Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Ian Schaefer

Greenville,SC

Summary

With over two decades of extensive expertise in diagnosing and rectifying electrical systems: encompassing a diverse range from aircraft avionics to industrial electronics, motors, high-voltage electric vehicles and chargers. I bring a seasoned perspective to technical problem-solving, proficient in conducting comprehensive electrical troubleshooting employing advanced test instrumentation. I excel in conducting root cause analyses to ascertain the underlying reasons for failures. My track record includes delivering formal training to both clients and colleagues, aiming for the utmost proficiency and contentment. My commitment rests in achieving a full spectrum of customer satisfaction.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Field Service Technician

FreeWire
11.2023 - Current
  • Responsible for repairing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and servicing EV chargers, ensuring optimal functionality and customer satisfaction.
  • Provided on-site support to local customers, addressing their service needs promptly and effectively. Conducted remote troubleshooting for technicians and supported service requirements for remote customers as necessary.
  • Maintained detailed and timely paperwork and documentation for all repairs and preventative maintenance tasks.
  • Reported and escalated issues to company management when necessary, highlighting safety gaps and improvement opportunities.
  • Maintained excellent communication with customers and property staff to ensure smooth service delivery and satisfaction.
  • Trained junior technicians on best practices, contributing to an overall increase in team efficiency and expertise.

Field Service Engineer

Blue Bird Bus
04.2023 - 08.2023
  • Spearheaded customer support initiatives, expertly diagnosing and resolving intricate challenges faced by EV school buses, ensuring uninterrupted operational efficiency.
  • Maintained strong focus on safety and efficiency to provide comprehensive support to personnel performing skilled repairs.
  • Pioneered dynamic classroom training sessions, empowering drivers and mechanics to attain an in-depth familiarity with EVs, resulting in heightened competence and seamless integration.
  • Exemplifying unwavering dedication by providing around-the-clock support to customers grappling with EV issues, guaranteeing continual assistance and swift issue resolution.
  • Applied systems analysis techniques to assess and resolve complex Electric Vehicle issues for clients and end users.

Field Service Representative

BTC Power
01.2023 - 03.2023
  • Leading troubleshooter for L2 and L3 chargers across the southeastern region, delivering swift and effective resolutions, thereby ensuring seamless charging experiences.
  • Offered unparalleled customer service to renowned clients like Electrify America, Shell Recharge, and EVGo, ensuring their charging infrastructure remains flawlessly operational.
  • Drove commissioning efforts for expanding and upgrading sites, overseeing the integration of up to 350kW chargers and empowering further expansion.
  • Attended to customers at business locations to complete on-site repairs.
  • Delivered comprehensive assistance and training to end users, elevating user experiences and fostering a deeper understanding of the offered technologies.
  • Performed acceptance testing and measurements on electronic components and assemblies to verify system compliance.

Senior Field Service Representative

Proterra
02.2019 - 11.2022
  • Provided exemplary customer service to a diverse clientele spanning the US and 6 countries, thriving in a dynamic, high-demand environment.
  • Offered proficient assistance to customers tackling issues with vehicles and chargers, ensuring seamless operations through swift issue resolution.
  • Conducted comprehensive formal in-class and on-the-job training sessions, empowering users to confidently navigate products.
  • Collaborated with third-party vendors and engineering support teams to troubleshoot concerns linked to vehicles and 125 kW chargers, orchestrating cohesive issue resolution.
  • Utilized diagnostic software and applicable test tools to skillfully troubleshoot and repair electric transit buses, as well as intricate high-voltage systems, including high voltage batteries.
  • Contributed to the development of internal documentation and procedures, improving overall team efficiency.
  • Assisted customers in troubleshooting while imparting operational insights for vehicles, enhancing user self-sufficiency.
  • Provided extensive on-site training to customers, ensuring proper use of equipment and minimizing future issues.
  • Leveraging Salesforce to meticulously record maintenance records of both vehicles and chargers, ensuring a comprehensive record-keeping system.

Electrical Controls Technician

First Quality Tissue
03.2016 - 02.2019
  • Proficiently diagnosed and rectified breakdowns and malfunctions using extensive expertise in program and tool utilization, mastering the troubleshooting of PLCs, DCS, HMI systems, pneumatic, and hydraulic valves.
  • Skillfully troubleshoot, repair, replaced, and calibrated an array of electrical sensing devices, while adeptly handling DCS/PLC/HMI hardware and operator interfaces.
  • Executed precision troubleshooting and repair of AC motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and converters, ensuring continuous functionality.
  • Performed detailed root cause analysis on equipment failures, leading to actionable recommendations for improving system reliability.

Electrical Engineering Technician

UEC Electronics
09.2013 - 10.2015
  • Meticulously constructed electronic assemblies according to Engineering Drawings and IPC Standards, ensuring the highest levels of precision and quality.
  • Skillfully installed both test and operational software into electronic assemblies, guaranteeing seamless functionality and compatibility.
  • Conducted thorough operational checks to validate the compliance and performance of electronic assemblies.

Senior Electrical Engineering Technician

AAI Corporation
05.2011 - 05.2012
  • Conducted exhaustive testing of the Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS), including power operation, network connectivity, and component functionality.
  • Installed and configured an array of software, firmware, and network settings on UGCS components, including Redhat, Linux, Microsoft Windows Server Virtual Machines, and VMware ESXi.
  • Pioneered the creation of meticulous testing and troubleshooting procedures tailored for the UGCS, ensuring systematic and streamlined approaches for enhanced operational reliability.
  • Mentored junior technicians, providing guidance in electrical system diagnostics and repair methods.
  • Implemented operational timelines for service shut-offs to be observed.

Product Trainer II

Northrop Grumman
01.2008 - 10.2010
  • Utilized ISD methodologies to meticulously plan and create maintenance training programs for Navy MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV and Army Class IV UAV programs.
  • Developed clear learning objectives, optimal instructional strategies, and engaging training activities to drive effective outcomes.
  • Designed interactive Computer Based Training (CBT) modules for avionics training, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Delivered instruction for MQ-8B Avionics Maintenance Course and Shipboard Control Segment Maintenance Course, incorporating valuable student feedback to refine training materials.
  • Monitored and reported trainee progress, introducing new learning tools to address individual needs.
  • Solicited feedback from training participants regularly, using the input to continually refine and improve course content and delivery methods.

Aircraft Avionics Technician

United States Air Force, USAF
11.2000 - 11.2007
  • Played a pivotal role in the launch, recovery, and maintenance of C-130 and E-3AWACS aircraft, ensuring their operational readiness and effectiveness.
  • Efficiently troubleshoot and repair avionics systems, swiftly addressing unscheduled maintenance tasks to maintain optimal aircraft functionality.
  • Provided comprehensive training and familiarization to new technicians for enhanced team integration.
  • Demonstrated technical proficiency through specialized test equipment usage for intricate troubleshooting, ensuring top-tier operational performance.
  • Meticulously inspected avionics technicians' work, upholding stringent quality standards and ensuring airworthiness compliance for both C-130 and E-3AWACS aircraft.

Education

BBA -

American Military Univeristy
Online
05.2001 -

Skills

Equipment Inspection

Equipment Troubleshooting

Field Repairs

Interpersonal Communication

Customer Relations

Procedure Manual Writing

Quality Assurance

Professionalism

Training Needs Analysis

Instructor mentoring

Leadership Development

Timeline

Field Service Technician

FreeWire
11.2023 - Current

Field Service Engineer

Blue Bird Bus
04.2023 - 08.2023

Field Service Representative

BTC Power
01.2023 - 03.2023

Senior Field Service Representative

Proterra
02.2019 - 11.2022

Electrical Controls Technician

First Quality Tissue
03.2016 - 02.2019

Electrical Engineering Technician

UEC Electronics
09.2013 - 10.2015

Senior Electrical Engineering Technician

AAI Corporation
05.2011 - 05.2012

Product Trainer II

Northrop Grumman
01.2008 - 10.2010

BBA -

American Military Univeristy
05.2001 -

Aircraft Avionics Technician

United States Air Force, USAF
11.2000 - 11.2007
Ian Schaefer