Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Education and Training
Languages
Timeline
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AMBER SANTANA

Menifee,CA

Summary

Experienced Composite Technician with a decade of expertise in producing high-quality spacecraft through meticulous adherence to engineering specifications and drawings. Adept at operating heavy-duty equipment while prioritizing safety and efficiency. Recognized for exceptional teamwork and communication abilities, contributing to seamless project execution and organizational goals. Actively pursuing opportunities to leverage time management and organizational skills for mutual growth.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Precision Assembler

Northtrop Grumman
San Diego, CA
08.2022 - 11.2024
  • Assembled components, such as screws, nuts, washers, and bolts to precision specifications.
  • Maintained accurate records of all work performed in accordance with company guidelines.
  • Resolved any discrepancies between actual results versus expected outcomes.
  • Set up and fabricated complex mechanical assemblies using oral and written instructions from supervisor, reading technical documentation and collaborating with team members.
  • Inspected parts and systems for fit, alignment and compliance with standards by using measuring instruments or test equipment.
  • Collaborated closely with colleagues in order to complete tasks efficiently.
  • Isolated problematic components and initiated troubleshooting techniques to resolve malfunctions, restore functionality, and optimize performance.
  • Received instructions for assembling new products or modifying existing designs.
  • Followed blueprints and diagrams to ensure precise assembly of components.
  • Adhered strictly to company's safety protocols to prevent mishaps.
  • Communicated regularly with supervisors regarding progress of projects.
  • Created subassemblies when fixing prefabricated parts and attached to aircraft.
  • Trained new staff members on the use of equipment and processes related to precision assembly.
  • Identified potential issues before they became problems by conducting regular inspections.
  • Analyzed drawings and specifications to determine job requirements for each task.
  • Cleaned aircraft structures, parts or components with aqueous or semi-aqueous products to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions.
  • Checked assemblies for alignment, symmetry, fit and workmanship quality.
  • Used index points and measuring instruments to position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures.
  • Observed key safety protocols and practices when operating dangerous equipment near team members or expensive systems.
  • Operated a variety of hand tools including drills, saws, grinders, and riveters.
  • Cleaned parts prior to assembly using solvents and other cleaning agents.
  • Performed maintenance activities on production machinery as needed.
  • Tested assembled items with appropriate equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Inspected finished products for defects and to maintain compliance with federal and corporate standards.
  • Operated equipment according to instructions to prevent damage and safety issues.
  • Ensured that all safety protocols were followed during the assembly process.
  • Organized work area to maintain a safe working environment free from clutter and debris.
  • Maintained keen focus on daily tasks and product specifications so that deadlines were met.
  • Repaired defective assemblies or parts according to established procedures.
  • Provided feedback on ways to improve efficiency in the production process.
  • Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
  • Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.

Composite Lead Technician

Applied Composites
Lake Forest, CA
02.2022 - 07.2022
  • Verified daily work orders and ensured accurate material inventories.
  • Conducted detailed checks on materials, positions, adhesion and appearance prior to starting production processes.
  • Maintained compliance with organizational, production and safety guidelines for efficient operations.
  • Utilized waxes on multiple surfaces to enhance and correct pre-laminated sections.
  • Crafted components for submarines, spacecraft, and car parts based on detailed specifications.
  • Verified product appearance against quality standards.
  • Pressed layers of saturated fiberglass mat or cloth into molds, smoothed wrinkles and removed air bubbles to fabricate quality product.
  • Overseen lamination process to regulate cure time and surface temperature.
  • Controlled machine functions for precise alignment of speed, pressure, and thermal processing.
  • Responded promptly to requests from supervisors or other staff members related to laminating operations.
  • Ensured compliance with OSHA regulations regarding workplace safety standards.
  • Developed and used tools to configure orders per customer requirements.
  • Analyzed data from testing activities to identify trends or patterns that could be used to improve design efficiency.
  • Reviewed customer feedback regarding product performance and made necessary adjustments.
  • Calibrated and maintained engineering instruments to ensure accurate measurements and testing results.
  • Performed tests on prototype designs to evaluate product performance.
  • Calculated design specifications or cost, material and resource estimates.
  • Monitored operations for compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.
  • Filled out work orders, repair logs and maintenance plans to document work completed.
  • Oversaw daily operations, delegated tasks and assignments and implemented strategies to optimize workflows.
  • Consulted blueprints and manufacturer manuals to plan appropriate and effective repair work.
  • Followed safety practices to safeguard against injury and damage to property.
  • Managed quality control and maintained high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Trained users in the use of new software packages or hardware devices.
  • Reviewed fire extinguishers and eye wash stations for safety compliance violations.
  • Tested components, assemblies and systems to diagnose problems.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current technology trends.
  • Maintained records of completed projects including documentation of labor hours, materials used and other data associated with each job.
  • Inventoried and recorded quantities of materials and finished products, requisitioning additional supplies.
  • Trained personnel on proper techniques for working with composites, including use of appropriate tools, equipment and safety procedures.
  • Supervised the construction of various types of composites such as fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar.
  • Assisted with troubleshooting issues related to composite materials and their applications on aircraft components.
  • Monitored material inventories for supervisor.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Managed household errands and other essential duties.

Senior Composite Technician

General Atomics - Poway
San Diego, CA
06.2019 - 10.2020
  • Interpreted drawings and specification sketches to determine manufacturing instructions.
  • Pressed layers of saturated fiberglass mat or cloth into molds, smoothed wrinkles and removed air bubbles to fabricate quality product.
  • Trimmed excess fiberglass from edges to remove unnecessary material.
  • Inspected finished product by checking appearance, measurements and looking for defects such as dead spots or bubbles.
  • Added catalysts to resin and applied mixture to pre-cut fiberglass material.
  • Managed lamination process by observing cure time and surface temperature to adjust for quality results.
  • Operated and adjusted laminating equipment by controlling speed, pressure and temperature.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.

Composite Technician IV

Spacex
Hawthorne, CA
01.2017 - 05.2019
  • Trimming and finishing of composite and composite metallic assemblies
  • Assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications
  • Surface prep, using grit blast, hand abrade and power abrasion techniques
  • Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials into molds
  • Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections
  • Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
  • Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches.
  • Adhered to safety requirements while on-site.
  • Interpreted drawings and specification sketches to determine manufacturing instructions.
  • Produced durable composite parts by precisely combining separate materials.
  • Created multpile composite parts each shift, with strict adherence to quality standards.
  • Reduced waste by 50% as result of carefully following specifications to manufacture precise composite parts.
  • Inspected finished product by checking appearance, measurements and looking for defects such as dead spots or bubbles.
  • Trimmed excess fiberglass from edges to remove unnecessary material.
  • Added catalysts to resin and applied mixture to pre-cut fiberglass material.
  • Managed lamination process by observing cure time and surface temperature to adjust for quality results.
  • Operated and adjusted laminating equipment by controlling speed, pressure and temperature.
  • Set and checked dies and cut-out patterns for conformity with requested specifications, blueprints and dimensions.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions and meet deadlines.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
  • Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.
  • Trained other technicians on proper handling of composite materials and tools used in fabrication process.
  • Repaired damaged components by applying structural adhesive bonding techniques as well as mechanical fastening methods such as riveting, bolting, and screwing.
  • Conducted research into new composite fabrication techniques that could be implemented within the organization.
  • Inspected parts throughout production process to ensure quality standards were met.
  • Pressed layers of saturated fiberglass mat or cloth into molds, smoothed wrinkles and removed air bubbles to fabricate quality product.
  • Implemented safety protocols while working with hazardous chemicals involved in the composites manufacturing process.
  • Collaborated with engineers to develop prototype designs for customer projects.
  • Created detailed documentation for all work performed in accordance with company policy and procedures.
  • Utilized hand tools such as grinders, drills, saws, routers, sanders to shape and cut composites materials.
  • Molded fiberglass from chopped fiberglass and resin materials using pneumatic chopper spray guns.
  • Assisted in troubleshooting during development of new products or processes.
  • Followed specific instructions provided by engineering team regarding product design specifications.
  • Attended periodic training sessions to stay current on new technologies being used in the industry.
  • Researched new materials and technologies related to composites manufacturing processes.
  • Set and checked dies and cut-out patterns for conformity with requested specifications, blueprints, and dimensions.
  • Reduced waste as result of carefully following specifications to manufacture precise composite parts.
  • Monitored inventory levels of raw material supplies needed for production runs.
  • Produced durable composite parts for products by precisely combining separate materials.
  • Analyzed failed samples from testing activities to determine root cause of failure.
  • Fabricated molds and tooling for composites parts using a variety of materials.
  • Performed composite layups and cured components with autoclave, ovens, and vacuum bagging techniques.
  • Developed repair methods and processes for damaged composite parts.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
  • Managed household errands and other essential duties.
  • Updated and maintained databases with current information.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.

Composite Technician II

Coast Composites
Santa Ana, CA
07.2016 - 01.2017
  • Worked per engineering drawings as well as both written and verbal instructions.
  • Worked with engineers to develop composite hardware fabrication and assembly processes/tooling
  • Assembled structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications; Use of solvents to prepare surfaces for sealing or assembly.
  • Adhered to safety requirements while on-site.
  • Interpreted drawings and specification sketches to determine manufacturing instructions.
  • Produced durable composite parts for airplane products by precisely combining separate materials.
  • Inspected finished product by checking appearance, measurements and looking for defects such as dead spots or bubbles.
  • Pressed layers of saturated fiberglass mat or cloth into molds, smoothed wrinkles and removed air bubbles to fabricate quality product.
  • Trimmed excess fiberglass from edges to remove unnecessary material.
  • Added catalysts to resin and applied mixture to pre-cut fiberglass material.
  • Managed lamination process by observing cure time and surface temperature to adjust for quality results.
  • Operated and adjusted laminating equipment by controlling speed, pressure and temperature.
  • Set and checked dies and cut-out patterns for conformity with requested specifications, blueprints and dimensions.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions and meet deadlines.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.

Assembly Technician

MDA/ Alliance Spacesystems, 4398
Los Alamitos, CA
06.2012 - 09.2015
  • Assembled and built spacecraft and satellite components based on design specifications and setup instructions
  • Trimming and finishing of composite and composite metallic assemblies
  • Assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications
  • Surface prep, using grit blast, hand abrade and power abrasion techniques
  • Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials into molds
  • Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections
  • Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing
  • Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches.
  • Maintained neat, organized and clean work areas to avoid safety concerns or production delays.
  • Maintained clean workstation, equipment and text fixtures in safe condition.
  • Conducted visual inspections and checked for product defects.
  • Operated air, manual, and hydraulic tools to put together and align assemblies.
  • Performed product and performance testing, recording results.
  • Monitored functioning of all equipment.
  • Worked with operations and engineering teams to report on quality issues and enact successful resolutions.
  • Stripped wires, crimped cable by hand and soldered connections to complete assemblies.
  • Kept eye on material levels, counted supplies and restocked components to maintain production.
  • Maintained records and documents of daily production and dispatched goods.
  • Operates equipment safely and checked regularly for operational issues.
  • Completed quality assurance and design compliance checks to reduce errors.
  • Completed component assembly with minimal supervision to meet deadlines.
  • Assisted with bill of materials by maintaining documentation of drawings, assembly instructions and inventory.
  • Executed calibration and adjustments using testing instruments such as calipers and drop gauge.
  • Formed assemblies and subassemblies using basic and advanced tools.
  • Built related devices such as control panels, cables and junction boxes i satelite production environments.

Composite Technician II

Vanguard Composites
San Diego, CA
06.2011 - 06.2012
  • Assembled and built composites structures for satellites that were being made for Boeing Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, and other communication systems companies.
  • Adhered to safety requirements while on-site.
  • Interpreted drawings and specification sketches to determine manufacturing instructions.
  • Inspected finished product by checking appearance, measurements and looking for defects such as dead spots or bubbles.
  • Added catalysts to resin and applied mixture to pre-cut fiberglass material.
  • Managed lamination process by observing cure time and surface temperature to adjust for quality results.
  • Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.
  • I was required to have strong mathematical, basic computer, problem solving and decision making skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills to be able to communicate with managers, supervisors, and project managers
  • Experience working with composites equipment such as ply-cutting tables, cure ovens, bagging systems, trim and drill tools
  • Experience with trimming and drilling of composite parts in line with drawing.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management

Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN

Skills

  • Equipment maintenance
  • Hand tools
  • Technical expertise
  • Composite parts assembly
  • Safety processes
  • Testing and diagnostics
  • Understanding drawings and blueprints
  • Work ethic
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Relationship building
  • Data management
  • Critical thinking
  • Working collaboratively
  • Aerospace Production Proficiency
  • Mechanical Proficiency Demonstrated
  • Initiative, self-starter, adaptable, and high motivation for excellence
  • Proficient in Reading and Interpreting Blueprints
  • Proficient use of basic shop arithmetic
  • Proficient Task Management
  • Experience or familiarity with ISO requirements, standards, and compliance issues
  • Experienced in Microsoft Office Applications
  • Manufacturing Operations Support
  • Data Analysis and Evaluation
  • Determines and may assist in developing methods and procedures to control or modify the manufacturing process
  • Works with engineers in conducting experiments
  • Handling and managing fragile composite materials
  • Bond, prep, and bonding of composite structures to metallic fittings
  • Adhesive Traceability Management
  • Employee Communication
  • Tooling preparation and release application
  • Utilize measurement tools such as calipers, rulers, and tape measures for fabricating hardware
  • Manufacturing Shop Planning
  • Support Shop Upkeep
  • Inventory management
  • Quality control
  • Technical documentation
  • Team collaboration
  • Data analysis
  • Project management
  • Time management
  • Employee training
  • Problem solving
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Cost reduction strategies
  • Production management
  • Scheduling coordination
  • Policy development
  • Lean manufacturing
  • Waste reduction
  • Manufacturing operations
  • Production planning
  • Cost reduction
  • Industrial safety
  • Customer focus
  • ISO standards
  • Safety management
  • Workflow optimization
  • Organizational skills
  • Assigning work
  • Effective communication
  • Goal-Oriented Self-Starter
  • Continuous improvements
  • Communication skills
  • Inventory assessment
  • Multitasking capacity
  • Written communication
  • Priority management
  • Teamwork
  • Budget adherence
  • Shift scheduling
  • Handle materials
  • Materials inspection
  • Training and mentoring
  • Attention to detail
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Calibration equipment
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Fine motor skills
  • Safety protocol
  • Wire harness assembly
  • Precision measurement
  • Microscope usage
  • Troubleshooting
  • Hand tools proficiency
  • Through-hole assembly
  • Fastening techniques
  • Soldering techniques
  • Torque wrench operation
  • Clean room procedures
  • Adhesive application
  • Component identification
  • Computer skills
  • Professional demeanor
  • Production line collaboration
  • Reliability
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Tool operation
  • Blueprint reading
  • Fabricate parts

Languages

Education and Training

true

Languages

English
Professional
Spanish
Professional

Timeline

Precision Assembler

Northtrop Grumman
08.2022 - 11.2024

Composite Lead Technician

Applied Composites
02.2022 - 07.2022

Senior Composite Technician

General Atomics - Poway
06.2019 - 10.2020

Composite Technician IV

Spacex
01.2017 - 05.2019

Composite Technician II

Coast Composites
07.2016 - 01.2017

Assembly Technician

MDA/ Alliance Spacesystems, 4398
06.2012 - 09.2015

Composite Technician II

Vanguard Composites
06.2011 - 06.2012

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management

Purdue University

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AMBER SANTANA