MIcheal Headings
Oak Harbor,WA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience at Raytheon, specializing in avionics and radar system maintenance. Excelled in teamwork and critical thinking, saving over $12.5 million through innovative solutions. Proficient in Microsoft Office and adept at fostering customer relations, a proven track record of achievements and a commitment to excellence.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
FSR for the APY-10 Program.
Raytheon
05.2021 - Current
- Remotely operated out of NAS Whidbey Island Navy Base covering all maintenance on APY-10 Radar system and testing equipment for Navy aircraft, Boeing aircraft, and Boeing trainer/flight simulator. Multiple support trips to PAX River Maryland, Iceland, and Kadena Okinawa.
- Project Team Member assigned to testing and development of new FLSD test set (Flight Line System Diagnostics) used to test RADAR systems along with external test equipment such as Signal Generators and Oscilloscopes to test and troubleshoot RADAR signal generation. Assisted in completion of all software updates and all publication updates.
- Currently I process of programming all software for new SAR and ISAR build for the entire NAVY Pacific fleet, to include Boeing and their Trainer.
- Performed RADAR signal testing and analyzation.
- Saved the Navy and Raytheon over 12.5 million dollars, through the repair and interdiction of failed Radar components/software.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
Equipment Specialist (Avioncs)
NATEC
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Served as an Equipment Specialist (Avionics) within the Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering Service Command (NATEC)
- Provided technical advice and assistance on the acceptance, installation, operation, and maintenance of assigned aviation systems and equipment.
- Prepared lesson plans, design training aids, and conducted classes for personnel engaged in the operation, maintenance, and/or installation of equipment.
- Developed a system for tracking equipment maintenance schedules, leading to increased reliability and fewer breakdowns.
- Advised technicians on methods of resolving troubleshooting problems and repairing difficult aviation system malfunctions.
- Reviewed technical publications and manuals for completeness and accuracy.
- Performed root cause analyses of recurring issues, instituting corrective actions that resulted in decreased downtime occurrences.
- Leveraged strong communication skills to effectively convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop customized solutions for unique equipment challenges.
- Proposed changes, additions, and recommendations for improvement of weapons systems, their support equipment, and associated logistics issues.
- Prepared Technical Reports and other appropriate reports on subjects of interest or concern (i.e. hazardous conditions, safety-of-flight conditions, and evaluation of equipment).
- Educated and managed staff on best practices in use and maintenance of equipment inventory.
- Coordinated logistical aspects of equipment acquisition projects, including transportation, installation, and training requirements.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms for equipment purchases and service agreements.
- Assessed operational needs, recommending appropriate upgrades or replacements to improve overall efficiency.
- Inspected and checked outgoing orders for quality control.
- Managed repairs and vendors to minimize inventory downtime.
- Reduced costs by implementing energy-saving measures across all facets of equipment operation.
- Diagnosed complex mechanical problems, utilizing specialized tools and expert knowledge to facilitate effective resolutions.
- Implemented new equipment installation procedures, resulting in minimized disruption to operations.
- Provided guidance to junior team members on proper handling techniques and safety protocols, fostering a positive work environment focused on growth and development.
Electronics Technician on P-3C Aircraft
Zenetex
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Inspect integrated avionics systems, post entries, and maintain inspection and maintenance records
- Inspect avionics systems and determine operational status; and interpret inspection findings and determine correction action adequacy
- Inspect, service, and perform general aircraft handling procedures
- Inspect avionics systems and determine operational status, and interpret inspection findings to determine correction action adequacy
- Functionally test, troubleshoot, inspect, adjust and repair the entire range of aircraft avionics systems
- AT Collateral Duty Inspector
- Full Systems QAR/Quality Assurance Manager (AT/AE/AD/AM/PR/AME)Installed and maintained a variety of electrical and electronic components in accordance with approved methods and procedures.
- Monitored and tested equipment performance to diagnose and resolve problems.
- Fixed circuit boards and wire harness problems using schematics, wiring diagrams, and testing instruments.
- Designed and constructed new equipment to meet engineering experiment requirements.
- Installed and maintained a variety of electrical and electronic components in accordance with approved methods and procedures.
- Managed reactive repairs and emergency maintenance for varied electronic devices.
- Used diagnostic and testing processes in collaboration with product engineers to identify, define, and solve development issues.
- Utilized advanced diagnostic tools for accurate identification of system faults, minimizing repair times significantly.
- Established, repaired and optimized networks by installing wiring, cabling and devices
- Corrected connectivity faults to restore user access to local networks, cloud-based storage and public web
- Enhanced user experience with thorough troubleshooting and resolution of hardware and software problems
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve seamless integration of new software applications into existing systems
- Provided remote technical support, resolving issues quickly without requiring onsite visits whenever possible
- Configured systems according to prescribed software and hardware frameworks
- Managed inventory of hardware and software assets, ensuring proper allocation and maintenance throughout their lifecycle
Configurations and Installations Manager
US Navy
07.2016 - 04.2018
- Managed Configurations department overseeing 23 major installs on EP-3E aircraft. Utilizing Engineering Diagrams and Technical Orders to insure correct installation, operational checks, and Quality Assurance of special projects Top Secret One of One Avionics Systems. Installed on time to meet Squadrons operational commitments with 100% successful operational checks.
- Insured all aircraft configuration matrix were up to date with correct systems and capabilities and were reported directly to the Commanding Officer and Maintenance control. Allowing Maintenance Control to verify immediately if Aircraft could meet Mission Requirements.
- Monitored and reported on new system integration and assisted contractors with needed input to improve system networks. Allowing operators to have the most up to date systems and software that were handpicked for specific One of One mission.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
Military Instructor
US Navy
11.2013 - 07.2016
- As a Master Training Specialist was a qualified CCMM (Course Curriculum Model Manager) and rewrote and updated the Aviation Common Core Initial and Career Avionics courses.
- As LEAD INSTRUCTOR Taught basic electronics, troubleshooting and avionics fundamentals for RADAR, OPTIC TURRETS, RADIO, SATELLITE COMMUNICATION, and NAVIGATIONAL AIDS in the classroom and lab with a 100% graduation rate.
- Qualified US Navy Command Career Counselor- Guided 13,000 sailor on how to correctly manage their careers, service records, and advancement opportunities.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to create interdisciplinary training exercises, exposing trainees to a wide range of military knowledge and expertise.
- Enhanced trainee performance by incorporating hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios into training sessions.
- Served as a subject matter expert for military training curriculum, providing input on content and delivery methods for maximum impact.
- Fostered resilience among military personnel by integrating stress management techniques into daily routines.
- Evaluated trainee progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and tailored instruction to ensure mastery of critical skills.
- Established clear expectations among trainees from day one, setting the stage for a successful training experience and long-term success in their military career.
- Implemented new instructional strategies based on evolving military doctrine and emerging threats, ensuring relevance and applicability of training materials.
Aircraft Maintenance Manager
US Navy
09.2009 - 11.2013
- PROGRAM MANAGER.- Qualified Maintenance Controller and Phase Inspection Coordinator. Managed the daily maintenance efforts of 135 personnel in nine work centers performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on 13 P-3 and EP-3 aircraft.
- Screened maintenance records and logbooks for accuracy and insured all updates were implemented in the Aircraft Discrepancy Book (ADB) correctly.
- Avionics Leading Petty Officer in charge of 94 Sailors and the Avionics Equipment of 9 EP-3E
- Flight Line Coordinator and Division Leading Petty Officer –Managed the launch and recovery of all Aircraft, and insured that Flight Line qualifications of 950 personnel were current and meeting Squadron requirements for day to day operation. Received Navy Achievement Medal (15FEB2013) for passing Aviation Maintenance Inspection.
- Received Navy Achievement Medal (15DEC2011) while deployed to Iraq for completing 690 maintenance actions and qualifying 8 Aviation Warfare Specialists.
- Optimized spare parts inventory management system, minimizing stock shortages and ensuring availability during critical periods.
- Improved communication between departments by establishing regular meetings and open channels for sharing information regarding aircraft status updates.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and development.
- Championed best practices for tool control and calibration procedures, ensuring consistent results across all maintenance activities.
- Coordinated closely with flight operations teams to minimize schedule disruptions due to maintenance-related delays or cancellations.
- Developed risk mitigation strategies for emergent situations such as severe weather events or technical malfunctions during flight operations.
- Implemented preventive maintenance plans, reducing unscheduled maintenance events and extending aircraft lifespan.
- Increased aircraft availability by implementing efficient maintenance scheduling and resource allocation.
- Managed complex projects involving multiple aircraft systems upgrades, ensuring timely completion and minimal impact on operations.
Avionics Maintenance Technician
US Navy
10.2006 - 09.2009
- Operated Ground Rover Systems and PRC-117 systems. To include all troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of all system components. Lead Technician on these system for 11 months to supply forward deployed ground troops with valuable intel. Trained and qualified 6 subordinates on troubleshooting and repair of Ground Rover and PRC-17 systems.
- Mentored junior technicians, providing guidance on best practices for troubleshooting techniques and effective problem-solving methodologies.
- Reduced downtime by efficiently diagnosing and repairing electronic components such as navigation systems, communication equipment, and flight control systems.
- Managed testing equipment calibration schedules, ensuring accurate results in diagnostics procedures across the organization''s fleet of aircrafts.
- Ensured mission readiness by performing scheduled and unscheduled avionics maintenance on various aircraft types.
- Enhanced fleet reliability through accurate troubleshooting and repair of avionics equipment malfunctions.
- Completed quality assurance checks for service work and completed documentation outlining updates.
- Repaired and installed wiring, connectors, control boxes antennas, and other pieces.
- Qualified Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) and Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) for (AT) Aviation Electronics Technician, (AE) Aviation Electrician, (AD) Aviation Machinist Mate, and (PR) Aircrew Survival Equipmentman. Deployed to Iraq for 9 months as the only Quality Assurance Representative for AT, AE, and AD. Performed multiple engine generator, propeller, fuel control, and engine changes for AE’s and AD’s. Served as the Tri-Sight Deployment Leading Petty Officer for Quality Assurance.
- Qualified 18 Collateral duty Inspectors and 4 Quality Assurance Representatives for which I Received a Navy Achievement Medal (13MAY2010).
- Aviation Electronics Branch Leading Petty Officer of 32 Personnel for 1 year. Qualified 6 Collateral Duty Inspectors. Received Navy Achievement (31DEC2006).
- Participated in cross-training opportunities, expanding skillset to support broader maintenance operations when necessary.
- Improved aircraft safety by conducting thorough avionics system inspections and maintenance tasks.
- Assisted in the development of technical publications to improve training materials for new technicians.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry advancements and emerging technologies through regular professional development activities, applying new insights to enhance overall maintenance effectiveness.
- Tested electrical aircraft systems, components, and equipment for compliance with standards and to uncover malfunctions.
- Completed preventive and reparative maintenance on aircraft electronics and computer systems.
- Performed scheduled and unscheduled inspections to check flight readiness of aircraft.
- Utilized testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, ammeters and ohmmeters.
Avionics Technician
US Navy
04.1998 - 09.2006
- Kept abreast of new technologies within the field by attending workshops, seminars, and industry conferences as needed.
- Upheld strict quality assurance protocols to ensure all completed work met or exceeded established benchmarks before returning an aircraft to service.
- Prevented unnecessary costs by identifying potential issues early during routine inspections, allowing for proactive repairs rather than reactive measures later on down the line.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives within the organization by participating in regular process review meetings and suggesting potential areas for further optimization.
- Improved communication between cockpit and ground crew by maintaining and upgrading aircraft radio systems.
- Demonstrated adaptability in servicing various types of aircraft, including commercial, private, and military models.
- Played a vital role in ensuring fleet readiness by performing routine maintenance, system upgrades, and emergency repairs on deployed aircraft.
- Collaborated closely with pilots to address specific concerns related to flight instruments or navigational equipment functionality issues prior to takeoff or after landing.
- VP-40 (P3-C, Aircraft Improvement Program (AIP), and BMUP Plus) Maintainer from 6/2001-9/2006
- HSL-41 SH-60 Helicopter from 4/1998-5/2001
Education
High School Diploma -
Perrydale High School
Oregon05.1997
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Excellent Communication
- Multitasking Abilities
- Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Data Entry
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Customer Relations
- Organizational Skills
Additional Information
REFERENCES
Herbert Johnson
Aircraft Maintenance Senior Supervisor
(405) 210-4519
David Carroll
Projects Manager Contractor
(904) 505-7916
Brett Tucker
Zenetex X51 Supervisor
(435) 630-3807
Kenneth Hoef
Raytheon Senior Field Engineer II
(904) 333-0428
Timeline
FSR for the APY-10 Program.
Raytheon
05.2021 - Current
Equipment Specialist (Avioncs)
NATEC
01.2019 - 05.2019
Electronics Technician on P-3C Aircraft
Zenetex
05.2018 - 01.2019
Configurations and Installations Manager
US Navy
07.2016 - 04.2018
Military Instructor
US Navy
11.2013 - 07.2016
Aircraft Maintenance Manager
US Navy
09.2009 - 11.2013
Avionics Maintenance Technician
US Navy
10.2006 - 09.2009
Avionics Technician
US Navy
04.1998 - 09.2006
High School Diploma -
Perrydale High School