Halbert Hougaard

I serve as an on-site Associate Lab Technician at Boeing’s Little Mountain Test Facility, supporting aerospace test operations at Hill Air Force Base/Ogden, UT. I provide hands-on technical support for maintenance, repair, and preventive measures that ensure safe and cost-effective operations across multiple government test contracts. Working a flexible 4x10 schedule, I operate and maintain manual and CNC machinery including lathes and mills, execute radiation-environment testing protocols, and use oscilloscopes and other diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot and validate test systems. I apply technical knowledge to research, develop, test, and evaluate modifications, repairs, and technical data to keep facility systems mission-ready.

In this role I am proactive in learning and adapting to the unique site execution and operational requirements of a remote, government-owned test facility, prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance. I hold the requisite educational background and experience to perform complex lab duties and am able to obtain DoD security clearance (interim and/or final Secret required post-start). I collaborate with cross-functional teams to support continuous operations, recommend process improvements, and ensure high-quality test execution under constrained site amenities and evolving program needs.

Bid commercial and residential tree jobs, oversaw all trimming and tree removal, including operating, maintaining and repairing a JLG 50ft boom lift, all chain saws, grinders, and all other heavy equipment.

Oversee all repairs and maintenance on vehicles and equipment. Supervised and assigned equipment for all the crews going to job sites during the day. Duties also include welding, hydraulic repair, and transmission repair.

Certified SCBA Technician, Hazmat Technician, Shop Mechanic as needed. Ran medical and fire calls. Retired 2013.

Built tools, small parts, and die fixtures through manual and CNC machining. Read and determined engineering drawings. Operated mills, lathes, grinders, and bandsaws.

Responsibilities: diversified pump and valve, shaft fab and repair, electroplating to build up plate bearing surfaces, machine shop equipment operation such as horizontal and vertical lathes, radial and regular drill presses, shaper, planers, bench and tool grinders, milling machines, boring mills, band saws, and power hack saws. Responsibilities also included welding (i.e. stick, mig, oxy-acetylene, carbon arc) and oversaw the work of 10 other sailors as a second class Petty Officer (E5).