Emory Coles
Viera,FL
Summary
A highly motivated Aerospace / Aviation Quality, Supply Chain and Operations Manager professional with extensive cross-functional collaboration with suppliers, vendors and leadership with two decades of experience in optimizing operational workflows, quality processes and implementing robust cost-control measures. A meticulous professional with a proven and demonstrated history of surpassing organizational objectives through expertise in operational function and strategic management.
Operations professional prepared to leverage extensive experience in operational management to enhance business performance. Expertise in developing and implementing process improvements while fostering collaborative environment to meet organizational goals. Reliable team player with focus on adaptability and achieving targeted results. Proficient in strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Blue Origin
Merritt Island, FL
11.2019 - Current
- Directed 45 Integration Engineers and three Supervisors in aerospace assembly. Established the team, providing essential resources for complex vehicle integration. Oversaw talent acquisition and continuous safety and operational protocols
- Prioritized workflows against production schedules, coordinating cross-functional teams for subsystem integration. Leveraged vendor relations to negotiate over $29.3M in specialized equipment.
- Executed a $74.9M tooling procurement that shortened production cycles from three months to three weeks and partnered with EHS on specialized safety training.
- Served as leadership liaison to align delivery targets with quality oversight. Collaborated with engineering workflows and implement cost reductions.
- Managed production setups and tooling to ensure successful first-time builds.
- Created schedule recovery plans and championed training to retain talent.
- Directed training, administration, and forecasting to achieve mission goals.
Quality Engineer
Spirit-Airbus
Kingston, N.C
04.2019 - 10.2019
- Responsible for the implementation of systems that guarantee products and processes adhere to safety, regulatory, and performance standards and primary objective was the proactive prevention of defects rather than reactive remediation across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, software development, and aerospace.
- Development of Testing Protocols: Formulating specific criteria, documentation, and testing methodologies to verify that products comply with established quality mandates.
- Root Cause Analysis: Utilizing statistical data to investigate the underlying causes of defects or failures, thereby facilitating the implementation of permanent preventative measures.
- Supplier Liaison: Engaging with vendors to ensure that all raw materials and constituent components satisfy organizational standards.
- Workflow Optimization: Overseeing production and development processes to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and ensure rigorous regulatory compliance.
- Developed and implemented testing protocols to validate product performance and reliability.
- Led quality assurance initiatives to enhance compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify defects, driving corrective actions for continuous improvement.
- Oversaw audits and inspections, maintaining rigorous documentation for regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
- Led quality assurance initiatives to enhance product reliability and compliance with aviation standards.
- Streamlined quality management systems, improving documentation accuracy and operational workflows.
Operations Manager
STS Aviation Mod Center
Melbourne, FL
07.2017 - 04.2019
- Managed the daily logistical, safety, and administrative operations of an aviation facility or airline. Responsibilities include the management of pilot scheduling, crew coordination, and ground handling operations, while ensuring strict adherence to FAA and TSA regulations. These efforts are directed toward maintaining operational safety, cost-efficiency, and punctuality.
- Orchestrate pilot and cabin crew schedules to maintain optimal staffing and ensure compliance with mandatory duty-time restrictions.
- Regulatory Adherence: Ensure rigorous compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and international aviation mandates.
- Direct emergency response protocols, risk mitigation strategies, and the analysis of flight incidents to foster continuous safety enhancements.
- Served as the primary point of contact between flight crews, maintenance personnel, air traffic control, and ground services to mitigate operational disruptions.
- Facilitate the delivery of premium services, particularly at private terminals (FBOs), by overseeing ground support such as fueling, de-icing, and executive passenger services.
- Administered operational expenditures, supply chain procurement, and personnel development initiatives, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluations.
- Streamlined operational processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs across production lines.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement safety protocols, improving workplace safety and compliance.
- Developed training programs for new hires, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
Quality Supervisor | Program Manager | Hangar Manager
Aero Mod International Corp.
Melbourne, FL
07.2017 - 04.2019
- Direct the administration of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Safety Management Systems (SMS) to ensure that all operational, maintenance, and manufacturing activities strictly adhere to civil aviation authority regulations, including FAA and EASA, thereby upholding airworthiness and safety standards.
- Regulatory Compliance & Safety: Oversee organizational adherence to Federal Aviation Regulations, such as FAA Part 145, while formalizing airworthiness determinations and authorizing maintenance releases.
- Assisted within AS9100 & ISO 9001 Audits & Inspections: Address non-conformities within flight operations, maintenance protocols, and personnel training programs.
- Managed Vendor & Supply Chain Oversight: Administer the Approved Vendor List (AVL) and conduct rigorous supplier audits, implementing stringent quarantine procedures to mitigate the risk of unapproved or counterfeit components.
- Corrective Action & Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into quality discrepancies, manage Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) initiatives, and analyze performance trends to facilitate continuous improvement and defect reduction.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the principal representative and liaison connecting executive management, technical personnel, and regulatory bodies.
C-5M & C-130 Flightline Test Mechanic
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Marietta, GA
09.2010 - 09.2016
- Served as Lead Mechanic, directing operations and providing technical mentorship to a diverse team of personnel within the P-3 Orion maintenance shop and the C-5 Galaxy flight line. Effectively translated objectives into actionable tasks, ensuring the successful and timely completion of maintenance and repair requirements in a professional environment of accountability.
- Collaborated closely with Quality Assurance (QA) to facilitate the early identification, documentation, and resolution of airworthiness concerns. Acted as a technical liaison between maintenance teams and the Engineering department to devise solutions that ensured repairs adhered to stringent regulatory standards and client specifications.
- Aircraft Maintenance and Heavy Repair Specialization: Demonstrated technical proficiency in executing complex routine maintenance, comprehensive inspections, and structural repairs on various military airframes, including the P-3 Orion, C-130 Hercules, and C-5M Super Galaxy. Specialized in heavy structural repairs for the C-5 fleet, focusing on primary load-bearing structures and power plants to restore aircraft integrity and mission readiness.
- Led process improvement initiatives that reduced defects and enhanced operational productivity. Implemented workflows resulting in measurable labor and material cost savings. Managed project budgets and schedules, maintaining strict adherence to financial and operational constraints.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues using advanced troubleshooting techniques and diagnostic tools.
- Performed routine maintenance on aircraft systems to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to implement design improvements and enhance aircraft performance capabilities.
Sr. Mechanic-787 | Quality Inspector-787
BOEING
North Charleston, S.C
05.2009 - 08.2010
- Managed complex structural repairs and critical component installations for Boeing 787 wing and fuel systems. Responsibilities included the precise interpretation of technical engineering schematics and the application of sophisticated metallic restoration methodologies to ensure continued aircraft airworthiness.
- As a certified Structural Inspector, conducted comprehensive evaluations, diagnostics, and maintenance of structural assemblies. Ensured rigorous adherence to engineering specifications and maintained total compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with FAA officials to perform systematic audits of personnel and operational workflows. Verified adherence to organizational protocols and international quality management standards, specifically AS9100, to preserve airworthiness.
- Identified and rectified a critical engineering discrepancy regarding the placement of brackets on aircraft wings. This effort resulted in a documented cost avoidance of approximately $2.7M by preventing substantial labor costs, minimizing waste, and production schedule disruptions.
- Established a reputation as a reliable Senior Mechanic known for meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of repair work performed at the facility.
SR. Mechanic
Gulfstream Aerospace
Savannah, GA
04.1999 - 04.2009
- Managed technician work assignments to ensure maintenance goals were met and evaluated performance improvements. Led $10M+ Gulfstream GIV and GV maintenance and modification projects using project management methodologies to keep objectives on schedule and within budget.
- Maintained vendor relationships for parts and services while collaborating with Engineering and Quality Assurance on GIV and GV oxygen systems. Integrated Lean Six Sigma principles to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
- Executed maintenance following FAA regulations and technical documents, analyzing blueprints for auditing manufacturing methods that reduced man-hours and operational costs.
- Lowered aircraft discrepancy rates from 75% to 15% through Lean Six Sigma and improved cross-departmental collaboration.
- Achieved cost savings by reallocating internal assets and man-hours to optimize production flow.
UH-60 Helicopter Mechanic
United States Army
Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA
02.1994 - 03.1998
- Supervised 26 personnel and maintained UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, including subsystem removal and replacement for engines, rotors, gearboxes, and flight controls. Managed aircraft servicing, prepared for and conducted inspections, and performed operational diagnostics and troubleshooting using specialized tools.
- Perform all maintenance phases, including component removal and replacement for UH-60 subsystems.
- Handle major mechanical and propulsion systems, specifically:
- Engines and Rotor systems
- Transmissions and Gearboxes
- Flight controls and hydraulic components
- Executed scheduled and specialized inspections per technical directives to ensure airworthiness.
- Use specialized test equipment and manuals to troubleshoot and resolve subsystem malfunctions.
- Manage fluid levels and lubrication to maintain optimal performance and prevent wear.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics Engineering
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Campus01-2015
Skills
- Profit & Loss Management
- Process Improvements (Lean Manufacturing)
- Project Management
- Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt)
- Regulatory Compliance
- Quality Standards / Quality Assurance / Quality Inspection
- Quality Engineering
- Supply Chain
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FAR’s
- AS9100 Audit
- ISO 9001 Audit
- DCMA-I-8210
- Quality Action Document System (QADS)
- Aircraft Maintenance Management
- Technical Documentation
- Blueprint & Schematic Reading
- Software Skills (Microsoft Office, Project)
- Military & Civilian Aircraft
- System Integration
- Structural Integration
- Catia
- CAD
- GD&T / DFM/DFA
- Team leadership
Certification
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- (FAA) Licensed Airframe & Power Plant Aircraft Mechanic #3727966
Timeline
Operations Manager
Blue Origin
11.2019 - Current
Quality Engineer
Spirit-Airbus
04.2019 - 10.2019
Operations Manager
STS Aviation Mod Center
07.2017 - 04.2019
Quality Supervisor | Program Manager | Hangar Manager
Aero Mod International Corp.
07.2017 - 04.2019
C-5M & C-130 Flightline Test Mechanic
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
09.2010 - 09.2016
Sr. Mechanic-787 | Quality Inspector-787
BOEING
05.2009 - 08.2010
SR. Mechanic
Gulfstream Aerospace
04.1999 - 04.2009
UH-60 Helicopter Mechanic
United States Army
02.1994 - 03.1998
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics Engineering
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University