Alec R. Willard
Slidell,LA
Summary
Experienced Mechanical Engineer with a unique background working on various propulsion systems and test operations. Skilled in system analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing solutions to enhance productivity. Adept at leading teams, collaborating across disciplines, and delivering innovative solutions to meet mission-critical objectives. Looking to return to a systems role to sharpen technical fundamentals and drive efficiency to an established engine system design.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Test Operations Engineer
Rocket Lab
Stennis Space Center, MS
2023 - Current
- Major stakeholder in the design, analysis, build, activation and establishment of operations at the Archimedes test stand
- Responsible Engineer for inert gas and cryogenic systems
- Develop activation checkouts to meet engine systems requirements
- Develop hotfire procedures and safety precautions from the ground up
- Execute operations to achieve Archimedes test objectives as acting Test Director
- Drive process improvements ranging from manufacturing, design, integration and testing to increase test cadence
- Data review for nominal system health checks along with debugging and anomaly review
- Maintain test GUIs along with test article sensor cals
- Collaborated with a small team to integrate a PID controller which enabled major capability to meet test objectives
Propulsion Systems Engineer
Ball Aerospace
Boulder, CO
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Led design, build, and commission of high-pressure ground support equipment
- Developed test procedures for environmental tests and propulsion subsystem testing (e.g. leakage, flow, proof tests)
- Test conductor on propulsion functional tests (e.g. thermal tests, proof testing, etc.)
- Build, Integration and Test Lead for NASA program propulsion systems
- Support in evaluating system health for dry runs and mission operations
- Cognizant Engineer for all propellant/pressurant tanks under existing programs
Hardware Engineer
Lockheed Martin Space
Boulder, CO
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Executed design, development, procurement, testing, and maintenance of hardware equipment based on customer needs in both development labs and at customer sites for ground stations
- Developed project leadership skills through project planning, coordinating various sub-teams, customer/vendor communications, and by briefing project updates to program management weekly
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO2019
Skills
- CAD Software (Siemens NX, Solidworks)
- Simulation Tools (ANSYS, Matlab, GFSSP)
- Microsoft Office
- GSE Development
- Data Analysis/Avi Debugging
- HAZOPs
Timeline
Propulsion Systems Engineer
Ball Aerospace
01.2020 - 01.2023
Hardware Engineer
Lockheed Martin Space
01.2019 - 01.2020
Senior Test Operations Engineer
Rocket Lab
2023 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Colorado State University
Social Profile
www.linkedin.com/in/alecwillard