Cori D. Aafedt
Longmont,CO
Summary
Manufacturing engineering professional prepared for this role with strong expertise in process optimization, leadership, and production lifecycle. Known for fostering cross-functional collaboration and delivering results in fast-paced environments. Skilled in lean manufacturing, mechanical principles, and problem-solving. Adaptable to changing needs and reliable in driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Bae Systems Inc.
05.2025 - Current
- Assembly, integration and test support for DoD program.
- Owned and managed weekly schedule and the associated daily meeting comprised of 20+ individuals from cross-functional integrated product teams to interface with program management and customer.
- Top level assembly supervisor for both DoD program payloads spanning multiple cross-functional teams including, but not limited to, technicians, design engineers and quality.
- Organized multiple tests for both DoD payloads including vibe and mass properties and served as liaison between production and systems teams during tests to demonstrate compliance of customer requirements.
- EGSE technical representative for customer interfacing during pre-shipping review for a large scale, multiple-build, space vehicle program.
- Created the EGSE end item data pack, and co-coordinated delivery of the end item data pack and EGSE for large space vehicle to customer via truck (11 test/simulator racks and 100+ additional line items).
- Manufacturing engineer for optical IR&D for follow on program at BAE Systems Inc.
- Enhanced production efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing principles and reducing waste.
Manufacturing Engineer
Bae Systems Inc.
07.2022 - 05.2025
- Participated in supplier audits and selection processes, maintaining strong relationships with vendors while ensuring high-quality materials and appropriate documentation.
- Co-Lead for production of large space vehicle program GSE (size ranged from ~15lbs. to 300lbs. or more).
- Coordinated handoffs to internal customer and closeout of manufacturing hardware selloff reviews and related documentation.
- Consultant for program’s master GSE and flight schedule.
- Simultaneously owned the flight-mechanism manufacturing effort of five deployable boom assemblies for two large scale, multiple-build, programs.
- Executed all sub-component and top-level assembly and integration and aided in testing campaign (critical moves/lifts for vibe and TVAC, and test shifts).
- Led manufacturing campaign for the first joint test in the new, large capacity spacecraft TVAC chamber leading to early and under-budget delivery for both programs.
- An identifier, documenter and, in some cases, implementer of “lessons learned” from the anomalies in the assembly, integration and test phases of the deployable boom assemblies.
Associate Manufacturing Engineer
Ball Aerospace & Technologies
07.2020 - 07.2022
- IR&D manufacturing representative for multiple IR&D projects and programs.
- Expedite, IR&D, and unique piece part SME.
- Simultaneously managed fabrication piece parts (ranging from complex optical flight components to custom built solar array transportation crates), reported status and coordinated transfer to various customers.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
- Coordinated sub-contracting and outsourcing requirements for machining and processes to overcome in-house production issues.
- Mitigated supplier risk through investigation and sourcing of qualified suppliers through evaluations of processes and capacities.
Manufacturing Engineer Intern
Ball Aerospace & Technologies
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Implemented Kanban to drive efficiency across fabrication and assembly processes.
- Designed product class structure documents for fabrication processes and cost-schedule breakdown to be reviewed by customers.
- Integrated software to track piece parts, assemblies, hardware kits, shop orders, STE, and property tagged items across all Colorado locations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY05-2020
Minor - Business Management
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY05-2020
Skills
- Core Competencies: Manufacturing, Operations, Conflict Management, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Process Development & Integration, Process Improvement, Communication, Leadership, Quality Management, Teamwork, Time Management, Customer Service
- Proficient in: Microsoft Applications SolidWorks, Velocity, Agile, IFS, GD&T
Clearances
• Top Secret Clearance, Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS//SCI) – Active
• DoD Top Secret Clearance, Sensitive Compartmented Information, Special Access Program (DOD TS//SCI//SAR) – Active
Timeline
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Bae Systems Inc.
05.2025 - Current
Manufacturing Engineer
Bae Systems Inc.
07.2022 - 05.2025
Associate Manufacturing Engineer
Ball Aerospace & Technologies
07.2020 - 07.2022
Manufacturing Engineer Intern
Ball Aerospace & Technologies
06.2019 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Wyoming
Minor - Business Management
University of Wyoming
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