Donald Cranfield
Salisbury,NC
Summary
Adept at driving operational excellence, I significantly reduced downtime at Vertex Aerospace through proactive maintenance and strategic planning. My tenure in the United States Marine Corps honed my leadership in quality assurance and equipment repairs, blending a detail-oriented approach with adaptability. My expertise not only ensures compliance but fosters a culture of continuous improvement and safety.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ground Support Equipment Manager
Vertex Aerospace
05.2018 - 12.2024
- Reduced downtime in operations by performing proactive maintenance on equipment.
- Maintained clean and organized facilities.
- Performed equipment maintenance and repairs on over 250 pieces of equipment.
- Trained team members effectively to maintain consistent productivity.
- Ensured timely acquisition of new equipment, streamlining the procurement process.
- Monitored equipment and tool inventory to consistent replenishment in alignment with demand.
- Implemented a robust system for regular inspections, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
- Maintained accurate records of equipment usage, enabling better planning and scheduling of over 900 inspections.
- Established preventive maintenance schedules to minimize breakdowns and extend the life of equipment.
- Leveraged strong relationships with vendors to expedite repairs when needed, reducing downtime during critical projects phases.
- Conducted periodic audits on acquired assets and mechanic qualifications, maintaining an accurate database that informed strategic decision-making regarding resource allocation.
- Promoted safer workplace, identified potential safety hazards associated with equipment and took corrective action.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements by maintaining up-to-date documentation and certifications for all equipment.
- Assigned work to staff, set schedules, and motivated strong performance in key areas.
- Developed partnerships with external vendors and suppliers to obtain quality products and services.
- Created and maintained detailed reports of daily, weekly and monthly operations.
Maintenance Manager
United States Marine Corps
03.2013 - 04.2018
- Supervised employee performance, preventive maintenance, and safety.
- Improved equipment reliability by implementing a preventive maintenance program and managing repair schedules.
- Collaborated with eight other department managers to coordinate maintenance activities around production schedules, minimizing operational interruptions.
- Reduced downtime by efficiently overseeing the maintenance team of over 400, prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
- Developed annual detailed maintenance budgets, effectively controlling expenses while ensuring optimal equipment performance.
- Monitored priorities and liaised between maintenance team and management, delegating tasks to complete on time.
- Delegated tasks to carefully selected employees in alignment with resource management goals.
- Managed a team of technicians, providing guidance and support for skill development and performance improvement.
- Created and submitted detailed reports to highlight maintenance activities and equipment performance.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the maintenance team by encouraging open communication, problem-solving initiatives, and employee engagement activities.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable regulations through diligent record-keeping, reporting practices, and regular audits.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
Chief of Naval Aviation Program Inspector
United States Marine Corps
05.2010 - 02.2013
- Prepared reports detailing findings of inspections, investigations, and tests.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through meticulous attention to detail during inspections.
- Delivered detailed reports on findings from inspections, helping stakeholders understand areas requiring attention or improvement in order to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Upheld codes and regulations governing materials, processes, and procedures.
- Maintained up-to-date inspection and audit records for improved reporting and analysis across Navy and Marine Corps aviation communities.
Maintenance Planner
United States Marine Corps
06.2001 - 05.2010
- Reduced downtime for critical assets by developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance plans.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and standards throughout all aspects of the maintenance planning process.
- Created detailed work orders specifying required tasks, materials, tools, and resources for efficient execution by technicians.
- Conducted risk assessments on critical assets to prioritize required maintenance activities accordingly.
- Improved equipment uptime by diligently scheduling and coordinating preventive maintenance tasks.
- Tracked maintenance activity using Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System for Organizational Maintenance Activities (NALCOMIS OOMA) software to confirm compliance with industry requirements.
- Managed maintenance team of over 300 employees and coordinated repair schedule according to priority level.
- Developed maintenance reports to assess program success and inform operational decisions.
- Established strong communication channels between departments, streamlining coordination efforts during scheduled shutdowns or emergencies.
Quality Assurance Manager
United States Marine Corps
02.2007 - 02.2009
- Conducted regular audits on 23 programs ensuring adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
- Trained team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
- Facilitated communication between departments regarding quality concerns, fostering collaboration towards shared goals.
- Enhanced product quality by implementing comprehensive QA processes and procedures.
- Assured consistent quality of production by implementing and enforcing automated practice systems.
- Mentored junior staff members in best practices for quality management, contributing to overall team growth and development.
- Assessed product quality by monitoring quality assurance metrics, reports and dashboards.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential quality issues.
- Performed root cause analysis to identify and resolve quality issues and defects.
- Monitored a staff of 12 organizating and suggesting improvements to daily functionality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process and system improvements.
- Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
Aircraft Maintenance Instructor
United States Marine Corps
10.1997 - 05.2001
- Taught an average throughput of 60 students per year for four years, effectively teaching basic and preventative maintenance techniques to aviation personnel.
- Conducted thorough research on new aircraft systems, incorporating findings into lesson plans for an informed learning experience.
- Updated instructional methods regularly, staying current with advancements in aviation technology and best practices in aircraft maintenance education.
- Improved safety awareness among trainees by emphasizing the importance of following proper procedures during aircraft inspections and repairs.
- Enhanced trainee understanding by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world scenarios into aircraft maintenance lessons.
- Reinforced crucial safety measures by consistently modeling proper techniques and emphasizing their importance during practical demonstrations.
- Mentored junior instructors, sharing knowledge and experience to enhance the overall quality of the training program.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from students and peers, implementing changes to enhance the overall learning experience.
- Streamlined training processes through the development and implementation of standardized curriculum for aircraft maintenance courses.
- Spearheaded efforts to maintain accreditation status for the Aircraft Maintenance Instructor program by adhering to strict industry standards and guidelines.
- Prepared students for success in their careers as aircraft maintenance professionals by instilling a strong foundation in essential theories, principles, and hands-on skills.
- Expanded trainee knowledge base by covering a wide range of topics, including fuel systems, structural integration, and engine troubleshooting techniques.
- Evaluated student performance with comprehensive assessments, ensuring mastery of essential skills before advancing to higher levels of instruction.
- Engaged students in academic and practical conversations that elicited critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
- Provided instructional handouts, texts, audiovisual aids and other materials to facilitate learning.
- Kept updated with developments in subject area curriculum, technical, and career trends and teaching resources and methods.
- Established goals for courses with organized outlines and detailed lessons.
KC-130 Aircraft Mechanic
United States Marine Corps
04.1989 - 09.1997
- Performed aircraft maintenance for scheduled preventive actions and unscheduled requirements.
- Obtained fuel and oil samples to check for contamination.
- Reduced downtime for aircraft by efficiently completing scheduled maintenance tasks within allotted timeframes.
- Maintained orderly and safe work environment by enforcing tool control and FOD awareness, prevention, and safety at all times.
- Maintained repair logs to document all corrective and preventive aircraft maintenance.
- Implemented effective tools organization strategies within the workspace, promoting a clean working environment conducive to high productivity levels.
- Maintained all aircraft in accordance with organizational maintenance requirements.
- Continuously updated technical knowledge base by attending industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
- Operated power tools, gauges and testing equipment to adjust, repair, and replace faulty components in aircrafts.
- Analyzed engineering drawings and schematics to troubleshoot systems and diagnose solutions.
- Increased aircraft reliability by performing thorough inspections, diagnosing issues, and repairing or replacing necessary components.
- Removed and installed aircraft subsystem assemblies such as engines, propellers, gearboxes, and fuel cells.
- Assisted colleagues with technical guidance as needed, fostering a collaborative environment focused on shared success.
- Performed corrosion control measures on various aircraft components, preserving structural integrity and prolonging service life.
- Provided quality assurance oversight for fellow mechanics'' work, ensuring adherence to established standards and procedures.
- Participated in regular safety training sessions to maintain current knowledge of industry regulations and best practices.
- Assisted with aircraft and equipment transport and movement.
- Streamlined workflow processes, reducing man-hours spent on routine tasks while maintaining high-quality workmanship standards.
- Enhanced troubleshooting skills through continuous learning and professional development, staying up-to-date with industry advancements and best practices.
- Achieved Gas Turbine Engine, Auxiliary Power Unit Operators and Multiple Ground Support Equipment licensing, including, Mobile Cranes.
- Contributed to development of safety management system, fostering culture of safety and proactive risk management.
- Trained new mechanics in proper maintenance protocols and safety procedures, elevating team expertise and performance.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Rowan Senior High School
Mount Ulla, NC06.1987
KC-130, T56-A-16 Organizational Maintenance
Marine Corps Base El Toro, CATurbo Propulsion Mechanic
Chanute AFB, ILBasic Corrosion Control Course
Marine Corps Base El Toro, CaAircraft Mechanic
Cherry Point, NCHazardous Material Handling
Cherry Point, NCNaval Aviation VIDS/MAF & SCIR Documentation
Cherry Point. NCT56/501D Series II/III Maintenance
Indianapolis, INT56-A-16 Fuel, Oil And Electrical Systems
Cherry Point, NCNaval Aviation Work Center Supervisor
Cherry Point, NCInstructor Training Course
Cherry Point, NCC-130J Propulsion Organizational Maintenance
Biloxi, MSNavy Interactive Courseware Authoring Course
Pensacola, FLEffective Written Communication
Costal Carolina Community College
Jacksonville, NCExecutive Leadership
Craven Community College
New Bern, NCNALCOMIS OOMA Quality Assurance Administration
Cherry Point, NCAircraft Confined Space Program
Cherry Point, NCAE2100D3 Line Maintenance
Cherry Point, NCGreen Belt Course (Lean Six Sigma)
Cherry Point, NCGGR And GGFR Duties
DCMA Government Ground Representative Course
Coronado, CASkills
- Equipment repairs
- Safety procedures
- Inventory supervision
- Equipment maintenance
- Maintenance planning
- Documentation management
- Quality assurance procedures
- Aircraft inspections
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Detail-oriented
Certification
Certifying Aircraft Safe for Flight
Certifying Fuel Systems Safe for Entry/Work
Auditing Aviation Programs
Quality Assurance Inspector
Timeline
Ground Support Equipment Manager
Vertex Aerospace
05.2018 - 12.2024
Maintenance Manager
United States Marine Corps
03.2013 - 04.2018
Chief of Naval Aviation Program Inspector
United States Marine Corps
05.2010 - 02.2013
Quality Assurance Manager
United States Marine Corps
02.2007 - 02.2009
Maintenance Planner
United States Marine Corps
06.2001 - 05.2010
Aircraft Maintenance Instructor
United States Marine Corps
10.1997 - 05.2001
KC-130 Aircraft Mechanic
United States Marine Corps
04.1989 - 09.1997
Certifying Aircraft Safe for Flight
Certifying Fuel Systems Safe for Entry/Work
Auditing Aviation Programs
Quality Assurance Inspector
High School Diploma -
West Rowan Senior High School
KC-130, T56-A-16 Organizational Maintenance
Turbo Propulsion Mechanic
Basic Corrosion Control Course
Aircraft Mechanic
Hazardous Material Handling
Naval Aviation VIDS/MAF & SCIR Documentation
T56/501D Series II/III Maintenance
T56-A-16 Fuel, Oil And Electrical Systems
Naval Aviation Work Center Supervisor
Instructor Training Course
C-130J Propulsion Organizational Maintenance
Navy Interactive Courseware Authoring Course
Effective Written Communication
Costal Carolina Community College
Executive Leadership
Craven Community College
NALCOMIS OOMA Quality Assurance Administration
Aircraft Confined Space Program
AE2100D3 Line Maintenance
Green Belt Course (Lean Six Sigma)
GGR And GGFR Duties
DCMA Government Ground Representative Course
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