Manager Project
Resume:
Richard E. Whalen
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
*************@*********.***
Objective: Expand my career in Research and Development where my talents can be exercised and applied to interesting projects; sharing the same passion in meeting challenges as part of a combined effort.
Summary: Highly effective professional with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in prototype machining; extensive experience ranging from aerospace to entertainment. Proficient manager, highly skilled productive asset, interface well with engineers, motivated, individual contributor.
Job History:
MDA Information Systems / Alliance Spacesystems, Inc. Pasadena, CA Full-time 2010 / Part-time 2011
Precision / Prototype Machinist Previous Full-time 2001-2 / Part-time 2005-6 / Full-time 2007-8
Responsible for high precision development of robotic arms and camera systems, performing R&D for engineering, tooling and machine support for CNC division, contributing as mentor. Previously involved with 2003 NASA / JPL Mars Exploration Rovers for deployment and positioning of scientific instruments, 2008 Phoenix Mars Lander in search of life, SUMO Space Tug, GPX-Gas Pipe Explorer, and 2011 NASA Mars Science Laboratory Robotic Arm, Mastcam, and 3-D Zoomcam. Customers include JPL, Ratheon, Naval Research Lab, and Boeing Satellite Systems.
A&S Precision Valencia, CA 2005-2006
Prototype Machinist
Teamed with owner, formerly from Panavision, performing R&D and production support to expand operations
and provide services on demand. Custom development of ergonomic motion picture camera attachments, motion systems, and sliders; providing repair and quick turnaround of unique technical camera adaptation requirements needed for particular shoots. Performed R&D and manufacture of Leica lens conversions ranging from 28-300mm provided for Dalsa Digital, also working along with Panavision’s leading innovative optical engineer, Dan Sasaki. Customers included renowned directors such as Spielberg and other prime cinematographers operating in the arena.
3DMass Design & Engineering Glendale, CA 2005-2006
Development Consultant / Project Manager
Company involved in product development, 3-D modeling of concept vehicles, prototype / fabrication of sculptures, props, stage structures, and special effects. Joined forces with former associate CEO during major restructuring, performing duties as consultant / troubleshooter, along with dedicating time as key motivator. Assessed existing infrastructure, business practices, and systems management; recommending specific changes and improvements in networking, sales, customer relations, estimating, production, quality control, and implementing lean manufacturing methods. Expedited fabrication of special effects stage structure project for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tour.
Safari Animation & Effects North Hollywood, CA 2003-2004
Prototype Machinist / Manager
Performed R&D on special projects, managed job shop production, and produced components for special effects assemblies. Involved in the development of power winches and camera motion systems for Cablecam, produced for coverage of NFL and NBA. Customers included Nanostream, Lester Creative, and illusionist Franz Harary.
University of California Los Angeles, CA 2003
Principle Development Engineer
Custom fabricated an experimental device which simulates the fluid dynamics of earth’s liquid core. The assembly was used to test and calibrate ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry system for the Department of Earth & Space Sciences.
Flix FX North Hollywood, CA 2001
Prototype Machinist
Fabricated mechanical and stationary props. Responsible for Degree Anti-Perspirant commercial and performed special effects on set during shoot. Customers included Hewlett Packard and Museum of Science & Industry.
Walt Disney Imagineering North Hollywood, CA Second Tour 1999-2001
Prototype Machinist / Contractor
Manufactured assemblies for Mechanical Production / Animation Development. Worked closely with engineering staff, creating prototype mechanical attractions featured at theme parks. Performed R&D for new generation animatronic motion system. Theme parks included Tokyo Disney Sea, California Adventure, and EuroDisney.
Valencia Automation, Inc. Valencia, Ca 1990-1998
Supervisor / Prototype Machinist / Technical Representative
Coordinated production of CNC and manual machine divisions to meeet tight job shop deadlines. Established floor plan for maximum efficiency and safety. Built silk-screen and automated production machinery. Performed R&D for Fisons Corporation, manufacturing ultrahigh vacuum components, bellows, and assemblies for analytical mass spectrometers. Customers included Mitsubishi, Guardian, Remo, Polycarbon, Mazak, and 3-D Systems.
Show Motion Design, Inc. Glendale, CA 1988-1989
Manager / Prototype Machinist
Fabricated special effects assemblies for television and movie industries. Set up floor plan for efficient operations. Primarily responsible for the challenging development of sophisticated camera motion system.
Mechanical Concepts, Inc. Glendale, CA 1984-1987
Prototype Machinist
Developed multi-plane camera motion systems for production of special effects and animated films. Made lense mount adapters, camera drive mechanisms, and linear rail assemblies. Customers included Industrial Light & Magic. .
Walt Disney Productions, Inc. Glendale, CA 1980-1984
Prototype Machinist / Lead Man
Manufactured amusement park ride systems, roller coasters, and antique vehicles. Implemented improvements to increase production efficiency. Built attractions featured at EPCOT Center, Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland. Also involved with making Peoplemover vehicles installed at Houston International Airport.
H.G. Engineering, Inc. Monrovia, CA 1979-1980
Manager / Prototype Machinist
Manufactured prototype components and first-run of custom built lathes and multi-spindle polishing machines for manufacturing contact lenses. Functioned also as a Design / Manufacturing Consultant.
Tri Models, Inc. Gardena, CA 1975-1978
Experimental / Prototype Machinist
Manufactured high speed wind tunnel models, scale models, prototype components, and performed experimental machining for the aerospace industry. Position required knowledge of pattern / template making; elite skill in mill operation and fairing contours by hand. Built wind tunnel models of Space Shuttle and U.S. Navy Mach 2 Target Drone; prototype model of B-52 Cruise Missile Delivery System, B-1 Bomber components, and models of liquid fuel rocket engines. Customers included Rockwell International, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, Teledyne Ryan, North American Rockwell, Rocketdyne, Marquardt, and U.S. armed forces Missile Systems Commands.
Korad Lasers, Inc. Santa Monica, CA 1973-1975
Journeyman Machinist
Produced industrial and hologram laser assemblies. Programed, set up, and ran N/C vertical mill.
U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet 1969-1973
Machinist
Provided helicopter maintenance support for Apollo 13 recovery squadron.
Also served two tours combat duty Viet Nam as Second Class Petty Officer (E-5).
Sacramento City College Sacramento, CA 1966-1968
Assistant Shop Instructor / Student Employee
Instructed students and represented machine shop during open house.
Sacramento High School Sacramento, Ca 1963-1966
Assistant Shop Instructor / Student
Education:
Sacramento City College / Associate Degree in Metals Industry Technology.
Minored in Psychology, Chemistry, and Business English
Sacramento Senior High School / Machine Shop Major / Epsilon Pi Tau Award
Minored in Auto Shop Craftsmanship and Leadership
U.S. Navy Machinist School / Graduated Honor Man. San Diego, CA
Tutored Students as night instructor.
U.S. Navy Thread Insert / Stud Removal School. NAS, North Island, CA
Trained in critical repair of engine & transmission cases while onboard aircraft.
Computer Skills:
Windows XP, WordPerfect 11, Typing, Document Composition
Accomplishments:
• Built scale models of Space Shuttle LOX / H2 Main Engines, one on exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum.
• Machined wind tunnel model of Teledyne Ryan / Mach 2 Target Drone, featured on cover of Aviation Week.
• Designed and fabricated custom Joystick assembly for digital camera operation of Cablecam system for debut use at the Super Bowl and NBA Playoffs. Worked long hours with success of on time delivery for events.
• While supervisor of Valencia Automation, established corrections resulting in $50K in savings the first year.
• Developed prototype camera dolly with unique complex motion system, revolutionary in the film industry.
• Involved in development of Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster.
• Commanded 60-man company in U.S. Navy, successfully motivating and training into being No.1 drill team in the battalion, graduating as honor company, in addition to receiving academic award.
• Sailor of the Month at Naval Air Station while assigned to Airframe Division. Received letter of commendation for leadership while serving as Petty Officer in Pacific Fleet.
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