Jonathan Wells
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA
Summary
Dynamic Sr. Manager in Manufacturing Engineering at Northrop Grumman Corporation, specializing in model-based manufacturing and digital thread integration. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and standardize processes, driving significant cost reductions and improving product quality through strategic planning and effective communication.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Manager Manufacturing Engineering
Northrop Grumman Corporation
06.2021 - Current
- Led the Model Based Manufacturing Team in developing new digital tools to create a digital thread/twin between engineering and manufacturing, including manufacturing simulations and producibility tools to achieve first time quality.
- Led integration of digital system with company's PLM to establish manufacturing digital thread and design for manufacturing tools.
- Managed mfg. engineering team supporting new R&D programs, setting vision for future initiatives, transforming product design and build practices to enhance delivery timelines and cost efficiency.
- Managed sector processes and procedures to standardize operations across the organization.
- Northrop Grumman Corporation – New Program Capture/Model Based Manufacturing
Manager Manufacturing Engineering
Northrop Grumman Corporation
03.2017 - 06.2021
- Managed Manufacturing Engineering BTP Definition Group, leading a team of 20+ engineers across multiple sites, overseeing F35 M1 Assembly Shop activities, F35 Fleet MOD tooling development, and directing process improvement initiatives.
- Oversaw cost accounts as Cost Account Manager (CAM) for F35 Manufacturing Engineering, utilizing Earned Value Management System (EVMS) for accurate tracking and reporting.
- Developed business case and executed large affordability project to optimize F35 work orders, enhancing operational efficiencies for mechanics on the production floor.
- Northrop Grumman Corporation – F35 Program
Manufacturing Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
03.2011 - 03.2017
- Lead engineer for Manufacturing Engineering Methods and Systems Group, supervising all engineering change requirements using MES planning software, SAP ZMBOM to generate buy/make requirements, Visual Work Instructions and PDM.
- Key member of an affordability team to incorporate the Romer Arm and Polyworks 2015 software to improve the F35 seam validation process and to improve overall skin gap and step measurement quality.
- Designed and detailed multiple tooling concepts for high visibility projects, including the F35 two-piece chine.
- Evaluated engineering change requests to enhance project planning for F35 Manufacturing Engineering SOW.
- Assessed viability of using NX 10 for all 3D annotations and 2D drawings on F35 program within affordability project.
- Contributed to F35 IAL Rewrite Team, converting all F35 planning visual aids to visual work instructions (VWI’s) using Right Hemisphere.
- Northrop Grumman Corporation – F35 Program
Design Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
02.2010 - 03.2011
- Managed the entire wing fuel system redesign, including routing fuel tubes, using CATIA’s tubing module and locating all fuel components.
- Engineered and designed a RAM Air Duct and Plenum to cool instrumental surveillance equipment.
- Served as design focal point for fluid systems during CG control change effort, ensuring alignment and integration across teams.
- Collaborated with team to develop secondary support structure in CATIA V5 for antennas and equipment, enhancing overall vehicle functionality.
- Routed cables and installed equipment in air vehicle, coordinating with suppliers to address packaging and feasibility challenges effectively.
- Applied GD&T to all parts using CATIA’s FTA license as well as generating 2D installations.
- Northrop Grumman Corporation – BAMS
Design Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
10.2004 - 12.2009
- Lead concept design and fabrication engineer for the F35 AA1 IPP Inlet Rake Project, which won the 2008 Distinguished Engineering Project Achievement Award for the San Fernando Engineers Council.
- Utilized CATIA V5 to design support brackets for electrical harnesses in F35 Weapons Bays and routed harnesses throughout F35 Center Fuselage for all three variants using CATIA’s Electrical workbench.
- Designed assemblies and installations for pressure and temperature systems in IPP Bay for AA1 and Lift Fan Bay for STOVL variant, including strain gage systems, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and accelerometers across all three F35 variants.
- Designed test fixtures for parts going through Environmental Stress Screening (ESS).
- Developed 2D drawing prints with GD&T standards for manufacturing detail parts at suppliers.
- Assembled packages in the Product Data Management (PDM) system.
- Northrop Grumman Corporation – F35 Program
Design Engineer / Process Consultant
INCAT
12.2001 - 10.2004
- Worked as a design engineer developing and designing commercial aircraft cabinets for business jets, using CATIA V5 and SmarTeam 12, while providing on the job training for CATIA V5 for co-workers.
- Lead CATIA V5 instructor on Northrop Grumman Corporation’s F35 Program including 3D best practices using parametric modelling.
- Collaborated with engineers at BAE Systems on the JSF CATBIRD Program, aiding in design and best practices for CATIA V5, and designed a concept for integrating the 737 and F35 nose.
- Developed and delivered composites best practices for the F35 Program.
- Maintained training material to current releases of CATIA V5 and changes in design methodologies on the F35 Program.
- Provided CAD support to aerospace and automotive customers in CATIA V4 and V5 on the West Coast.
- Instructed INCAT’s CATIA V5 Part Design, Assembly Design, Drafting, Surfacing and Advanced Surfacing modules for automotive and aerospace applications.
- Taught CATIA V4 Basic, Surfacing, Advanced Surfacing, Solid Modelling, GSD and Drafting classes including GD&T.
Design Engineer (Intern)
Talon Automotive Group
05.2000 - 08.2000
- Developed detailed preliminary racks for sheet metal parts, presented to Daimler Chrysler and other major automotive companies for feedback and potential adoption.
- Conducted density studies for sheet metal parts in expendable and returnable racks using CATIA V4 to optimize design specifications.
- Assisted in developing innovative automotive designs using CAD software.
- Collaborated with engineers to refine product specifications and requirements.
- Conducted research on materials and technologies for automotive applications.
Product Part Manufacturer
Eurotech Design Inc.
05.1994 - 08.1997
- Produced high-quality structural interior production parts for Dodge Viper, ensuring precise specifications.
- Completed injection moulded prototype parts for Ford Motor Co., contributing to product development timelines.
- Assisted in vacuum forming process, enhancing production capabilities and supporting project requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineering
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
East Lansing, MI01-2001
Skills
- Model-based manufacturing
- Digital thread integration
- Manufacturing simulations
- Process standardization
- Production efficiency
- Data analytics
- Data-driven decisions
- Budget management
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Team leadership
- Organizational improvement
- Cross-functional communication
- Team development
- Effective communication techniques
- Result-oriented mindset
Accomplishments
Distinguished Engineering Project Achievement Award, San Fernando Valley Engineers Council, Inc., 2008, For F-35 Lightning II Integrated Power Package Inlet Plenum Pressure Measurement System
Personal Information
Title: Sr. Manufacturing Engineer Manager
Timeline
Sr. Manager Manufacturing Engineering
Northrop Grumman Corporation
06.2021 - Current
Manager Manufacturing Engineering
Northrop Grumman Corporation
03.2017 - 06.2021
Manufacturing Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
03.2011 - 03.2017
Design Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
02.2010 - 03.2011
Design Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
10.2004 - 12.2009
Design Engineer / Process Consultant
INCAT
12.2001 - 10.2004
Design Engineer (Intern)
Talon Automotive Group
05.2000 - 08.2000
Product Part Manufacturer
Eurotech Design Inc.
05.1994 - 08.1997
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineering
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY