JULIANA GARZA
Mcallen
Summary
Experienced Quality Engineering & Training Leader with 15+ years at GE Aerospace driving technical training, SPO competency, and quality performance in MRO environments. Proven track record in standardizing OJT and technical training, building and administering global training processes and content, and partnering with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Special Process Owners, and shop leadership to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC). Certified ASQ Auditor and Lead/Supplier Assessor with deep experience in root cause analysis, RCCA, and embedding lessons learned into training. Recognized for strong communication and ability to lead cross-functional teams, coach SPOs and engineers, and deploy digital training solutions across multiple sites.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
QUALITY ENGINEERING LEADER & TRAINING LEADER
GE Aerospace
10.2025 - Current
- Lead Quality Engineering and Training Specialist teams to drive a zero-defect culture and strengthen SPO and shop competency in a component repair/MRO environment.
- Own technical training strategy for Quality and SPO-related activities, aligning training content and delivery with SQDC priorities and MTO objectives.
- Standardize and improve OJT and technical training processes, partnering with shop leadership, Manufacturing Engineers, Special Process Owners, and HR to ensure consistent execution across departments and other ATMRO shops.
- Lead root cause investigations and systemic corrective actions, ensuring lessons learned and “best known way” practices are incorporated into training materials, work instructions, and shop standards.
- Drive escape and loss reduction activities (PSR, APPS, PFMEA, APQP deliverables) and embed quality expectations into training to reduce rework and improve capable processes.
- Manage department WOR and MOR, using data and KPIs/TTIs to prioritize training, competency development, and process improvements.
- Grow the training footprint across ATMRO shops, aligning to a Best-in-Class training model and supporting global harmonization of training records, stamps, and exams.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT QUALITY ENGINEER
GE Aerospace
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Focused on FLIGHT Deck application, root cause analysis, and training process improvement to address systemic quality issues and improve SPO performance.
- Partnered with Engineering, HQ, and Lean teams to identify systemic quality issues and translate solutions and best practices into standard work and training content for SPOs and shop personnel.
- Led data improvement for PSRs and Kaizens, using analytics to identify training gaps, drive rework reduction, and support MRO Value Engineering objectives.
- Improved OJT processes and designed global training standards for ATMRO shops, including content, tracking mechanisms, and competency expectations.
- Coordinated with special process experts and vendors to ensure training aligned with qualified processes and supported capability and compliance.
QUALITY ENGINEER
GE Aerospace
06.2021 - 09.2024
- Quality Engineer supporting LPTN, HPTN, and special process cells, ensuring high-quality component repair and adherence to regulatory and customer standards.
- Supported LPTN and HPT nozzle cells and special processes by implementing quality initiatives, monitoring performance, and supporting daily operations.
- Reviewed and approved technical documents and engine manual changes, and guided shop floor personnel on technical and process changes, incorporating updates into training where needed.
- Performed root cause analysis (6M, 3x5 Whys) and implemented corrective and preventive actions, verifying effectiveness and reading across lessons learned to other departments and training materials.
- Participated in cross-functional teams (Engineering, Operations, Quality, Vendors) to investigate and eliminate causes of quality problems, ensuring findings translated into improved SPO training and work methods.
- Assisted with internal and supplier audits, including external coating vendors (Chromalloy NY, Turbine Aero AZ), and supported training to close audit findings and maintain compliance.
- Traveled up to 25% to coordinate RCCA and ensure consistent process and training execution across sites.
TRAINING SPECIALIST
GE Aviation
01.2013 - 06.2021
- Technical training leader responsible for OJT, recurrent, and specialized training for a large MRO workforce, with strong focus on regulatory compliance, content development, and training systems.
- Oversaw OJT, specialized, recurrent, and annual training for 275+ employees, ensuring alignment with FAA, ISO, and GE internal requirements.
- Designed and implemented training processes and metrics to track progress of new hires and existing employees, including remediation plans and performance monitoring.
- Developed training materials (manuals, SOPs, work instructions, exams) for new inspectors/SPOs and other shop roles; ensured training content reflected current technical data and quality requirements.
- Maintained and updated repair station manuals and related documentation based on MCF and regulatory changes; ensured changes were cascaded into training.
- Managed training records and FAA documentation, including FAA roster, stamps, PCN, ACS, DR reports, and digital employee tracking, ensuring readiness for audits and inspections.
- Served as DER (Designated Employer Representative) and Covalent Super Admin, optimizing system use for training records, stamps, exams, and cross-site best practices.
- Supported FAA, Quality, and Special Process audits, ensuring training evidence and competency documentation met regulatory and customer expectations.
FINAL INSPECTOR
GE Aviation
06.2012 - 01.2013
- Inspected combustion liners at Incoming, DPI, In-Process, and Final stages, ensuring adherence to technical and quality standards while maintaining flow.
- Recorded data in WebCRT and Excel, and supported engineering projects and ERT MC2 team activities.
- Trained new inspectors in inspection methods, documentation, and quality expectations.
MFE SUPERVISOR / INTERIM STATION MANAGER
Delta Airlines
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Oversaw training functions and operations across multiple airports (MFE, LAW, ATL, TUL, BRM, OKC), serving as Person in Charge for airline crew.
- Managed staff scheduling, coordinated with local authorities for airport security, and ensured effective flight management for arrivals and departures.
- Led and monitored staff performance, including training completion and adherence to procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Leadership
South Texas College
McAllen, TX03-2026
Aviation Maintenance Engineering Technology
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Dallas, TX11-2011
Skills
- SPO & Technical Training Strategy at a site level/ Support Local SPOs
- OJT Design & Standardization (MRO / Component Repair)
- Competency Assessment & Training Gap Closure
- Digital Training Content & LMS Administration (Covalent Super Admin)
- Manufacturing Quality & Special Processes (LPTN, HPTN, Coatings)
- Root Cause Analysis & RCCA (6M, 5 Whys, Kaizen, SHIN)
- SQDC / TAT Improvement & Rework Reduction
- Regulatory Compliance (FAA, EASA, UK) & Audit Support HQ Lead Assessor
- Supplier Lead Assessor
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Vendor Management
Certification
- ASQ Certified Auditor, 2021
- QEP Level 1
- Lead Assessor / Supplier Auditor HQ
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Led multiple SHIN and Kaizen events as process owner or event leader, focusing on training, process improvement, and quality performance.
- Authored Quality Manuals, SOPs, and DFWP, ensuring alignment with training content and competency requirements.
- Strong communicator with customers, SPOs, engineers, and leadership, experienced in presenting training strategy, resource needs, and performance metrics.
- Effective at coaching and integrating new hires and trainees, supporting structured onboarding and ongoing development pathways.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Limited Working
Timeline
QUALITY ENGINEERING LEADER & TRAINING LEADER
GE Aerospace
10.2025 - Current
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT QUALITY ENGINEER
GE Aerospace
09.2024 - 11.2025
QUALITY ENGINEER
GE Aerospace
06.2021 - 09.2024
TRAINING SPECIALIST
GE Aviation
01.2013 - 06.2021
FINAL INSPECTOR
GE Aviation
06.2012 - 01.2013
MFE SUPERVISOR / INTERIM STATION MANAGER
Delta Airlines
01.2007 - 01.2011
Aviation Maintenance Engineering Technology
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Leadership
South Texas College