John Clark
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Accomplished aerospace professional and U.S. Navy veteran with 20 years of experience leading complex technical programs in aviation and systems engineering. Expertise in avionics upgrades, platform interoperability, and risk management across global operations. Proven in integrating advanced sensors, software, and hardware to enhance system performance and compliance. Directed large-scale maintenance and modernization initiatives for high-stakes environments. Holds an active Secret Security Clearance (awaiting Top Secret adjudication). Passionate about transitioning to space industry roles, leveraging leadership and avionics skills for spacecraft systems, sensor technologies, and launch vehicle integration.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Aviation Maintenance Manager
U.S. Navy
09.2023 - Current
- Managed 6,898 maintenance actions on multiple E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, supporting 372 missions and 1,233 flight hours to maintain operational readiness.
- Partnered with engineering, logistics, and program teams to address 11 complex avionics discrepancies, boosting asset availability by 16% in high-demand environments.
- Oversaw modernization integrations during four major repair projects, reducing configuration delays and accelerating compliance for enterprise-wide operations.
- Coordinated team deployments and technical evaluations, facilitating timely certification of inspectors and aligning with evolving aerospace protocols.
Senior Readiness & Avionics Programs Manager
U.S. Navy
05.2021 - 09.2023
- Supported 16 aviation teams in maintaining readiness for 58 assets, contributing to an 84% average rating in enterprise audits and compliance reviews.
- Incorporated sensor tracking and avionics processes into standard operating procedures, addressing skills gaps across 24 platforms—applicable to space-based sensor integration.
- Conducted five enterprise inspections and 11 technical audits, ensuring team alignment with regulatory benchmarks and strategic goals.
- Redesigned six technical training programs, creating a scalable model that adapted education to advancing aerospace and systems technologies.
Maintenance and Safe-for-Flight Supervisor
U.S. Navy
07.2019 - 05.2021
- Led 145 cross-functional personnel through 8,202 maintenance operations, supporting over 3,000 flight hours in dynamic international settings.
- Supervised 10 senior leaders across technical divisions, optimizing safety, scheduling, and resources to meet critical deadlines.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining maintenance cycles and adapting to real-time asset status and supply changes.
- Developed performance metrics and dashboards, improving visibility and accountability for leadership in high-stakes aviation projects.
Aircraft Maintenance & Program Compliance Manager
U.S. Navy
06.2018 - 07.2019
- Directed corrective actions for a 110-member team, resolving over 2,500 discrepancies and achieving a 96% mission completion rate across 1,020 hours.
- Improved departmental readiness by 13% through updated qualification standards and compliance frameworks for 20+ technical roles.
- Implemented inspection programs for a $248M per asset fleet, adhering to DoD and manufacturer standards for full maintenance and safety compliance.
- Analyzed 11 key technical upgrades, providing risk mitigation recommendations that strengthened overall reliability and assurance.
Maintenance Control/Safe-for-Flight Chief
U.S. Navy
09.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed 28 supervisors and 560+ personnel/contractors, executing 11,768 maintenance actions for 1,424 missions and 2,793 flight hours.
- Restored four assets from downtime through comprehensive avionics upgrades and standardization, enabling rapid operational surge.
- Delivered input to program and engineering teams on 12 draft upgrades, shaping enterprise adoption and documentation improvements.
- Cut rework by 11% via targeted training for 13 teams and support functions, speeding certifications and minimizing errors—directly relevant to space vehicle assembly and testing.
Avionics Team Lead
U.S. Navy
04.2014 - 09.2016
- Supervised 29 personnel and 19,600+ labor hours to complete 3,673 avionics repairs, ensuring readiness for advanced systems across multiple teams.
- Managed installation of 104 upgrades across seven platforms, advancing modernization in line with digital systems lifecycles.
- Delivered 117 technical certifications through mentoring and training, reducing backlogs by 678% and achieving 90% retention.
Avionics Technician/Shift Supervisor/Quality Assurance
U.S. Navy
06.2006 - 04.2014
- Supervised 32 avionics technicians in performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on E-2C/D and C-2A aircraft, completing over 5,200 repairs and achieving a 95% on-time completion rate across 7 aviation platforms.
- Conducted quality assurance inspections and verified procedural compliance, reducing defect rates by 18% through implementation of standardized controls in a high-volume maintenance department.
- Specialized in Mini/Microminiature (2M) electronics repair, cable/wiring harness fabrication, and fault isolation, supporting 1,800+ flight hours annually and contributing to a 92% mission readiness score during global deployments and laying the foundation for advanced avionics leadership roles.
Education
Master Avionics Systems Certification and Qualifications Program -
U.S. Navy
Technical Upgrade & Compliance Training - undefined
U.S. Navy
Preventive Maintenance Systems Course - undefined
U.S. Navy
Radar & Sensor Operations Procedures - transferable to space-based tracking and detection systems
U.S. Navy
Skills
- Systems Integration & Modernization
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Program & Project Management
- Aerospace Compliance & Standards
- Engineering Collaboration
- Operational Reliability
- Training & Workforce Development
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Sensor & Radar Technologies
Accomplishments
- Piloted lifecycle success for AN/APY-9 Airborne Radar and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Delta System Software Configuration (DSSC) upgrades across versions 0 through 4.0, overseeing seamless integrations that enhanced sensor performance, data fusion, reliability, and mission capabilities—resulting in improved asset availability (up to 16% in related efforts) and high compliance rates (e.g., 97.3%) in dynamic operational environments (transferable to spacecraft sensor and software assurance).
- Directed enterprise-wide avionics modernization across seven aircraft platforms, managing 104 system integrations that improved interoperability and supported long-term technology roadmaps for mission-critical applications.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to resolve 11 high-priority system compatibility challenges during major repair projects and platform upgrades, ensuring seamless avionics software/hardware integration for legacy and emerging platforms.
Timeline
Senior Aviation Maintenance Manager
U.S. Navy
09.2023 - Current
Senior Readiness & Avionics Programs Manager
U.S. Navy
05.2021 - 09.2023
Maintenance and Safe-for-Flight Supervisor
U.S. Navy
07.2019 - 05.2021
Aircraft Maintenance & Program Compliance Manager
U.S. Navy
06.2018 - 07.2019
Maintenance Control/Safe-for-Flight Chief
U.S. Navy
09.2016 - 06.2018
Avionics Team Lead
U.S. Navy
04.2014 - 09.2016
Avionics Technician/Shift Supervisor/Quality Assurance
U.S. Navy
06.2006 - 04.2014
Technical Upgrade & Compliance Training - undefined
U.S. Navy
Preventive Maintenance Systems Course - undefined
U.S. Navy
Radar & Sensor Operations Procedures - transferable to space-based tracking and detection systems
U.S. Navy
Master Avionics Systems Certification and Qualifications Program -
U.S. Navy