Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Patents
Timeline
Generic

Matthew Fornes

Summary

Dynamic Manufacturing Engineer with a decade of experience at Kymeta Corporation, adept at optimizing processes and implementing lean principles to enhance production efficiency. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and skilled in CAD design, ensuring high-quality outcomes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Manufacturing Engineer

Kymeta Corporation
07.2015 - 05.2025
  • Developed manufacturing processes to improve optimization, resulting in production efficiency.
  • Implemented lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and streamline operations.
  • Designed and validated jigs, fixtures, and tooling for assembly and testing processes.
  • Performed time studies along with line balancing to improve workflow and reduce bottlenecks.
  • Participated in PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to identify and mitigate process risks.
  • Logged production data and nonconformances in accordance with internal documentation and traceability protocols.
  • Ensured precise ply orientation, fiber direction, and material placement to maintain structural integrity, quality and functionality per required specifications.
  • Developed detailed visual work instructions and SOPs to standardize assembly processes, reducing operator errors.
  • Translated engineering specs into clear visual aids for technicians, ensuring accurate builds and adherence to tolerances.
  • Performed root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action processes to resolve quality issues.
  • Worked closely with the Quality Assurance team to develop control plans and inspection criteria.
  • Maintained ISO 9001 compliance through documentation, audits, and training.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams in the implementation of new manufacturing lines and equipment.
  • Coordinated with design engineering to ensure manufacturability of new product introductions (NPI).
  • Oversaw CAPEX projects, including vendor selection, installation, and commissioning of equipment.
  • Used CAD software (SolidWorks) for layout planning and mechanical design.
  • Reduced manufacturing costs through process standardization and scrap reduction.
  • Conducted make-vs-buy analysis to support strategic sourcing decisions.

Mechanical Technician

Kymeta Corporation
07.2013 - 07.2015
  • Built and assembled mechanical prototypes from engineering drawings and CAD models with high precision and minimal supervision.
  • Worked directly with design and R&D engineers to iterate and improve prototype functionality during development cycles.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of builds, modifications, and testing procedures to support design traceability and product validation.
  • Performed fit and tolerance adjustments on mechanical assemblies to meet design specifications and functional requirements.
  • Interpreted complex technical drawings, GD&T specifications, and BOMs to ensure accurate prototype construction.
  • Worked in a fast-paced, cross-functional development environment, meeting tight deadlines for prototype delivery and testing milestones.
  • Interpreted engineering drawings, work instructions, and layup schedules to accurately fabricate composite components to specification.
  • Performed hand layup and vacuum bagging using various composite materials.

ATFP Associate Engineer III (Anti-Terrorism Force Protection)

Honeywell
11.2010 - 03.2013
  • Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling equipment.
  • Builds, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs equipment.
  • Assists in design modification by compiling data related to the design, specifications, and materials needed.
  • Performs preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment and systems.
  • Tests equipment, using standard test equipment and procedures, and analyzes results to evaluate performance.
  • Determines if adjustments to equipment are necessary.
  • Makes minor modifications in test setups or procedures as appropriate.
  • Install and maintain CCTV, Video Teleconferencing Communications (VTC), Secure Networking, and Access Control systems.
  • Gather information on parts or equipment concerning previous operational failures and modifications.

RF Technician (Product Development)

Aethercomm
08.2008 - 11.2010
  • Troubleshooting RF and digital circuitry to component level from 10 MHz to 40 GHz range down to component level.
  • Reporting of data findings and failure analysis.
  • Proficient at using a wide range of different brands and models of electronic test equipment including vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes, noise figure meters, power meters, spectrum analyzers, signal generators and vector signal analyzers.
  • Equipment set up, testing, tuning, evaluation and troubleshooting of military and space qualified products.
  • Providing Engineering Technician support when required to support proposal work.
  • Diagnosing defects; locating areas of failure without work instructions in the evolution of new products with engineers.
  • Providing input to reliability and/or manufacturer improvements.
  • Read PCB schematics using both printed and CAD drawings.
  • Skilled in hand soldiering to remove, replace or add surface mount components.

Lead Telecommunications Field Engineer

Verigent/Raytheon
04.2006 - 12.2007
  • Installed, tested, and certified DS0, DS1, and DS3 Telco monitoring systems for the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure.
  • Utilized Ameritec TIMS, Halcyon, Oscilloscope, and Parascope test to ensure fidelity of telecommunications circuit.
  • Coordinated with FAA, Raytheon, and Harris Corporation personnel in order to not just meet, but to exceed installation deadlines, leading the nation in Service Acceptances.

Field Installer and Maintenance

Direct TV
10.2005 - 04.2006
  • Use problem-solving and technical skills to install satellite dishes and related equipment.
  • Evaluate job site to assess optimal placement of satellite dish and communicates with customers to review the installation process.
  • Troubleshoot systems to determine the appropriate resolution for reported problems with usage.
  • Provide customer education regarding system usage.
  • Manage the administrative processes including van inventory and appropriate documentation.
  • Ensure that the highest quality of service is provided to promote superior customer satisfaction.
  • Adhere to safety guidelines and requirements.

Surveillance RADAR Lead Technician

U.S. Navy
10.2004 - 10.2005
  • Managed the Airport Surveillance Radar (GPN-27) for eight years with minimal downtime.
  • Solely responsible for all maintenance and repair of the GPN-27.
  • Trained multiple personnel on proper procedures for maintaining and troubleshooting the radar.
  • Responsible for ordering all repair and replacement parts and maintenance materials.

Lead Radar Technician Equipment Supervisor

U.S. Navy
10.2002 - 10.2004
  • Managed all air operations departments test equipment used for maintenance on all major air field systems.
  • Implemented a database for all test equipment, which included calibration, scheduling and testing.
  • Experienced in using multiple pieces of test equipment.

Airport Surveillance Radar Technician Support

U.S. Navy
10.1999 - 10.2002
  • Skilled in maintaining and repairing all electronic equipment on airfield.
  • Knowledgeable with Precision Approach Radar and Tactical Air Navigation systems.
  • Repaired and installed CM-200 Transmitters and Receivers.
  • Responsible for handling, storage, disposal, and inventory of hazardous materials.
  • Assisted in the installation of electronic equipment for a new state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control Facility.

Education

Computer and Electronics Technology -

ITT Technical
05.2013

Airport Surveillance Radar -

U.S. Navy
10.1999

Electronics Technician Radar Strand -

U.S. Navy
06.1999

Advanced Electronics Technical Core Curriculum -

U.S. Navy
08.1998

Skills

  • Excellent team player, successful in working with diverse groups
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team to successfully complete projects within service timelines
  • Eleven years of professional experience in the repair, maintenance, and preservation of electronic equipment
  • Ten years of experience as a manufacturing engineer
  • Superb administrative and technical skills
  • Self-motivated and confident in making technical decisions
  • Experienced in the interpretation of wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical drawings
  • Exceptional troubleshooting skills down to the component level
  • Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook

Patents

  • Antenna, U.S. Patent D843,356, 03/19/19
  • Free Space Segment Tester, U.S Patent 10,707,585, 07/07/20

Timeline

Manufacturing Engineer

Kymeta Corporation
07.2015 - 05.2025

Mechanical Technician

Kymeta Corporation
07.2013 - 07.2015

ATFP Associate Engineer III (Anti-Terrorism Force Protection)

Honeywell
11.2010 - 03.2013

RF Technician (Product Development)

Aethercomm
08.2008 - 11.2010

Lead Telecommunications Field Engineer

Verigent/Raytheon
04.2006 - 12.2007

Field Installer and Maintenance

Direct TV
10.2005 - 04.2006

Surveillance RADAR Lead Technician

U.S. Navy
10.2004 - 10.2005

Lead Radar Technician Equipment Supervisor

U.S. Navy
10.2002 - 10.2004

Airport Surveillance Radar Technician Support

U.S. Navy
10.1999 - 10.2002

Computer and Electronics Technology -

ITT Technical

Airport Surveillance Radar -

U.S. Navy

Electronics Technician Radar Strand -

U.S. Navy

Advanced Electronics Technical Core Curriculum -

U.S. Navy

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Matthew Fornes