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Aerospace Manufacturing Cost Estimation & Engineering

Location:
Phoenix, AZ
Posted:
June 30, 2026

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Resume:

Rocky MacDonald

Anaheim, CA ***** 714-***-**** **************@***.***

Professional Summary

Seasoned aerospace professional with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing engineering and cost estimation. Demonstrated expertise in analyzing technical drawings, developing competitive cost models, and implementing Lean and Six Sigma improvements within aerospace and commercial projects. Proven ability in cross-functional collaboration to drive pricing accuracy and optimize production planning. Work Experience

Manufacturing Engineering

SMS San Clemente, CA

November 2012 to Present

• Developed detailed cost estimates for aerospace tooling and part requirements, focusing on manufacturability and cost drivers.

• Analyzed engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials to support accurate pricing and production planning.

• Collaborated with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to ensure accurate and competitive cost models.

• Led program proposals, estimating, scheduling, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues at client facilities.

• Expanded inspection planning and developed tooling fixtures for complex compound surface parts.

• Negotiated long-term design and build programs and established vendor surveillance on critical components.

• Managed work center backlogs, purchasing requirements, and business development procedures.

• Produced financial spreadsheets and maintained historical cost records for legal and customer requirements. New Business Development and Technology

Allied Mechanical Ontario, CA

April 2000 to November 2012

• Established new business areas in aerospace tooling, supporting composite and sheet metal tooling programs.

• Developed proprietary manufacturing processes to enhance machining and fabrication capabilities for aerospace components.

• Estimated, designed, and managed fabrication and testing of aerospace and satellite communication antennas.

• Analyzed and wrote manufacturing processes for machining and assembly of thin-wall stainless steel and titanium parts.

• Directed reverse engineering projects and collaborated with suppliers to optimize material and cost efficiency. Vice President

M & M Machine, Division of Fairchild Corporation Huntington Beach, CA December 1998 to April 2000

• Participated in all company operations, including estimating, purchasing, and manufacturing planning for aerospace projects.

• Developed innovative marketing and cost control strategies to increase market share and profitability.

• Designed tooling and manufacturing plans for commercial satellite communication antennas and titanium parts.

• Oversaw proprietary hot forming and machining processes for aerospace components.

• Fostered strategic partnerships with suppliers to optimize material sourcing and cost efficiency. Business Development, Senior Program Manager / Engineering Staff STADCO (Los Angeles

July 1995 to October 1998

• Developed problem-solving and estimating strategies for high-technology aerospace programs.

• Wrote major program proposals, estimated costs, and evaluated project scheduling software for engineering groups.

• Managed tool design, N/C programming, and manufacturing engineering for complex assemblies.

• Assessed manufacturing efficiency, established budgets, and recommended procedures and equipment.

• Negotiated major contracts and developed new welding procedures and tooling for titanium assemblies. President / Owner

Western Technical Resources Anaheim, CA

August 1991 to July 1995

• Oversaw engineering, technical sales, estimating, and purchasing for high-technology manufacturing projects.

• Developed cost-effective manufacturing methods and new materials for aerospace and commercial applications.

• Led business development and marketing for new product lines in recreational and aerospace sectors. Vice President Engineering / Owner

Coast Composites, Inc. Irvine, CA

April 1988 to June 1991

• Managed design engineering, estimating, and technical sales for commercial and military aerospace programs.

• Created advanced tooling for composites and titanium panels, supporting cost-effective manufacturing.

• Directed facility planning, technical development, and acquisition evaluations for aerospace projects.

• Set up facility security for classified data exchange and managed business operations. Engineering / Program Manager

USAF Santa Ana, CA

May 1986 to April 1988

• Reviewed existing designs for manufacturing feasibility and implemented redesigns for cost and process improvements.

• Developed advanced manufacturing techniques and tooling for aerospace nozzle and engine programs.

• Managed vendor and customer relationships, project scheduling, and status reporting.

• Prepared program reports and presentations for Air Force review, supporting cost and schedule objectives. Engineer

Developmental Sciences Inc. Ontario, CA

February 1985 to May 1986

• Reviewed engineering drawings and prepared proposals for tooling and manufacturing planning of composite aircraft.

• Coordinated inspection departments to optimize costs and delivery schedules for aerospace projects.

• Conducted mechanical and structural testing of sub-assemblies and presented status reports to agencies. Engineering / Tooling

Leading Systems Irvine, CA

October 1984 to February 1985

• Contributed to structural design and configuration control for advanced UAV composite aircraft.

• Participated in preliminary design and developed new tooling concepts for cost-effective production.

• Supported electronic packaging design with considerations for weight and balance. Engineering Designer / Program Manager

General Electric Company Chino, CA

November 1979 to October 1984

• Designed hydraulic test equipment for aerospace engine programs using 3D CAD modeling.

• Coordinated design and manufacturing to determine optimal fabrication and assembly methods.

• Managed design, fabrication, and testing of large mobile APU systems for aerospace applications. Engineering Proposals / Program Manager

Astech, Division of TRE Corporation Santa Ana, CA November 1977 to November 1979

• Developed advanced design proposals and evaluated vendors for major aerospace components.

• Created computerized parts lists and configuration control programs to support cost control.

• Initiated manufacturing methods, supervised design modifications, and testing at customer facilities.

• Developed advanced manufacturing techniques and tooling for titanium parts and assemblies. Engineering Consultant

Developmental Sciences, Inc. City of Industry, CA October 1975 to November 1977

• Designed aircraft composite structures and tooling using graphite and Kevlar for aerospace applications.

• Contributed to design and testing of remotely piloted aircraft for military reconnaissance programs. Manufacturing Engineer

Grumman Aerospace Corporation Irvine, CA

September 1974 to October 1975

• Developed concept proposals and designed test equipment for advanced spacecraft and aerospace projects.

• Implemented manufacturing techniques, provided design support, and conducted cryogenic testing and evaluation.

• Trained and supervised lab technicians and served as vendor liaison for classified aerospace programs. Education

Upper secondary education

Architectural Major (California)

Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CA

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing processes Cost estimating Sheet metal fabrication Machining Welding Assembly processes Bill of Materials (BOM) analysis Engineering drawing interpretation Data analysis Cost modeling Manufacturing engineering Process improvement Vendor management Project scheduling Attention to detail



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