Alexander Gruell
Telescope Engineer
Palmdale,CA
Summary
Industrious Telescope Engineer with 11 years of aviation experience. Well-versed in planning, coordinating and executing preventive and unscheduled maintenance on the SOFIA telescope. Highly trained in equipment diagnostic and repair. Energetic, dedicated and a reliable team player with the desire to make a positive impact in a long-term position.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Telescope Engineer
NASA AFRC / SOFIA Observatory
2 2013 - Current
- Designing,machining and testing of prototypes for the SOFIA telescope.
- CNC-Milling with SolidWorks/SolidCAM incl.
IMachining on a Kunzmann 3 axis mill equipped with
a Heidenhain iTNC 530 software. Fabrication of 3D geometrical shapes out of ferrous, non-ferrous metals and plastic models. - Lathing (Weiler Primus VCD lathe). Machining prototypes out of stainless steel, titanium, invar, silicium carbide and tungsten.
- Experience in the engineering, production, and manufacturing of metals, to include utilizing machining technology, such as, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM)
- Operated and maintained different mill and lathe machines to fabricate parts for the SOFIA telescope. Maintained tight tolerances with design specifications.
- Increased production efficiency by closely studying blueprints for accurate machine programming.
- Removed and installed telescope subsystem assemblies such as, pumps, gearboxes, transmissions and mechanical flight controls.
- Performed flight line functions including NASA preflight and postflight requirements. Documented all inspection and maintenance actions in aircraft forms.
- Inspected inbound and outbound products for compliance with established industry standards, company policies and procedures.
- Supervised production planning while using appropriate tools and analysis for smooth production output.
- Trained and coached new team members on proper machine set-up procedures.
Mechanical Engineer
Merck KGaA
05.1998 - 12.2012
- Designed innovative mechanical components, leading to increased productivity.
- Maintenance of industry agitators and peristaltic pumps in chemical production.
- Experience in the engineering, production, and manufacturing of metals, to include utilizing machining technology, such as, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM)
- Maintenance of transmissions, gearboxes and ventilator.
- Overhauling drum filter components and packaging machinery.
- CNC- Lathing(Gildemeister with Sinumerik).
- CNC-Milling (DMG with Solidworks/Solidcam ).
- Machining of stainless steel, hastelloy, invar,tantalum and titanium (special materials).
- Knowledge in WIG- welding and sheet metal work.
- Familiar with operations on stamps, press and plate shears.
- GMP ( Good manufacturing practices) experiences.
- Involved with the DIN ISO 9001 Careful observation of certification and implementation to our facility.
- Safety Officer
Mechanical Technician
Carl Schenck AG
02.1990 - 03.1998
- Building and Assembling balancing machines, conveyor belts and measurement and testing systems.
- CNC Lathing (Gildemeister- G code) and CNC Milling (Deckel G code) of balancing machine components.
- Balancing of high speed cutting tools, turbochargers, turbines.
- Inspected and tested equipment, machinery and components to diagnose issues, recognize defects, and determine appropriate repairs.
- Resolved mechanical issues using both technical and manual skills.
Education
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering -
Erasmus Kittler Schule
Darmstadt / Germany 09.1987 - 01.1990
Skills
Manufacturing Processes
Quality Assurance
Prototyping
Metal Fabrication
Mechanical system design
Computer Numeric Control
Maintenance and repair
Troubleshooting
Timeline
Mechanical Engineer
Merck KGaA
05.1998 - 12.2012
Mechanical Technician
Carl Schenck AG
02.1990 - 03.1998
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering -
Erasmus Kittler Schule
09.1987 - 01.1990
Telescope Engineer
NASA AFRC / SOFIA Observatory
2 2013 - Current
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