Mikhos Mañeru
Torrance,CA
Summary
Accomplished Production Supervisor with over 20 years in aerospace hardware manufacturing and U.S. Navy aviation maintenance. Led multi-shift teams in delivering critical COPV and propellant tank hardware for human spaceflight. Skilled in quality inspections, hydrostatic and pneumatic testing, orbital tube welding, and aircraft powerplant maintenance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Supervisor
SpaceX
Hawthorne, USA
07.2020 - 03.2026
- Managed and mentored production teams of 20+ technicians. Outlined a development plan to help achieve their career goals.
- Led teams that completed 100% of required propellant tanks for remaining Crew Dragon capsules, supporting uninterrupted mission schedules and enabling USDV tank production scaling.
- Established daily and weekly production targets and partnered with engineering to resolve technical blockers impacting delivery schedules.
- Coordinated with QA and NDE leadership to maintain on-time inspection readiness for flight hardware.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with supply chain, machine shop, and furnace teams to track outsourced parts, machined components, and annealing availability.
Propulsion Technician / Lead Technician
SpaceX
Hawthorne, USA
08.2012 - 07.2020
- Delegated daily workloads and coordinated with engineering to resolve production constraints.
- Executed hydrostatic and pneumatic testing on Cargo and Crew Dragon propellant tanks to certify hardware for flight use.
- Supported pressure testing, precision cleaning, and inspections that enabled first re-certification of Cargo propellant tanks for multi-flight reuse.
- Performed orbital tube welding on Cargo Dragon prop tanks, increasing team autonomy and reducing external dependencies.
- Performed authorized overseer inspections including weld fit-ups, pressure test configurations, tank rework verification, and internal inspections.
- Trained and qualified technicians, enabling promotions and expansion of certified personnel.
Powerplants Technician / Workcenter Supervisor
U.S. Navy
, USA
07.2003 - 09.2012
- Executed engine teardown, rebuild, and testing of T56-A-425/427 engines, directly enhancing readiness for E-2 and C-2 aircraft operations.
- Performed pre-flight, post-flight inspections, and hourly engine & propeller maintenance during high-tempo carrier operations.
- Conducted pre-flight and post-flight inspections along with hourly engine and propeller maintenance, ensuring operational reliability during high-tempo carrier operations.
- Facilitated F/A-18 phase maintenance through comprehensive engine bay inspections and efficient oil and fuel system servicing.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Aviation Maintenance
Embry Riddle
Point Mugu, CA 01-2011
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Quality Control Oversight
- Cross functional collaboration
- Propellant tank manufacturing
- Process Improvement
- Production Planning
Certifications Training Awards
- NASA White Sands COPV Inspection Certified
- Hydrostatic & Pneumatic Pressure Testing
- Orbital Tube Welding
- Aviation Machinist’s Mate – U.S. Navy
- Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards)
- Certificate of Appreciation – Dragon CRS14 Mission
Timeline
Production Supervisor
SpaceX
07.2020 - 03.2026
Propulsion Technician / Lead Technician
SpaceX
08.2012 - 07.2020
Powerplants Technician / Workcenter Supervisor
U.S. Navy
07.2003 - 09.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Aviation Maintenance
Embry Riddle