MICHAEL J. HOPTON
Azle,TX
Summary
35+ years and vast background in aircraft maintenance, operations and sustainment fields backed with Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics (ERAU). Numerous program/project management and supervisory roles to include advanced technologies research & development, test planning, field service Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (F-15, F-16, F-22 and ADP platforms), 13+ years managing low observable programs, configuration management, aircraft maintenance analysis & metrics reporting, equipment management, and personnel training/supervision. Excellent written/verbal communication skills with the ability to lead teams comprised of diverse backgrounds and talents.
Active Top Secret Clearance/SCI -Continuous Vetting
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Systems Engineer (ADP)
Lockheed Martin
11.2020 - Current
- Performs reliability, maintainability and sustainment engineering; analyzes CAD models and drawings to develop field level maintenance tasks. Emphasizes mitigation of maintenance man-hours and follow-on maintenance procedures maximizing aircraft availability
- Provides design inputs to system engineers; ensures aircraft are maintainable and sustainable
- Identifies support equipment needs, focuses on field level maintenance and logistics footprint
- Minimizes support equipment costs by sourcing common, readily available equipment
- Capitalizes on risk management opportunities by analyzing processes, tooling, and equipment; identifies associated risks and provides solutions to mitigate injuries and equipment damage
- Performs Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FEMA), leverages system design with engineers focused on safety and field sustainment
- Conducts briefings and provides written reports to LM leadership and customers on various aircraft system maintenance task development on current status, challenges and solutions
Research Scientist - Supportable LO (ADP)
Lockheed Martin
04.2019 - 11.2020
- Managed numerous IRAD and CRAD programs; set priorities, and monitored team progress
- Daily Interface with customer; prepared formal written reports, presentations, and briefings
- Managed budget of New Business Funds, oversaw labor hours, material and travel expenses
- Analyzed and developed concepts and best practices for Low Observable (LO) applications; authored maintainable and supportable processes for field level sustainment
- Fostered innovations and implementation of LO diagnostic measurement equipment
- Developed tooling, applications and strategies with software and material engineers
- Engaged customers, identified emerging technology needs; developed action and budget plans, projected realistic timelines and built teams based on subject matter expertise
- Performed scientific research, investigations, experiments, test planning, and analysis supporting advanced technological theories, innovations, and inventions
- Wrote Statements of Work, proposals and Bill of Materials (BOM); created 2 year program schedule and built team of various engineers to execute program tasks
Program Manager & Operations Planning - Field Service
Lockheed Martin (Skunk Works)
01.2010 - 04.2019
- Program Manager on multiple programs; Aircraft Maintenance Analyst, Metrics Reporting, Configuration Management, and Maintenance/Logistics Documentation and Data Integrity
- Planned execution of aircraft Time Compliance Technical Orders/ modifications
- Daily Interface with customer; formal reports, presentations, and verbal briefings
- Maintenance System Information (ALMS) administrator/trainer; data integrity and reporting
- Training development, planning and documentation, ALMS & Aircraft Maintenance tasks
- Technical advisor supporting Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul activities at remote sites
- Inspect, validate and record low observable characteristics using point inspection tools
- Map, cut, fit, and apply low observables materials, coatings, sealants, primers and paints
- Remove, install, and troubleshoot airframe, engine, hydraulic, fuel, mission systems, and payload systems; Electronic Warfare and weapons
- Able to interpret engineering blueprints, schematics, drawings, and wiring diagrams
- Support operations and maintenance beyond customer capabilities at remote locations
- Adjust, repair, and replace faulty aircraft parts through troubleshooting and fault isolation
Team Lead - F-22 Low Observable Coater
Macaulay-Brown, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Supervised team of 20+ low observable and sheet metal technicians supporting F-22 depot
- Advised leadership on recommended structural damage repairs and modifications
- Evaluated, repaired and reapplied low observable coatings, primers, paints and topcoats
- Trained employees on low observable inspections, application procedures and techniques
- Ensured low observables repair compliance with technical data and engineering specs
Production Superintendent
U.S. Air Force
12 2003 - 1 2008
- Assumed complete responsibility of an aircraft maintenance unit comprised of 26 F-16 aircraft
- Planned/scheduled daily flight activities, maintenance and training with supporting agencies
- Directed over 4,500 scheduled/1500 unscheduled maintenance actions annually
- Managed aircraft configuration and time compliance modifications ensuring mission readiness
Section Chief
U.S. Air Force
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Supervised 90+ maintainers, responsible for upgrade training and professional development
- Managed section's training and development program maximizing job task qualifications
- Enforced strict adherence to safety standards/tech data compliance of assigned personnel
- Communicated clear expectations, rewarded good and corrected undesirable behavior
- Cultivated strong team-building and working relations embracing unit's diversities
- Managed $3 million mission essential equipment account to include over 250 test equipment and calibration items, 300 tool kits, and 800 technical orders/job guides
Education
Bachelors' Degree - Applied Science - Aviation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL2015
Associates Degree - Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Tyndall Air Force Base, FL2001
Skills
- Program & project management
- Financial & budget management
- Earned Value Management
- Supervision & leadership
- Problem solving with multi-disciplined teams
- Speaking & presenting to large audiences
- Proposal & Statement of Work writing
- DOD Contracts
- Technical writing & presentations
- Training development & planning
- Maintenance Information Systems
- Engineering schematics & blueprints
- CATIA, Team Center, JIRA & ATLAS
- Technical manuals/orders
- Diagnostic measurement tools
- Aircraft maintenance & field sustainment
- Foreign Military Sales
- Reliability, Maintainability & Supportability
- Logistics and product support
- Technical principles, theories & concepts
- Status reporting & briefing executive leadership
- Research & development testing & planning
- Maintenance metrics & data analysis
- Systems engineering - airframe, propulsion, hydraulics, avionics, payloads, LO
- Configuration management
Accomplishments
- CAM 101
- Airframe & Powerplant License, certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- F-22 Basic Low Observable, blueprint & IMIS courses.
- Senior Leadership & Management training courses.
- 3 Dimensional Computer Aided Design - CATIA
- Numerous aircraft maintenance courses - hydraulic, secondary power, engine, etc.
Timeline
Systems Engineer (ADP)
Lockheed Martin
11.2020 - Current
Research Scientist - Supportable LO (ADP)
Lockheed Martin
04.2019 - 11.2020
Program Manager & Operations Planning - Field Service
Lockheed Martin (Skunk Works)
01.2010 - 04.2019
Team Lead - F-22 Low Observable Coater
Macaulay-Brown, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2010
Section Chief
U.S. Air Force
01.2002 - 01.2003
Production Superintendent
U.S. Air Force
12 2003 - 1 2008
Bachelors' Degree - Applied Science - Aviation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Associates Degree - Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Community College of the Air Force
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