Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

David James Bennett

Saint Augustine

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven professional with over 10 years of expertise in engineering, complemented by strong business management and military experience. Seeking a challenging opportunity to leverage my diverse skill set, leadership abilities, and strategic insight to drive meaningful contributions and deliver impactful results.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal Manufacturing Engineer/ Manufacturing Process Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2019 - Current
  • Collaborated with design and production teams to ensure manufacturability and scalability of products, coordinating cross-functional efforts for seamless product launches and manufacturing transitions.
  • Developed and implemented manufacturing plans, procedures, and policies, ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.
  • Led process improvement initiatives, driving cost reduction, efficiency gains, and quality enhancements, while monitoring production metrics and executing continuous improvement strategies.
  • Leveraged new technologies and methodologies to enhance manufacturing efficiency and optimize operational workflows.
  • Designed and refined manufacturing processes, evaluating existing systems to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and establish best practices within a production environment.
  • Optimized production area layouts, developed efficient process flows, and managed bills of materials, ensuring comprehensive and structured manufacturing instructions.
  • Championed continuous improvement efforts, supporting capital equipment implementation for expanded production capabilities.
  • Provided expert guidance on manufacturing techniques, ensuring adherence to engineering designs and standards.
  • Led tool design reviews, ensuring feasibility while reducing build times and program costs.
  • Identified manufacturing processes and specialty tooling requirements to boost efficiency, quality, and ergonomics in production operations.
  • Developed and delivered process training, equipping teams with necessary technical expertise.
  • Defined and optimized sequence of operations for product builds, proactively addressing non-conforming products and spearheading producibility and affordability initiatives.
  • Acted as liaison for Engineering teams, providing strategic insights to minimize production costs for integrated assembly—including electrical, hydraulics, fuels, fluids, and propulsion systems.
  • Supported site safety initiatives, implementing best practices within manufacturing processes.
  • Communicated and interfaced with leaders, clients, and vendors, ensuring alignment across all operational levels.
  • Translated engineering intent, drawings, models, and configurations into fully functional hardware, maintaining strict adherence to specifications.
  • Led shop floor production support, managing priorities based on Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) directives.
  • Developed manufacturing work instructions, defining comprehensive protocols for receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing.
  • Conducted engineering drawing reviews, delivering final manufacturing approvals.
  • Directed Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews, optimizing manufacturing processes.
  • Researched, developed new manufacturing methods, and refined existing workflows to improve quality, reduce costs, and streamline production schedules.
  • Created in-build redlines, recommending engineering adjustments for design optimization.
  • Led non-conformance dispositions and repair/rework activities, executing corrective measures to resolve issues.
  • Performed root cause analysis, addressing non-conformances and escapes, deploying long-term corrective actions.
  • Conducted Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), closing the feedback loop between design, build, and testing phases.
  • Provided shop floor engineering support, tooling design, fabrication, and implementation oversight.
  • Managed corrective action processes and tag tracking, maintaining accountability and quality control.

Subcontracts Management – Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation
05.2018 - 04.2019
  • Conducted supplier assessments across CONUS, traveling 50-75% to ensure compliance with Condition of Supply requirements for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC).
  • Facilitated consistent communication between suppliers and customers to align on Condition of Supply expectations and standards.
  • Utilized NX and Team Center for in-depth part research, preparing detailed Condition of Supply specifications.
  • Led producibility analyses and supported Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRAs) for suppliers to optimize production feasibility.
  • Provided strategic input on Technical Evaluations for supplier proposals and counter-proposals, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality solutions.
  • Oversaw shipping fixture/tooling requirements to maintain integrity of supplier products throughout transit.
  • Managed parts tracking and configuration control, ensuring accuracy and compliance with engineering and regulatory standards.

Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation
04.2015 - 04.2018
  • Developed and executed fabrication planning for detail parts, assemblies, and aircraft installations, ensuring seamless production workflows.
  • Coordinate processes across cross-functional teams to optimize fabrication processes.
  • Served as Point of Contact (POC) for tooling fabrication efforts, overseeing development and implementation to support production needs.
  • Loaded program data into SAP, initiating program release for Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering efforts.
  • Entered material data and build instructions for prototype projects into MES and SAP, supporting efficient project execution.
  • Utilized NX, Catia, and Team Center to research part specifications, ensuring accuracy in fabrication planning.
  • Retrieved and analyzed engineering drawings, sketches, and parts lists from multiple databases to support manufacturing operations.
  • Conducted detailed reviews of engineering drawings and sketches, identifying errors, changes, and updates impacting the build process.
  • Maintained monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for Manufacturing Engineering Planning Accuracy and Manufacturing Bill of Material Auditing, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Industrial Engineering - Manufacturing Analyst

Northrop Grumman Corporation
07.2014 - 05.2015
  • Collaborated across Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering departments to support seamless production processes.
  • Loaded program data into SAP, initiating fabrication efforts and ensuring efficient project execution.
  • Developed and managed Master Scheduling for projects using MS Project, optimizing timelines and resource allocation.
  • Generated and delivered daily and weekly operational reports, providing key insights for decision-making.
  • Maintained group and organizational data boards, ensuring visibility of critical manufacturing metrics.
  • Researched and evaluated tools for capital investment, enhancing and expanding manufacturing capabilities.
  • Participated in weekly aircraft/program business meetings, contributing strategic insights and operational updates.
  • Oversaw master scheduling, material shortage tracking, and action item management for aircraft and programs, driving efficiency and accuracy.

Manager / Operator

Bennett Trees
06.2021 - Current
  • Oversee business operations for State contracts and plans.
  • Manage budgets, allocate resources, and monitor financial performance to ensure goals are achieved.
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve organizational objectives and identify growth opportunities.
  • Ensure efficiency and implement processes for productivity and growth.
  • Communicate effectively with personnel and stakeholders, building relationships and fostering collaboration.
  • Identify and address problems, making decisions and implementing solutions to improve business performance.
  • Maintain relationships with customers, vendors, and partners, addressing concerns and ensuring satisfaction.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant Federal and State regulations and policies.
  • Create, adhere to and maintain compliance with State contracts and State production schedules.

Owner / Operator

D&M Cuts Lawn Care
01.2006 - 12.2011
  • Responsible for all day to day operations and management, ensuring exceptional service delivery.
  • Viewed potential jobsites and prepared bids for consideration, accounts payables and receivables.
  • Develop and implement business goals for growth.
  • Manage budgets, ensuring profitability.
  • Oversee marketing strategies, manage customer acquisition and maintain relationships to drive sales.
  • Recruiting, training and supervising employees.
  • Ensure business adheres to regulations and managing contracts.

Non-Commissioned Officer / Sergeant (E-5)

U.S. Army
02.2001 - 05.2006
  • Led security operations in a high-stakes environment, overseeing personnel, risk assessment, and mission execution.
  • Managed weapons systems operations and training, ensuring unit readiness and operational effectiveness.
  • Directed supply chain operations, maintaining inventory accuracy and logistics coordination in a dynamic environment.
  • Oversaw procurement and distribution of critical supplies, optimizing efficiency and operational support.
  • Provided tactical vehicle operations and crew support to enhance mission success.
  • Managed inventory, tracked logistics, and supported supply chain operations to sustain military readiness.

Education

Master of Science - Engineering Management

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
05-2027

Bachelors of Science - Mechanical Engineering

Florida Institute of Technology
05.2015

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Brevard Community College

Skills

  • Engineering expertise
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Business management
  • Leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Decision-making
  • Problem-solving
  • Innovation
  • Team leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Military discipline
  • Operational efficiency

Timeline

Manager / Operator

Bennett Trees
06.2021 - Current

Principal Manufacturing Engineer/ Manufacturing Process Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2019 - Current

Subcontracts Management – Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation
05.2018 - 04.2019

Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation
04.2015 - 04.2018

Industrial Engineering - Manufacturing Analyst

Northrop Grumman Corporation
07.2014 - 05.2015

Owner / Operator

D&M Cuts Lawn Care
01.2006 - 12.2011

Non-Commissioned Officer / Sergeant (E-5)

U.S. Army
02.2001 - 05.2006

Bachelors of Science - Mechanical Engineering

Florida Institute of Technology

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Brevard Community College

Master of Science - Engineering Management

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

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