FREDERICK RICHARD
Anchorage,Alaska
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished former Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer with 16 years of diverse federal military and aviation experience. Has served as Vice-President/Director of Launch Systems at Aphelion Aerospace, with a background as Blue Origin Engine and Advanced Development Program Integration Engineer Supervisor/Manager, SpaceX Launch Integration Lead and SpaceX Dragon Ground Operations. Demonstrated success in leadership, project management, and overcoming complex challenges in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Known for innovative thinking, timely foresight, and experience-backed judgment. Skilled in evaluating, troubleshooting, inspecting, repairing, modifying, maintaining, and integrating aircraft, spacecraft, first & second stage booster segments, propulsion systems, and lunar applications. Strong in resource management and adept at providing leadership to diverse teams.
Possesses superior technical and management abilities, excels in security oversight, and maintains excellent rapport with all organizational levels. Current holder of a secret security clearance.
Specialized
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Operations Manager/Project Manager
Azachorok Inc. and subsidiaries
01.2023 - 01.2024
- · Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity across all business units.
· Lead project planning, execution, and coordination efforts, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
· Oversee financial management including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for projects.
· Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
· Ensure compliance with all regulatory guidelines, policies, and procedures.
· Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization.
· Collaborate with department heads to align operations and project management with overall business objectives.
· Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to achieve cost-effective deals.
· Lead and mentor a team of operations and project management professionals, providing guidance and support as needed.
Supervisor, (Acting Manager) Advanced Development Program/Lead Integration Engineer, Engines
Blue Origin
05.2019 - 12.2023
- · Supervise a team of highly skilled integration engineers to build, inspect, repair, modify, and test BE-4, BE-3, BE-7 engines, sub-assemblies, starting systems, and in-space propulsion systems as well as Advanced Development Program projects including satellites and lunar projects
· Skilled in operating GUI systems (guided user interface) to moniter processes such as pressure testing and operations along with fueling process control
· Implemented the TwinBin kitting system for the Kent location.
· Coordinated with directors for production control and logistical support for new Advanced Development Programs in the pipeline
· Work closely with engineers on GSE design, hardware access simulations, and build and flow sequencing
· Source and order program specific tooling
· Created job hazard analysis processes
· LMS Manager-managed, created, and scheduled training for assigned personnel
· Co-managed crane operations program
· Crane operations trainer (Worked with training department to create a full half day course)
· Powered industrial truck trainer
· Inspector buy off for flight production builds
· Established and lead new shift for the engines program
· Certified by Industrial Training International to perform critical lift and rigging procedures
· Create complex lift plans for crane operations.
· Avionics routing, Continuity checks, crimping, and operations checks
· Read, interpret, and reference engineering CAD models, drawings, and schematics as well as direct engineering for needed changes.
· Perform hydrostatic proof operations for all programs, including multiple dual-zone complex proof tests.
· Train and familiarize new employees on assemblies, specialized tooling, and practices.
· Operate and perform critical pressurized leak testing on components utilizing helium/nitrogen flow panels and mass spectrometers.
Vice-President, Launch Systems, Director
Aphelion Aerospace
01.2021 - 01.2022
- · Develop and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians in the assembly, integration, and testing of propulsion components for rocket engines, launch vehicle propulsion systems, complete launch vehicles, and satellite systems.
· Attend industry and STEM events to network with customers, suppliers, industry partners, and students, fostering strong relationships that support business growth and innovation.
· Lead weekly investor meetings, ensuring transparent communication, securing capital, and generating new investment interest to support company growth and project funding.
· Spearhead the development of the investor pitch slide deck, playing a crucial role in shaping the company's narrative and attracting significant investments.
· Secure contracts valued up to $10M for global STEM projects, demonstrating strong business acumen and the ability to manage high-stakes negotiations.
· Raised $176K in capital through successful equity crowdfunding on StartEngine, showcasing proficiency in alternative financing strategies.
· Serve as the primary point of contact between Aphelion Aerospace and partner companies/agencies, handling all communication regarding day-to-day ground test and manufacturing operations.
· Establish and maintain relationships with partners, customers, stakeholders, peers, and advisors to ensure alignment with business objectives and operational success.
· Support multi-year planning of ground and flight test campaigns, including the financial forecasting and budget management for suborbital and orbital test vehicle launches from spaceports around the world.
· Develop a multi-year growth plan for technical resources, facilities, and equipment, integrating financial oversight to ensure that all activities related to assembly, integration, testing, launch, and refurbishment stay within budget.
· Oversee the financial aspects of recruitment, interviewing, and hiring processes, ensuring that all current and future team members/advisors are brought on board within the financial parameters of the organization.
Launch Technician/Dragon Ground Ops Technician Lead
Space Exploration Technologies
01.2016 - 01.2019
- · The integration, launch, recovery, refurbishment, and inspection of Falcon 9 first and second stage boosters, Falcon Heavy, Dragon cargo unmanned capsule, and the development and integration of the crewed Dragon capsule.
· Install, replace, repair, inspect, test, and rebuild Falcon 9 Merlin M1D engines.
· Managed an authorized overseer (Quality assurance) sign-off.
· Avionics routing, Continuity checks, crimping, and operations checks
· Maintain completion of all assembly documentation.
· Loading, unloading, and DECON of Hypergolic fuels.
· Performed precision cleaning of fuel and liquid oxygen tanks, tubing, and various other spacecraft hardware.
· Build and modify various assemblies and sub-assemblies that require drilling, tapping, riveting, bending, facing, and flaring.
· Managing 5S programs for the build-up of multiple new facilities and organizations.
· Precision loading of cargo bound for the ISS while maintaining cleanliness and integrity of all cargo.
· Routing, mating, and testing of avionics harnesses and equipment.
· Building, mapping, and configuring of new facilities and ocean-going vessels for hypergolic fuel capabilities and spacecraft recovery operations
· Precision crane/dual crane operation for booster lifts, capsule lifts, and break-over mate to booster, and complex GSE break-over lifts
USAFR Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician
308 Rescue Squadron
01.2014 - 01.2021
- · Led and coordinated recovery operations for parachute systems, airdrop equipment, and personnel in open ocean environments, ensuring the safety and success of critical missions.
· Directed cross-functional training efforts with NASA, SpaceX, and Boeing for future capsule recovery operations, bringing together expertise from multiple organizations to ensure mission readiness and operational excellence.
· Supervised the rigging, inspection, and packing of all aerial delivery and personal parachute systems, maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability across all operations.
· Managed quality checks and maintenance on aviation life support equipment, ensuring 100% functionality and strict adherence to operational standards.
· Oversaw procurement and purchasing of necessary equipment and materials, ensuring that all acquisitions met operational requirements while staying within budget constraints.
· Maintained inventory, procurement, and documentation of all equipment.
· Expertly operated Haskel pumps and other high-pressure life support systems, demonstrating both technical proficiency and leadership in maintaining critical systems.
· Maintained detailed reports of equipment status, quality tests, and the replacement or return of equipment, ensuring accurate documentation and accountability across the team.
USAF Dedicated Crew Chief
757th Maintenance Squadron, Flanker AMU
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Responsibilities:
· Deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in Kyrgyzstan (Oct. 2011 - Apr. 2012), providing critical security oversight in a high-stakes environment.
· Directly supervised a team of 3 personnel and led over 10 highly skilled subordinates, ensuring the successful completion of mission objectives and maintaining high operational standards.
· Conducted avionics routing, continuity checks, crimping, and operations checks to ensure all systems were functioning correctly and safely.
· Performed and coordinated both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities on nineteen F-15 aircraft, with a total value exceeding $700M, demonstrating expertise in managing high-value assets.
· Inspected, serviced, and maintained airframe, power plant, flight controls, landing gear, pneudraulic components, and hydraulic components, ensuring aircraft readiness and safety.
· Maintained all aircraft records, including 781 series forms and Integrated Maintenance Data Systems (IMDS) entries, ensuring meticulous documentation and compliance with all regulations.
· Performed critical procedures for aircraft launch and recovery, quality inspections for flight safety, and ground handling, consistently upholding the highest safety standards.
· Troubleshot avionics systems, handling component removal and installation with precision to minimize aircraft downtime and ensure mission readiness.
· Performed inspection, removal, repair, and installation of F100-PW100/220 power plants, showcasing technical expertise and adherence to safety protocols.
Education
UAF, CCAF
Skills
Operations Management
Staff Management
Strategic Planning
Inventory Control
Quality Assurance
Founder Advisors founder mentorship
SCAPE (Self-Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble) certified
Hypergolic propellant handling
Cleanroom Procedures (SME)
ITI Overhead crane critical lift director and rigging
Hydrostatic proof testing
ESD handling procedures
Hydrostatic proof testing
Ordinance certified
Aviation life support training
Forklift/Boom lift/scissor lift
Ability to operate mass spectrometers, HiPot testers, megohmmeters, dew point meters, pressure carts, borescopes, pressurized flow benches, and other calibrated tools
Leadership/Management formal training (Air Force)
Powered industrial truck trainer
Crane operations trainer
F-15 Start System inspect/repair
F-15/F100-PW100/220 power plant inspect/Repair
Aircraft jacking, lifting, and towing operations
F-15 hot refueling qualified
Aircrew Flight Equipment Technology
US Army Rigger School formal training
F-15 Hydraulic systems repair
F-15 manual flight controls Inspect/troubleshooting/repair
Aircraft tow supervisor trained
Microsoft Office proficient
Team Center proficient
Awards and Decorations
- Air Force Achievement Medal (Two Devices)
- Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
- AF Outstanding Unit Award (Three Devices)
- AF Good Conduct Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
- AF Longevity Service
- USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Timeline
Business Operations Manager/Project Manager
Azachorok Inc. and subsidiaries
01.2023 - 01.2024
Vice-President, Launch Systems, Director
Aphelion Aerospace
01.2021 - 01.2022
Supervisor, (Acting Manager) Advanced Development Program/Lead Integration Engineer, Engines
Blue Origin
05.2019 - 12.2023
Launch Technician/Dragon Ground Ops Technician Lead
Space Exploration Technologies
01.2016 - 01.2019
USAFR Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician
308 Rescue Squadron
01.2014 - 01.2021
USAF Dedicated Crew Chief
757th Maintenance Squadron, Flanker AMU
01.2009 - 01.2014
UAF, CCAF
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