Manuel Keith Martinez
Slidell,LA
Summary
Hands-on technician with a background in spacecraft manufacturing, composite assembly, wiring, orbital welding, clean-room work, and precision fit-up. Also supports twin-screw extrusion, polymer compounding, material testing, SOP compliance, and quality control to help keep production accurate, safe, and efficient.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work History
Polymer Compounding Techicnican
SABIC Innovative Plastics
Bay St. Louis, MS
03.2015 - 08.2026
- Assisted with compounding and blending tasks, ensuring accurate raw material weighing, masterbatch preparation, additive blending, and resin handling to meet production standards.
- Supported setup and operation of twin-screw extruder, pelletizer, feeder, and downstream equipment to facilitate efficient production processes.
- Performed testing and quality checks for melt flow index, moisture analysis, bulk density, color matching, and ASTM standards.
- Adhered to operations and safety procedures, contributing to troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, SOP compliance, and 5S practices to maintain workplace safety and efficiency.
- Helped write and approve standard operating procedures while working with engineers and co-workers to improve the production process.
A Class Joiner
Austal USA
Mobile, AL
06.2014 - 03.2015
- Interpreted blueprints and drawings to construct precise shipboard joinery components.
- Maintained safe work areas while following Austal USA shipyard procedures.
- Collaborated with trades to ensure timely completion of joinery work aligned with vessel build schedules.
- Measured and cut marine joinery materials for Austal USA ship interiors.
- Installed bulkheads, panels, and trim using hand tools and power tools.
- Inspected surfaces and joints for quality before final installation.
- Maintained clean and organized workplace to optimize performance, efficiency and safety.
- Engaged with teammates and supervisors to clarify requirements and ensure on-time project completion.
Composite Fiberglass Mechanic/Fitter
Huntington-Ingalls Industries (formerly Northrop Grumman)
Gulfport, MS
10.2010 - 03.2014
- Assembled and outfitted composite units or components for DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer, ensuring adherence to project specifications.
- Executed hand lay up techniques to meet design and structural specifications.
- Perform intermediate and complex repair procedures with fiberglass or carbon fiber.
- Applied knowledge of VARTM to enhance production efficiency. and mult feed two-sided infusions using a Venturi or maintenance vacuum pump.
- Validated layouts against 2D design and arrangement drawings, ensuring accurate compliance with engineering standards.
- Trimmed, sanded, and finished composite components to required specifications.
- Followed specific instructions provided by engineering team regarding product design specifications.
- Documented test results from inspection activities conducted on finished products.
Technician Spec
Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Stennis Space Center, MS
03.2004 - 11.2009
- Executed integration and testing processes that validated system performance and reliability, contributing to successful mission outcomes.
- Fabricated propulsion and electrical systems for military and commercial satellites and target missiles. Constructed, troubleshot, calibrated, adjusted, tested, and maintained equipment and components to ensure operational readiness.
- Achieved NASA-STD-8739 certification in harness and soldering techniques.
- Orbital weld level 1 certified. Performs quality inspection of weld samples with use of boroscopes.
- Utilized computers and paperless systems to access, maintain, and manipulate data, including SAP, EPDM, METAWEB, and Microsoft Office, streamlining data management processes.
- ESD and clean room certified.
- FOD and FOE monitor 1k and 10k clean rooms.
Senior Mechanical Assembler
Lockheed Martin Michoud Manned Space Systems
New Orleans, LA
09.1981 - 03.2004
- Mechanical systems and airframe on the External Tank for the Space Shuttle. Perform diversified assembly operations to assemble intricate or large apparatus, machines, or equipment to close tolerances and inspection requirements. Read and interpret drawings to ensure proper assembly and functionality of assemblies. Perform skilled fitting of parts, sub-assemblies and related mechanical units. Use a variety of precision measuring instruments and gauging devices.
- Participated in machinery startups in field, utilizing appropriate tools to ensure successful operation in plant environments.
- Completed complex assignments independently, contributing to project completion and efficiency.
- Recommended improvements to production methods and equipment performance, enhancing product quality and efficiency.
- Analyzed and resolved work problems, providing assistance to coworkers to enhance workflow.
- Guided lower-level employees through direction and collaboration, fostering team cohesion and skill development.
Quality Assurance
Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace
Denver, CO
04.1985 - 06.1987
- Generated and communicated quality metrics, highlighting trends and driving process improvement initiatives on Peacekeeper and Titan IV programs.
- Investigated non-conforming hardware, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to enhance product reliability.
- Executed quality assurance checks on completed projects, ensuring adherence to standards before submission.
- Conducted quality assurance reviews on paramedics' reports and records, confirming compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Performed quality assurance checks on customer interactions, enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction.
Education
Pearl River Community College
Poplarville, MSHigh School Diploma -
Pearl River Central High School
Carriere, MSSkills
Mechanical-electrical skills
Operation of test equipment
Verbal and written communication
Certified cable harness assembly
Certified orbital welding
Mechanical systems assembly
Preventive maintenance techniques
Composite fabrication and assembly
- Airframe repair and assembly
- Testing protocol integration
- Soldering expertise
- Manufacturing systems integration
- Lean management principles
- Cleanroom standards and FOD control
- Quality assurance methodologies
- Quality assurance
Timeline
Polymer Compounding Techicnican
SABIC Innovative Plastics
03.2015 - 08.2026
A Class Joiner
Austal USA
06.2014 - 03.2015
Composite Fiberglass Mechanic/Fitter
Huntington-Ingalls Industries (formerly Northrop Grumman)
10.2010 - 03.2014
Technician Spec
Lockheed Martin Space Systems
03.2004 - 11.2009
Quality Assurance
Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace
04.1985 - 06.1987
Senior Mechanical Assembler
Lockheed Martin Michoud Manned Space Systems
09.1981 - 03.2004
Pearl River Community College
High School Diploma -
Pearl River Central High School