Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
References
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Luis Tapia

Summary

A talented manufacturing specialist with a solid work history and a proven ability to perform well in a team and individually. A fast-paced learner, and self-motivated to expand knowledge of the aerospace industry. Previous employment as a department lead led to experience strengthening interdepartmental relationships with supporting areas and customers, coordinating deliveries between vendors, maintaining production rates and schedules, and ensuring support teams are aligned with daily goals. Constantly searching for classes and courses to enhance skills and knowledge of the industry.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manufacturing Specialist

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
08.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline manufacturing workflows and reduce swim lane changes between Production and NDE/QI.
  • Implemented quality control measures to uphold product specifications.
  • Trained inspectors on newly updated operations and execution of data input across programs such as CMM+ and Excel/Test Plan fields.
  • Updated existing manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and reliability.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to reduce redundancy and implement changes, such as decreasing the work order count for piece parts by creating a new part number in which the piece parts are made on assembly.
  • Analyzed production data to identify areas for improvement by monitoring part trends, tracking parts throughout the build process, and implementing in-process checks to catch dimensional drift.
  • Developed detailed documentation for manufacturing procedures, and created diagrams for updated work instructions and procedures.
  • Conducted root cause analysis for production issues and proposed corrective actions.
  • Developed and implemented manufacturing process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce downtime.
  • Supported up to seven different departments at a given time to ensure engineering coverage is maintained during off-hour support windows for each area.
  • Learned multiple styles of programming, such as Python and SQL, for projects such as creating a 'Blue Button' that pulls data from a DFS folder location and enters data into specified test plan fields.

Lead Metal Spinning Technician

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
09.2019 - 08.2024
  • Operated all CNC machines within the Spin Form department.
  • Created updated CNC programs for both OML and IML VTLs with MasterCAM that have been proven and are still currently in use.
  • Programmed new part revisions with changes in part geometry, completed FAIs, and worked with downstream departments for the initial part weld.
  • Worked with engineering to find the root cause of issues and issue prevention for all our operations within Spinform.
  • Taught engineers how to program on MasterCAM for all VTLs within the Spinform department.
  • Helped overhaul machining specifications to be more relevant to the process, and more accurately define work requirements and standards.
  • Compiled a list of Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs) for each existing operation in the Spinform department, so that our operations can accurately link the applicable JHAs.
  • Acquired authorized oversight qualification.
  • Worked with ME, RE, and BRE's on closing open issues and creating and documenting necessary issues.
  • Worked with BREs to understand why repeat issues continue to be created, and explained what our actions are moving forward to eliminate said issues.
  • Managed production downtime, machine maintenance, and ongoing projects to be worked in tandem.
  • Created a list of requirements that would qualify machinists in hand-editing CNC program code.
  • Worked on numerous projects regarding VTL machining operations, from documenting VTL processes step by step to implementing new processes to negate any rework that would be caused downstream.
  • Held my team accountable for all accidents, scrapped parts, and provide an explanation to make the team aware of how to avoid repeating the same accident.
  • Coordinate and schedule deliveries to our OS vendors.
  • Helped coordinate WO closures and deliveries between departments.

CNC Machine Operator

M And R Engineering
Orange, CA
03.2019 - 09.2019
  • Changed out aging tools, fixtures and offsets
  • Adjusted machine feed and speed if machine malfunctioned as well as edit existing programs to improve production time and tool wear
  • Set up and operated production equipment according to daily work orders and safety procedures
  • Kept parts within close tolerances of design standards to maintain optimal quality
  • Developed production tracking and quality control systems, analyzing production, quality control, maintenance and other operational reports, to detect production problems
  • Monitored and adjusted production processes or equipment for quality and productivity improvement
  • Fabricated various parts using multiple machines at once
  • Actively suggested operational improvements to enhance quality, improve production times and reduce costs
  • Managed departmental quality control and maintained high level of customer satisfaction
  • Inspected finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications
  • Operated Fadal, and various Brother machines including setup and Delegated coworkers to run production
  • Maintained tolerances within +-.002 and tighter tolerances within +-.0005

Machinist/Programmer

Vantage Associates
Whittier, CA
02.2015 - 03.2019
  • Set up and operated two 5-axis machines and three 3-axis machines as well as program for said machines (Mastercam).
  • Made manual calibrations to 5-axis machines to avoid waiting for outside maintenance to arrive and continue production schedule.
  • Established maintenance plans and oversaw repair work to maintain productivity.
  • Oversaw design, procurement and construction of mechanical equipment and reliability and provided input for start-up and operation of the mechanical systems.
  • Actively suggested operational improvements to enhance quality, improve production times and reduce costs - such as drafting and machining a master fixture to reduce setup times and increase machining accuracy.
  • Optimized machinery performance by calibrating according to prescribed standards and specific project needs.
  • Accurately calculated and set controls to regulate machining factors like part speed, feed, coolant flow, depth and angle of cut and clamping methods.
  • Made appropriate offset corrections for tool wear, broken tools and casting variations.
  • Fabricated tools, jigs and fixtures to meet manufacturing and engineering needs.
  • Trained, directed and instructed apprentices and helpers.
  • Determined the sequence of operations in a program and chose cutting tools that will be needed.
  • Organized, scheduled and assigned production work.

Skills

  • Quality Inspection
  • Strategic thinker
  • Troubleshooting Specialist
  • Initiative to work independently
  • Project Coordinator
  • Proficiency in Mastercam
  • Bilingual in Spanish
  • Training and Development
  • Moderate Coding Experience (SQL,Python)

References

Jorge Gomez - Supervisor / Programmer : (562) 652-4944

Andrei Niga - Structures Engineer II : (562) 318-9254

Marc Hopkins - Supervisor : (430) 236-3830

Certification

CNC / Machinist :

  • Taught how to read blueprints and understand basic industry terminology as well as CNC setup.

CNC / Machinist II :

  • Taught basic programming as well as advanced CNC setup and operation along with basic manual/CAM-based programming (Mastercam).
  • Advanced knowledge of aerospace industry allowed me to take over class sessions and teach fellow students programming both manual and CAM-based as well as showing G codes and M codes.

Timeline

Manufacturing Specialist

SpaceX
08.2024 - Current

Lead Metal Spinning Technician

SpaceX
09.2019 - 08.2024

CNC Machine Operator

M And R Engineering
03.2019 - 09.2019

Machinist/Programmer

Vantage Associates
02.2015 - 03.2019

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Luis Tapia