GARY HEAD
Maricopa,United States
Summary
Test Engineer with expertise in vehicle inspection, equipment setup, and maintenance. Demonstrated ability to improve production processes for safety and quality compliance. Skilled in troubleshooting hardware issues and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance autonomous vehicle technology. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail for increased efficiency and innovation. Proficient in Linux for script management and test automation. Extensive experience in ADAS calibration and sensor integration for advanced driver assistance systems. Contributed to Waymo and Cruise projects, focusing on the development and validation of autonomous driving technologies, enhancing system performance and reliability.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Technician
Nikola Corporation
12.2023 - Current
- Trained new team members on equipment operation, safety protocols, and company policies, fostering a skilled workforce.
- Assisted in quality control measures by performing routine inspections of products against established standards.
- Performed setup of production equipment to establish optimal performance.
- Performed regular calibration checks on instruments ensuring precision measurements throughout the production process.
- Troubleshot equipment malfunctions quickly to minimize disruptions in production schedules.
- Read and interpreted mechanical and electrical schematics and prints and updated electrical drawings to reflect as-built status.
- Expedited project timelines by consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail in complex electrical schematics and layouts.
Tactical Response Team
ICONMA (On Site at Cruise)
04.2023 - 12.2023
- Collaborated effectively in team settings to alternate between manual driving and monitoring autonomous vehicle behavior, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
- Enabled faster software iteration cycles by promptly communicating detailed feedback on vehicle performance, resulting in improved system functionality.
- Contributed to the development of industry-leading autonomous technology by closely observing, testing, and reporting on system advancements.
- Demonstrated adaptability by maintaining proficiency across multiple types of autonomous vehicles and operating systems.
- Increased team collaboration through regular communication with engineering teams to address software issues and provide feedback.
- Managed data collection efforts during test drives, accurately recording key metrics related to vehicle performance and behavior.
Software Test Engineer / Training Coordinator
Transdev Alternative Services @ Waymo
11.2019 - 04.2023
- Mapped public roads extensively to support the expansion and accuracy of autonomous vehicle navigation systems, ensuring comprehensive route coverage.
- Identified critical bugs and worked closely with developers to ensure timely resolution, resulting in a more stable product.
- Conducted regression testing, analyzed results, and submitted observations to development team.
- Identified and tracked software defects and supported developers in resolving problems by completing additional tests.
- Executed and managed scripts using the Linux console to automate testing procedures and analyze performance metrics for autonomous vehicle systems.
- Leveraged Linux command-line tools to execute and troubleshoot scripts, supporting automated testing workflows and improving the reliability of autonomous vehicle software
Lab Supervisor
A Better Today Recovery Services
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Supervised urine and blood screenings for 100+ patients, ensuring precise documentation and compliance.
- Collaborated with other departments to improve overall patient care and diagnostic services.
- Provided technical guidance and support for complex testing procedures, improving overall staff competency.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting regular audits and updating policies as needed.
- Maintained a safe and efficient laboratory environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
Behavioral Health Specialist
A Better Today Recovery Services
05.2013 - 01.2017
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver personalized care plans for clients.
- Established trust-based relationships with clients through empathetic listening and non-judgmental communication, fostering stronger therapeutic alliances.
- Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to address negative thought patterns and promote healthier thinking habits among clients.
- Used Software to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support and safety for affected individuals.
- Created progress reports, assessments and charting within required timeframes.
Production Technician
Fleetwood Homes
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Troubleshot equipment issues promptly, minimizing downtime and maintaining overall productivity levels within the facility.
- Adhered to industry standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance at all times during the manufacturing process.
- Inspected equipment and systems to identify issues, immediately reporting problems to repair technicians.
- Lubricated and cleaned parts to perform routine maintenance on production equipment.
- Worked from ladders, scaffolds and lifts to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring equipment and lighting fixtures in ceilings, on roofs and on towers.
- Assisted in the installation of electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment while adhering to safety regulations and procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - BS - Computer Science
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Phoenix, AZ01.2026
Associate of Science - AS - Information Technology
University of Phoenix
01.2021
Network Support Certificate - System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
University of Phoenix
01.2016
Skills
- Jira
- Machinery Diagnostics
- Vehicle Inspection
- Maintenance and Repair
- Equipment Setup
- Durability Testing
- Defensive Driving
- Information Technology Infrastructure
- Databases
- Data Entry
- Linux
- Asana
- ADAS Calibration
- Structured Testing Autonomous Systems
Additionalinformation - Licensescertifications
- NON VIOLENT CRISIS INTERVENTION - CPI, 08/01/15, 08/01/17
- CPR & AED - AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, 04/01/24, 06/01/26
- NETWORK SUPPORT - UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
- DEFENSIVE DRIVING - ALLENBERG RACING SCHOOL
Timeline
Production Technician
Nikola Corporation
12.2023 - Current
Tactical Response Team
ICONMA (On Site at Cruise)
04.2023 - 12.2023
Software Test Engineer / Training Coordinator
Transdev Alternative Services @ Waymo
11.2019 - 04.2023
Lab Supervisor
A Better Today Recovery Services
01.2017 - 12.2020
Behavioral Health Specialist
A Better Today Recovery Services
05.2013 - 01.2017
Production Technician
Fleetwood Homes
01.2010 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - BS - Computer Science
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Associate of Science - AS - Information Technology
University of Phoenix
Network Support Certificate - System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
University of Phoenix
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