Donald Swanson
Summary
Dynamic Sheet Metal Mechanic with extensive experience at Lockheed Martin, excelling in FAA compliance and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing production efficiency and mentoring staff, while effectively collaborating across functions to resolve complex engineering challenges. Skilled in blueprint interpretation and committed to maintaining high safety and quality standards.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sheet Metal Mechanic 3
Lockheed Martin
Greenville, South Carolina
09.2025 - Current
- Lead and coordinate daily production activities to ensure adherence to safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives
- Support team execution across structural assembly and modification of F-16 aircraft systems
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve issues and maintain workflow efficiency
- Interpret engineering drawings and ensure compliance with specifications and FAA regulations
- Assist in training and mentoring team members to improve performance and consistency
- Contribute to process improvements that enhance production efficiency and reduce rework - Collaborated with engineers to identify and resolve design issues, enhancing project outcomes
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to guide assembly processes.
- Assembled and installed sheet metal parts on aerospace structures.
- Fabricated metal components using precision hand tools and machinery.
Sheet Metal Mechanic 3 - F16 Production
Lockheed Martin
Greenville, SC
05.2022 - 09.2025
- Lead and coordinate daily production activities to ensure adherence to safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives
- Supported team in structural assembly and modification of F-16 aircraft systems to meet production targets
- Collaborated with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve issues, ensuring seamless workflow
- Interpret engineering drawings and ensure compliance with specifications and FAA regulations
- Assist in training and mentoring team members to improve performance and consistency
- Contributed to process improvements that enhanced production efficiency and minimized rework
- Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace, defense, and security company that specializes in advanced technology systems.
Sheet Metal Mechanic 1 – F-16 Production
Lockheed Martin
Greenville, SC
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Executed structural assembly and modification of aircraft components to meet production specifications
- Ensured compliance with safety, quality, and engineering standards to uphold production integrity
- Collaborated with team to achieve production goals and meet on-time delivery schedules
- Gained extensive experience with production tooling, fixtures, and blueprint interpretation
- Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace, defense, and security company that specializes in advanced technology systems.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Contract)
Marana, AZ
08.2020 - 01.2021
- Executed maintenance, inspection, and preservation of commercial aircraft, ensuring compliance with FAA and company standards to enhance safety and reliability
- Performed system checks, engine runs, and aircraft reactivation procedures to maintain optimal aircraft performance and readiness
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to facilitate timely aircraft readiness and improve operational efficiency
- Acquired hands-on experience with Airbus A318–A330 and Boeing 737, 757, 767 aircraft during maintenance operations.
- A contractor providing maintenance services for commercial aircraft.
Shift Lead
NuTech Industries
08.2014 - 08.2020
- Supervised daily manufacturing operations for a team of 10+ employees, ensuring production targets were met
- Managed workforce planning through effective scheduling, comprehensive training, and clear task assignments
- Conducted performance oversight and supported employee development
- Coordinated cross-functional activities to streamline logistics, optimize inventory, and enhance vendor management
- Implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency and minimized delays
- NuTech Industries is a manufacturing company specializing in various production processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Management
National American University
Rapid City, SD01-2024
FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Program -
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Las Vegas, NVSkills
- Blueprint and Technical Drawing Interpretation
- Structural assembly
- Mechanical systems
- Manufacturing Processes
- Production scheduling
- SQCS management
- Process optimization
- Team Collaboration
- Cross-functional Team Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Decision making
- On-the-job Training
- Aerospace Standards
Certification
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)
Accomplishments
Eagle Scout
Volunteer Experience
Knights of Columbus, 01/01/14, Present
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Sheet Metal Mechanic 3
Lockheed Martin
09.2025 - Current
Sheet Metal Mechanic 3 - F16 Production
Lockheed Martin
05.2022 - 09.2025
Sheet Metal Mechanic 1 – F-16 Production
Lockheed Martin
01.2021 - 05.2022
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Contract)
08.2020 - 01.2021
Shift Lead
NuTech Industries
08.2014 - 08.2020
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Management
National American University
FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Program -
Aviation Institute of Maintenance