Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Work Preference
Software
Interests
Timeline
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Dalen Gardner

Bend,OR

Summary

Multi-Skilled Technician and Production Lead with 10+ years of hands-on experience in technical maintenance, project logistics, and system overhaul. Possesses a unique perspective on flight systems as a Private Pilot and Airframe Builder/Repairman. Proven expertise in the troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair of gas/diesel automotive, hydraulic systems, and complex aircraft systems/structures. Drives operational efficiency using Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen principles. Seeking a Traveling GSE Mechanic role in the Anchorage area to apply a strong mechanical aptitude and commitment to achieving FAA A&P certification.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

RDD Lead Technician / Lead Field Repair Technician

RDD Enterprises, LLC
01.2023 - Current
  • Served as the Lead Field Repair Technician, planning all logistical operations, including securing parts, materials, and necessary personnel, for remote structural repairs to safely return aircraft for facility repairs.
  • Directed and managed daily production operations for the LX7 aircraft program, overseeing scheduling, quality control, and successful completion of complex assembly goals.
  • Spearheaded process improvement initiatives (5S and Kaizen), serving as the sole Training Manager to onboard and cross-train new technicians, ensuring adherence to world class production standards.
  • Executed crew and performance management responsibilities, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety within the assembly team.
  • Executed advanced composite assembly and bonding techniques, including surface preparation of substrates, resin and adhesive management, and vacuum bagging of laminations.
  • Managed final assembly of major aircraft structures, requiring expert interpretation of technical drawings, schematics, and utilizing precision measuring instruments for dimensional accuracy.

Carpenter

Rupp Family Builders
07.2020 - 12.2022
  • Co-led a high-end carpentry team of two, acting as a field manager responsible for schedule, budget management, and ensuring high-detail execution of the final product.
  • Managed subcontractor coordination and customer interaction to achieve detailed design specifications and streamline project logistics.
  • Leveraged technical expertise in frame, trim, and door hanging to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic precision on residential building projects.

Final Assembly and Aircraft Assembly Technician

RDD Enterprises, LLC
11.2018 - 07.2020
  • Contributed to aircraft production as a key technician, specializing in both component and final aircraft assembly procedures.
  • Utilized precision tooling and blueprint reading to install components and conduct functional testing on mechanical and airframe systems.

Line Service Technician

Leading Edge Jet Center
02.2017 - 11.2018

Education

Honors Diploma -

Mountain View High School
Bend, OR
06-2015

Skills

  • Diesel & Automotive Maintenance and Repair
  • Composite Airframe Assembly and Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
  • Composite & Metal Precision Fabrication
  • Field Logistics & Project Management
  • Supervision & Leadership
  • Lean Manufacturing & Process Control
  • Safety & Quality Management
  • Technical Drawing Interpretation
  • CAD/ERP Software Proficiency
  • MS Office Proficient
  • AC4313 & ATA Chapter Experience

Certification

  • Private Pilot License, Current BFR
  • First Aid Certification
  • CPR Certification
  • Oregon Licensed Construction Contractor (Terminated for AK)

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Supervised team of 4 staff members.
  • Documented and resolved undocumented work which led to 15% less rework.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Location Preference

On-SiteHybridRemote

Important To Me

Company Culture4-day work weekWork-life balanceCareer advancement

Software

Microsoft Office/365

Solidworks PDM

Solidworks eDrawings

Interests

Aviation

Constructing/Building

Maintenance and Repair

Carbon Composite Fabrication

Carpentry

Timeline

RDD Lead Technician / Lead Field Repair Technician

RDD Enterprises, LLC
01.2023 - Current

Carpenter

Rupp Family Builders
07.2020 - 12.2022

Final Assembly and Aircraft Assembly Technician

RDD Enterprises, LLC
11.2018 - 07.2020

Line Service Technician

Leading Edge Jet Center
02.2017 - 11.2018

Honors Diploma -

Mountain View High School