Michael Vega
Orange,CA
Summary
Experienced Aerospace Technician with over 7 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, precision assembly, composite fabrication, and quality inspection. Skilled in blueprint interpretation, engine assembly, troubleshooting, precision measuring tools, overhead crane operation, and aerospace production. Recognized for attention to detail, leadership, safety, and consistently producing high-quality work in fast-paced environments
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Propulsion Technician IV
SPACEX
Hawthorne, CA
09.2024 - Current
- Specialized in TIG weld rework of Merlin Thrust Chamber Propulsion systems resolving NDE rejections (UT, ET, PT), 'Electron beam weld' rejects & leaks to restore flight hardware and minimize scrap/rework loops.
- Partnered closely with engineers to resolve complex technical problems and performed asset troubleshooting that drove process improvements resulting an increase of reliability and efficiency on propulsion testing systems
- Operated fully autonomously across all Merlin production areas, independently managing priorities and consistently delivering high-quality results.
- Earned 'Authorized Oversight' qualification to independently perform production operations and inspections, ensuring hardware quality and manufacturing compliance.
- Regularly supported Integration builds to keep critical engine assemblies and missions on schedule.
- Served as a key contributor on critical-path Merlin engine builds, helping eliminate bottlenecks and establish sufficient inventory across both engine programs
- Helped strengthen the team by training new technicians, qualifying personnel on specialized operations, expanding the teams capability and operation flexibility
Thermal Protection Technician
SPACEX
Hawthorne, CA
12.2023 - 09.2024
- Served as point of contact for Jet Pack Cartridges, coordinating communication and workflow.
- Worked across multiple areas, including spam mixing, secondary bonding, spam packing, and cluster liners, adapting quickly to meet production needs.
- Trained new technicians in Cartridges, spam mixing & various sub assembles ensuring they were ready to take over and keep operations running smoothly.
- Reduced cartridge build time from over 100+ days to just 49 days by improving processes and working closely with engineers and techs.
- Collaborate daily with engineers to troubleshoot issues, move MCB'S & meet delivery deadlines.
- Contributed to positive work environment to uplift technicians and promote dept growth
- Regularly report to leads with updates, task planning, and production progress to keep everything on track.
- Tool Proficiency: Radius gauge, calipers, torquing, Dotco, orbital sander, load cell, torque wrench, prevailing wrench.
Assembly Technician
Applied Composites
Lake Forest, CA
03.2020 - 07.2023
- Maintained neat, organized and clean work areas to avoid safety concerns or production delays.
- Ability to use basic measures instruments such as micrometers and calipers
- Worked only with pyrone & cork for the main assembly for fuel transmission covers for SPACEX
- Completed component assembly with minimal supervision to meet deadlines.
- Used power tools
Supply Quality Coordinator
Proponent Aerospace
Brea, CA
12.2018 - 01.2020
- Assisted with quality control audits.
- Provided regular updates to team leadership on quality metrics by communicating consistency problems or production deficiencies.
- Inspected, verified and documented quantifiable characteristics of finished goods by comparing against customer specifications and company quality standards.
- Collaborated with management to provide training on improved processes and assisted with creation and maintenance of quality training.
- Helped run an inspection department aside with the supervisor
- Helped locate hot ICN's and assisted with PO ties
Education
CERTIFICATE - HVAC INSTALLATION AND REPAIR
UEI college
Anaheim, Cerritos05-2021
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Buena Park High School
Buena Park, Ca01-2018
Skills
- Aerospace Assembly
- Metal Fabrication
- Blueprint Reading
- Precision Measuring (Micrometers, Calipers, Pi Tape, Torque Wrenches)
- TIG/EB/Laser Weld Preparation
- Proofing, Waterflow, Leak checks etc
- FOD Prevention
- Microsoft Word, Excel, BPCS (AS400), WMS
- Fast learner
- Great communication skills
Languages
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Native)
Timeline
Propulsion Technician IV
SPACEX
09.2024 - Current
Thermal Protection Technician
SPACEX
12.2023 - 09.2024
Assembly Technician
Applied Composites
03.2020 - 07.2023
Supply Quality Coordinator
Proponent Aerospace
12.2018 - 01.2020
CERTIFICATE - HVAC INSTALLATION AND REPAIR
UEI college
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Buena Park High School