COLBY KRAFT
Newport News,VA
Summary
Dynamic project manager and nuclear-trained operations leader with a proven track record of successfully executing complex infrastructure projects in mission-critical environments. Expertise in managing mechanical, electrical, and control systems supporting large-scale power and operational facilities, ensuring seamless integration and functionality. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, address high-impact technical challenges, and deliver projects while adhering to stringent safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Committed to fostering a culture of ownership, proactive problem-solving, and continuous improvement to drive organizational success.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Machinist Mate - Nuclear
UNITED STATES NAVY
11.2021 - Current
- Lead Project Scheduler & Reactor Department Senior Enlisted Leader (DLPO)
- Pre-Commissioning Unit JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN 79)
- Served as the principal operations and program manager for the Navy’s most complex engineering department. Provided senior-level leadership to synchronize operations, professional development, and schedule readiness for 312 nuclear-trained personnel.
- Synthesized complex shipyard construction and testing schedules with crew training pipelines, establishing the baseline operational workflow for a first-in-class aircraft carrier.
- Maintained detailed, audit-ready personnel and program records, ensuring compliance with strict nuclear regulatory frameworks.
- Masterminded the tracking of 218 career development timelines, 94 specialized technical training profiles, and 18 complex retention contracts.
- Preserved critical engineering expertise for the Fleet, directly securing $6.2M in specialized retention incentives and retaining 74 years of irreplaceable technical knowledge.
- Designed and executed a comprehensive instructional matrix to continuously upskill personnel, maintaining peak divisional capability throughout intense shipyard testing windows.
- Commanded tactical operations and spearheaded the maintenance scheduling database to certify and validate the ship’s complex propulsion systems.
- Scheduled and directed the successful execution of 530 critical mechanical work packages—including 16 first-of-their-kind engineering procedures—slashing the outstanding maintenance backlog by 64% during quarterly closeouts.
- Successfully managed scheduling recovery protocols during sudden propulsion plant casualties, coordinating immediate troubleshooting, parts expediting, and maintenance re-scheduling to keep major testing milestones on track.
- Commanded the engine room watch team through 192 hours of continuous steaming during Dock Trials, directly enabling the full-power capability certification of all four Main Turbine Generators.
- Earned four consecutive "Bravo Zulu" (outstanding) ratings from Naval Reactors and TYCOM auditors for flawless schedule adherence, document tracking, and mechanical quality control.
Education
Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC)
Charleston, SCundefined
Washington State University
Tri-Cities, WAMechanical Engineering
Arizona State University
Skills
- Project Ownership & Execution (End-to-End Delivery)
- Critical Infrastructure Operations (Power, Cooling, Mechanical Systems)
- Electrical & Mechanical Systems Integration
- Construction & Work Package Management
- Scheduling & Critical Path Control (MS Project)
- Root Cause Analysis & Failure Response
- Cross-Functional Leadership (Engineering, Ops, Construction)
- Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Regulatory Compliance (QA, OSHA-aligned, Nuclear Standards)
- Technical Documentation & Drawing Interpretation
Certification
- Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS)
- DOL Apprenticeship Certification: Hydro-electric Machinery Mechanic
- DOL Apprenticeship Certification: Propulsion Plant Operator
CERTIFICATIONS, QUALIFICATIONS & IT SKILLS
- Software & Systems: MS Project, MS Excel, MS Teams, MS Outlook, MS Office Suite.
- Scheduling, Maintenance & Quality Credentials:
- QA-303 Quality Assurance Inspector (Procedural compliance, work package auditing, and material verification)
- 3M-302 / 3M-303 Maintenance & Material Management Systems (Maintenance scheduling, asset tracking, and material expediting)
- N33Z - Submarine Engineering Watch Supervisor and Surface Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor
Timeline
Machinist Mate - Nuclear
UNITED STATES NAVY
11.2021 - Current
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Washington State University
Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC)
Mechanical Engineering
Arizona State University