Kawika Kekaualua
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Thirteen-year Air Force veteran, experienced flight engineer, and FAA A&P mechanic, with a comprehensive background in aviation maintenance and operations. Eight years of experience leading and mentoring individuals and various teams. Possesses strong mechanical skills, and in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems, components, and operations. Currently ensures safety of personnel and aircraft as a Flightline Group Coordinator on 787's.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
787 Flight Line Group Coordinator
Aerotek
San Antonio, TX
10.2023 - Current
- Develops and executes Hazardous Energy Control Procedures (HECP) and Lock-Out/Tag-Out/Try-Out protocols, ensuring compliance with Boeing standards.
- Coordinates with management on the execution of HECP procedures based on scheduled jobs, as well as any potential unscheduled hazardous energy applications.
- Reviews the status of personnel and airplane system configurations, and meets with the work team to evaluate where hazardous energy would be introduced.
C-5 Flight Engineer
United States Air Force Reserve
San Antonio, TX
01.2020 - Current
- Set up cargo operations in an unfamiliar location. Managed and scheduled 102 aircrews, ensuring the delivery of 5.6 million pounds of cargo.
- Revamped unit's first aid training program, Identified and procured necessary resources, and developed a schedule to qualify 120 team members three months before deadline.
- Utilizes effective communication to lead aircrew through inflight emergency procedures, ensuring safe aircraft operation.
- Fills the role as unit safety representative, investigates accidents, completes required mishap report forms, and reports findings to management.
- Develops and executes flight plans, coordinating with multiple agencies to support complex missions.
B-52 Aircraft Mechanic
United States Air Force
Minot, ND
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Directed an urgent inspection of engine pylons, inspecting four aircraft and 64 items, and completed the task 28 days ahead of schedule.
- Supervised eight teammates, conducted annual performance reports, wrote awards packages, and oversaw disciplinary actions if needed.
- Led a shift of 30 mechanics, overseeing up to 16 aircraft. Developed strategies for improving efficiency in order to reduce turnaround times on repairs or inspections.
- Identified deficiencies in teammate knowledge, developed and led a pre-flight training program, trained 28 employees, and contributed to team success and mission readiness.
- Executed audits of the maintenance database system, evaluating over 2,300 data inputs to guarantee 100% maintenance data accuracy.
- Assisted technicians as engine run team lead, conducted load bank, replaced hydraulic pump and conducted leak check to prevent cancellation of a high priority mission.
Education
Associate of Science - Engineering | 3.8 GPA
San Antonio College
San Antonio, TX05-2025
Skills
- Supervision & Leadership
- Effective Communicator
- Adaptability
- Conflict Resolution
- Data Management
- Attentive to Detail
- Incident Investigation
- Workplace Safety
- Hazard Identification
- Maintenance planning
Certification
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant License - 2018 Nov.
- OSHA 10-hour training course - 2023 May
- Active Secret Security Clearance
Timeline
787 Flight Line Group Coordinator
Aerotek
10.2023 - Current
C-5 Flight Engineer
United States Air Force Reserve
01.2020 - Current
B-52 Aircraft Mechanic
United States Air Force
01.2012 - 01.2020
Associate of Science - Engineering | 3.8 GPA
San Antonio College