Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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CHRISTOPHER GOVONI

South Padre Island,TX

Summary

Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. I've held qualifications in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW-G, and FCAW-S on both structural and piping applications. 15 Years experience in the welding/fabrication trade with 8 years of that being directly involved in people managing. I've also held a Certified Welding Inspector cert for 9 years as well as a Certified Welding Educator cert through the American Welding Society.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Welder

SpaceX
04.2022 - Current
  • Led contractors and SpaceXers on critical path projects such as the Ship thrust puck stand, can crusher rebuild for hot stage testing, booster buster, TLH B14.1 testing upgrades, Massey's Static Fire stand, and the Super Crusher test stand.
  • Led all welding and fabrication work at the Super Crusher test stand since the project started. From TLH upgrades, BLH fitting & welding, tower erection, and B14.1 catch test TLH test upgrades.
  • Provided Sr. Management with labor estimates for contractor hours.
  • Assisted leading on Static Fire stand fluid systems, diverter back bone structure / speed core walls, and ship stand.
  • Kept workflow highly efficient by planning out tasks strategically, ordering and keeping the team stocked with the appropriate tools and supplies, and maintaining a clean work area.
  • Maintained effective relationships and communication with Supervisors, Managers, and Engineers to ensure smooth project completion.
  • Attended design reviews and also provided advice on build sequencing and weld-ability of design.
  • Led and performed shop and field work on both structural and piping applications (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum).
  • Organized the factory scheduler daily to reflect top priorities based on engineering needs.
  • Consistently monitored that all teammates were clocked into correct work orders.
  • Utilized my teaching ability to train up new hires and lesser experienced teammates.
  • Transferred from our McGregor Facility in September 2023 to Massey's Test Site.

Welder

SpaceX
08.2021 - 04.2022
  • Fabricated and welded components needed for Superheavy booster and Starship launch tower located in Boca Chica, TX.
  • Demonstrated versatility in FCAW-G, FCAW-S, SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW in steel and stainless steel to support site operations. This included repair work in the field as well as building complex weldments in the shop.
  • Performed lead duties when needed. This included delegating work to our team, working with engineers, and providing day shift with a detailed handoff on work that was completed and/or issues we encountered.
  • Promoted to Lead Welder in April 2022.

Welder/QC

CCS Constructors
12.2019 - 08.2021
  • Performed certified welding and ironworking duties for various high profile projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Pease Air Force Base, and the University of Vermont. Also assisted in pre-cast setting and welding.
  • Developed and wrote various welding procedure specifications and qualified employees AWS codes.

Director / Lead Instructor

Advanced Welding Institute
10.2011 - 10.2019
  • Oversee all aspects of the school except for financials.
  • Responsible for ordering shop materials, supplies, and books to match our welding curriculum.
  • Responsible to assist students with resume building and job placement.
  • Responsible for giving prospective students tours of the facility.
  • Monitor student hours for compliance with ACCSC standards.
  • Responsible for student and employee disciplining.
  • Experience with following ACCSC Standards and Department of Education Standards.
  • Contest manager for annual Skills USA Welding Competition which included assembling judges, blueprint design, written test design, and organizing prizes.
  • Taught students blueprint reading and how to interpret welding symbols.
  • Trained and certified students in four main processes of welding SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW using various advanced processes and materials
  • Performed visual examinations and destructive testing requirements to various AWS codes and ASME Section IX.
  • Responsible for grading all test's, writing progress reports, and final transcripts.
  • Test Supervisor for the schools AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF).
  • Taught students to Hobart Institute of Welding Technology curriculum.
  • Lead instructor for both Structural, and Combination Structural/Pipe Welding full time courses.

Inspector/QC

Vermont NDT
10.2011 - 10.2019
  • Wrote countless Welding Procedure Specifications to various codes and standards, some of which that were approved by the US Navy.
  • Wrote Welder Performance Qualifications Records per applicable code requirements.
  • Performed CWI work on structural and pipe jobs to various codes and specifications.
  • Performed Mag Particle inspection on piping jobs, and at theme parks.
  • Witness weld tests and performed applicable NDT methods and Destructive testing requirements.
  • Performed Electronic Wire Rope Testing (EWRT) on theme park rides at locations such as Carowinds, Carolina, Hershey Park, PA, Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ, Kings Dominion, VA, and Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN.

Welder

NSA Industries
06.2010 - 10.2011
  • TIG welder of different materials such as aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminized steel of various thicknesses.
  • Adjusted the weld machines to the correct settings prior to weld applications.
  • Laid out, fitted and fabricated metal components.

Education

Certification - Certified Welding Inspector / Certified Welding Educator

American Welding Society
Nashville
2013

Vocational - Certified Pipe Welder/ Structural Welder

Advanced Welding Institute
South Burlington, Vermont
2010

High School Diploma -

North Country Union High School
Newport, Vermont
2009

Skills

  • Ability to project manage and lead teams efficiently and effectively
  • Held welding qualifications as an SMAW Pipe Welder, GTAW pipe welder, and GTAW/SMAW pipe welder in accordance to ASME Section IX Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
  • Held structural welding qualifications in accordance to AWS D11, AWS D12, AWS D13, AWS D15, AWS D16, and AWS D91 in SMAW, GMAW-S, GMAW-P, FCAW-S, FCAW-G, and GTAW
  • Former AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) and Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • Great blueprint reading and welding symbol knowledge
  • Experience with rigging and crane signaling
  • Operate cutting equipment such as iron workers, shears, plasma cutters, band saws, torches, and basic power tools
  • Ability to use Total Station for advanced fit ups that require a high degree of accuracy
  • Experience using software such as NX Team Center to spin models and pull measurements
  • High attention to detail, ability to problem solve, and great communication skills
  • Well versed in WPS', PQR's, WPQR's, and have the ability to navigate codebooks
  • Experience operating man lifts, forklifts, and overhead cranes

References



Gwen Bailey-Rowe

North Country Career Center

Office: 802-334-5469

Email: Gwen.Bailey-Rowe@ncsuvt.org


Adult Education Supervisor

Eileen Illuzzi

North Country Career Center

Office: 802-334-5469

Career Center Director


Justin Robert

Cell Phone: 802-324-2903

Instructor at AWI

Timeline

Lead Welder

SpaceX
04.2022 - Current

Welder

SpaceX
08.2021 - 04.2022

Welder/QC

CCS Constructors
12.2019 - 08.2021

Director / Lead Instructor

Advanced Welding Institute
10.2011 - 10.2019

Inspector/QC

Vermont NDT
10.2011 - 10.2019

Welder

NSA Industries
06.2010 - 10.2011

Certification - Certified Welding Inspector / Certified Welding Educator

American Welding Society

Vocational - Certified Pipe Welder/ Structural Welder

Advanced Welding Institute

High School Diploma -

North Country Union High School

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