product defects.
Verified purchase orders and requisitions to ensure quality clauses are applied.
Reduced the company’s scrap rate from 20% to 3% resulting to savings of $300K a month.
QUALITY ENGINEER: Sealright Packaging Company, Los Angeles 01/99 – 11/01
Conducted capability studies/analysis on current processes to assure conformity to specifications.
Used statistical tools and DOE to identify optimal process parameters and process improvements.
Developed and tracked Quality performance metrics. Managed the Material Qualification processes.
Responsible for customer interface, management of AIB/GMP Sanitation programs and plant quality compliance.
Qualified new tools and processes and trained employees on new equipment operation.
Developed test methods as needed and performed special tests to generate data.
Investigated customer complaints and respond to corrective actions. Provide ''Quality'' training.
Performed audits of Supplier facilities and Quality Systems.
Implemented a new polymer resin blending system and an automated part-sorting machine thereby saving the company $400K a year in material and labor costs.
Responsible for Process line improvement which kept a major customer account thereby retaining the company’s $10M a year business with the customer.
Responsible for $65K equipment with 100% accountability.
QUALITY ENGINEER Allied Signal Aerospace, Torrance, CA 10/96 - 12/98
Worked on the development and production of atmosphere control units for the International Space Station programs and avionic units.
Provided Quality Engineering support for both electronic and mechanical component design, fabrication, inspection, component testing and failure analysis, and unit qualification testing.
Performed Nonconforming hardware disposition, identified root cause and implemented corrective action.
Participated in design review meetings to contribute quality assurance requirements and considerations.
Assured stamped parts and assembly acceptability, promote consistent quality and satisfy customer needs.
Coordinated production and manufacturing processes control and resolve Quality Assurance related issues.
Coordinated MRB activities, maintains and analyzes root cause and point of discovery data.
Performed Quality Engineering reviews of new contracts.
Worked with customer/government Quality Assurance representatives to coordinate inspection and activities.
Reviewed contractually required documentation for accuracy and completeness.
Assisted in ISO 9001 certification process and performed supplier audits.
Responsible for $250K equipment with 100% accountability.
Completed a major project two months ahead of schedule thereby saving the company $500K
QUALITY ENGINEER, Hughes Missile Systems Company, Canoga Park, CA 07/90 - 04/96
Validated electronic test equipment.
Provided Quality Engineering support for electronic satellite units (MIL-STAR) and circuit cards assembly design, inspection, test and analysis.
Implemented and monitored reliability and qualification tests. Tracked returned products and documented trends.
Performed machines and products qualification, process validation and FMEA.
Worked in cross-functional team.
Knowledge of ISO, GMP operations, SPC, TQM, Lean Manufacturing, BOM and ECO
Monitored and Supervised production processes to ensure quality.
Wrote process standard and established engineering specs and control limits.
Setup of SPC software for usage on the production floor.
Organized incoming and outgoing inspection procedures, including supervision of quality personnel.
Monitored and improved existing manufacturing processes and equipment in support of production.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Process improvements resulting to maximization of product output and elimination of waste.
Increased machine efficiencies and authored training plan for training employees on and quality related issues.
SKILLS:
•Knowledge and ability to apply SPC/SQC, TQM, PPAP, Test Engineering and Lean Manufacturing, Computer skills in Quality Analyst 5.1, Minitab, Microsoft Excel, Word and Project.
Operates CNC CMM (Software: GEOMEASURE 6000 by Mitutoyo)
•Self-starter with strong organizational skills.
•Ability to lead team in production processes.
•Ability to interface effectively with all other departments.
•Experience in strong quality-data extraction, analysis and reporting.
•Knowledge of the principles of electronics and mechanics