Cory Holmes
Summary
Dedicated aerospace and manufacturing leader with over 20 years of experience in fabrication, quality assurance, and production oversight. Proven track record of implementing process improvements that boost efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate team performance. Offers deep technical knowledge in aerospace tooling, field operations, and compliance with NASA, DOD, and industry standards. Skilled in driving operational excellence through strategic planning, hands-on leadership, and high-stakes problem-solving.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
QA/NDE INSPECTOR
NASA (BASTION TECHNOLOGIES)
01.2025 - Current
- Support NASA’s Artemis II mission by overseeing quality compliance for Boeing-fabricated rocket components, ensuring alignment with aerospace regulations and mission-critical standards.
- Conduct non-destructive testing (NDE) including ultrasonic and penetrant inspection on structural aerospace components.
- Ensure fabrication and final assembly meet NASA, AS9100, and DCMA compliance requirements.
- Maintain inspection records and compliance documentation to support DCMA reviews, NASA audits, and flight-readiness milestones.
- Interpret and verify APDM blueprints, confirming material and process specifications align with engineering protocols.
- Investigate weld and material discrepancies, collaborating with NASA and Boeing engineers to implement corrective actions and restore compliance.
- Lead defect analysis for high-stakes components identifying root causes and implementing preventive measures in line with NASA’s Quality Management System (QMS).
LEAD FABRICATION SPECIALIST
Boeing
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Oversaw fabrication operations for NASA’s Artemis I rocket as part of Boeing’s Space Launch System (SLS), leading a 25-person team responsible for structural assembly, welding, and blueprint compliance.
- Promoted to Lead Fabrication Specialist based on outstanding performance, technical precision, and initiative on the Artemis I program.
- Directed fabrication and integration of rocket components using composite materials, aluminum alloys, and aerospace-grade fixtures.
- Trained and mentored new hires in welding techniques, safety protocols, and production processes aligned with NASA standards.
- Collaborated with engineers, quality inspectors, and schedulers to maintain build accuracy and meet delivery milestones.
- Verified structural hardware for DCMA/NASA inspection, ensuring full conformance with aerospace quality and safety standards.
FABRICATION SPECIALIST
Boeing
03.2018 - 12.2022
- Executed precision fabrication of rocket structures for NASA’s Artemis I mission. Developed expertise in APDM blueprinting, structural welding, and high-tolerance aerospace builds, which led to promotion into leadership.
- Assembled rocket components for Artemis I using TIG and MIG welding within aerospace-grade tolerances.
- Interpreted engineering drawings and APDM blueprints to ensure part conformity and fit.
- Operated hand tools and fabrication equipment in cleanroom environments for structural bonding and integration.
- Supported quality teams by addressing build discrepancies, reducing rework, and enhancing process flow.
- Contributed to one of NASA’s most advanced human spaceflight programs through hands-on fabrication and cross-functional collaboration.
MACHINE OPERATOR/WELDER/FIXER
AGY
02.2017 - 02.2018
- Supported the production of high-performance industrial materials through welding, machine operation, and maintenance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Performed TIG and MIG welding on equipment and product components, following detailed fabrication procedures.
- Operated cranes, forklifts, and automated line tools to move heavy materials and align assemblies.
- Troubleshot and repaired production machinery to minimize downtime and support daily output goals.
- Conducted preventive maintenance and safety checks on high-temperature systems and welding stations.
Education
Master’s in Business Administration -
American Intercontinental University
B.S. - Business Administration, Project Management
American Intercontinental University
A.S. - Business Administration
American Intercontinental University
Industrial Maintenance
Aiken Technical College
Welding
Batesville Job Corps
Skills
- MESc APDM PLC Programming Non-Destructive Evaluation (PT, UT)
- TIG, MIG, and GMAW Welding Blueprint & Schematic Interpretation
Certification
- Certified Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), NASA / Boeing Standard
- Project Management Coursework, AIU
- Welding (TIG, GMAW) Certified – Batesville Job Corps
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Led the fabrication of NASA’s Artemis I rocket and currently oversee quality compliance for Artemis II, III, and IV ensuring alignment with NASA and Boeing standards.
- Reduced rocket fabrication time by 67% for Artemis I mission, earning recognition from Boeing leadership.
- Utilize key aerospace systems—Manufacturing Execution System – Composite (MESc), Automated Program Definition and Management (APDM), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) Inspector.
- Aerospace Fabrication | Rocket Assembly & Integration | Team Leadership | Production Planning | Quality Assurance & Compliance (AS9100, ISO 9001) | DCMA/NASA Audit Readiness | MESc | APDM | Process Optimization & Lean Manufacturing | PLC Programming | Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) | Root Cause Analysis (RCA) | Technical Blueprint Interpretation | Tooling & Fixture Development | Safety & Risk Mitigation | Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Timeline
QA/NDE INSPECTOR
NASA (BASTION TECHNOLOGIES)
01.2025 - Current
LEAD FABRICATION SPECIALIST
Boeing
01.2023 - 01.2025
FABRICATION SPECIALIST
Boeing
03.2018 - 12.2022
MACHINE OPERATOR/WELDER/FIXER
AGY
02.2017 - 02.2018
B.S. - Business Administration, Project Management
American Intercontinental University
A.S. - Business Administration
American Intercontinental University
Industrial Maintenance
Aiken Technical College
Welding
Batesville Job Corps
Master’s in Business Administration -
American Intercontinental University