Charles Fruster II
Acworth,GA
Summary
Production planning and aerospace operations professional with 15+ years of experience supporting military and commercial aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and flight operations. Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, prioritize workloads, manage production schedules, and ensure mission-critical objectives are achieved. Extensive experience collaborating with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Maintenance Control, and Operations while leading personnel in fast-paced aerospace environments. Recognized for strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Flightline Test Mechanic
Lockheed Martin
Marietta, GA
07.2023 - Current
- Coordinated daily production priorities with production control, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain to ensure timely aircraft deliveries.
- Evaluated work scope and material availability to support efficient execution of maintenance and production activities.
- Communicated schedule changes and production status to departments, facilitating alignment and minimizing disruptions.
- Used Shop Floor Manager and technical documentation to monitor work progress and production requirements.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to resolve technical issues, enhancing production flow and supporting on-time maintenance execution.
- Maintained compliance with safety and quality requirements while meeting production milestones.
Aircraft Mechanic
Vertex Aerospace
Patuxent River, MD
11.2022 - 06.2023
- Coordinated with Supply, QA, and Maintenance Control to resolve material shortages and production issues, ensuring timely operations.
- Ensured work packages were completed according to schedule and technical requirements.
- Maintained accurate maintenance documentation and production records to support compliance and operational efficiency.
- Supported production and maintenance scheduling to maximize aircraft availability.
Starlink Production Technician
SpaceX
Redmond, WA
10.2020 - 09.2022
- Supported spacecraft and aerospace hardware production in a high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining strict quality and safety standards.
- Constructed and evaluated Hall ion thrusters following engineering specifications.
- Contributed to development of testing processes for spacecraft component life validation.
- Tracked work progress and addressed production challenges to prevent delays in delivery schedules.
- Organized efforts of cross-functional teams to ensure production activities matched priority schedules.
- Coordinated material readiness and improved workflow processes to enhance production efficiency.
- Determined necessary test equipment for upcoming evaluations and managed consumables inventory.
- Analyzed engineering drawings and technical instructions to guarantee precise assembly and production.
- Directed initiatives for ongoing improvements that increased manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
- Maintained accurate production documentation and communicated build status to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Team Lead/Aircraft Test Technician
Boeing
Renton, WA
11.2018 - 09.2020
- Performed routine and scheduled test on aircraft avionics, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to ensure proper function prior to pre-flight operations.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis of aircraft instruments, components, and assemblies.
- Interpreted blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams to verify installation specifications.
- Cultivated safe and organized work area by maintaining active control over tools and equipment and retaining FOD awareness at all times.
- Coordinated work assignments based on production schedules and workforce availability to maintain operational flow.
- Rotated through different positions to keep the team working efficiently and meet all production targets.
- Trained new team members in the specific tasks of each position.
- Managed daily tasks consistently and sought out opportunities to go beyond requirements and support business targets.
- Led team through routine operations and unforeseen challenges by applying effective decision-making skills.
Automotive Technician
Penske Automotive Group Inc
Chandler, AZ
10.2016 - 10.2018
- Diagnosed operating difficulties on a range of vehicles, including cars and trucks
- Conducted computerized and electronic diagnostic tests and interpreted trouble codes
- Replaced significant components such as transmissions, engines, and suspension assemblies
- Conducted road tests to identify issues based on customer reports
- Prepared and updated vehicle records, tracking parts and labor for accurate customer billing
- Mentored and guided less skilled technicians on complex repairs, enhancing team capability
- Complied with established safety practices and procedures, working safely and disposing of hazardous materials properly
- Collaborated with service team members to improve workflow efficiency. such as service advisors and parts counter persons to expedite maintenance.
Work Center Supervisor/Aviation Technician
United States Marine Corps
San Diego, CA
02.2010 - 02.2015
- Oversaw safe and successful completion of maintenance and documentation for $930 million of combat military aircraft and equipment resulting in zero loss over a 4-year period
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, motivating employees to proactively address challenges
- Cultivated leadership within department by coaching team members and assigning challenging tasks
- Maintained inspection records, reports, and forms to ensure compliance with operational and regulatory standards
- Inspected aircraft before and after flights to maintain current airworthiness assessments
- Tested aircraft, traced faults, and diagnosed problems to conduct skilled repairs
- Managed company programs for Aviators Breathing Oxygen and Egress procedures ensuring 100% compliance
- Delivered over 500 classes and courses to facilitate career advancement for over 300 personnel.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Diesel, And Industrial Technology
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
09-2016
Sergeants Course Distance Education Program -
Marine Corps University
12-2013
Skills
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Manufacturing Operations
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Production Control
- Supply Chain Collaboration
- Material Planning
- ERP / Shop Floor Manager
- Quality Assurance
- Technical Documentation
- Process Improvement
- Root Cause Analysis
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Leadership & Team Development
- Aircraft Configuration Management
Timeline
Flightline Test Mechanic
Lockheed Martin
07.2023 - Current
Aircraft Mechanic
Vertex Aerospace
11.2022 - 06.2023
Starlink Production Technician
SpaceX
10.2020 - 09.2022
Team Lead/Aircraft Test Technician
Boeing
11.2018 - 09.2020
Automotive Technician
Penske Automotive Group Inc
10.2016 - 10.2018
Work Center Supervisor/Aviation Technician
United States Marine Corps
02.2010 - 02.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Diesel, And Industrial Technology
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Sergeants Course Distance Education Program -
Marine Corps University