Mimmo Pirrone

Government-designated Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) overseeing supplier quality and process compliance across a diverse portfolio of manufacturers, distributors, and processing contractors supporting mission-critical aerospace and defense programs.

• Led quality surveillance activities at 9 contractor sites, including 3 manufacturers, 3 chemical processing contractors, and 3 distributors, ensuring compliance with all contract and regulatory requirements.
• Spent 3 years embedded in an electronics contractor’s facility, managing inspection and quality assurance of electrical components for the F-35 and F-22 fighter aircraft programs—coordinating closely with engineering and supplier teams to mitigate high-risk issues.
• For the past 6 years, led oversight of chemical processing and mechanical component manufacturing, ensuring conformance to stringent specifications, MIL standards, and high-level quality system requirements (ISO 9001:2015, AS9100).
• Performed technical contract reviews to validate quality clauses and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements; developed targeted surveillance strategies to reduce program risk and supplier deviation.
• Directed product inspections (DPEs) and process evaluations (PEs) to verify deliverables prior to acceptance; authorized product acceptance/rejection and led resolution of non-conformances with suppliers.
• Executed Contractor Technical Assessments (CTAs) to evaluate risk, drive quality improvement plans, and refine surveillance based on supplier past performance and capabilities.
• Processed and resolved Product Quality Deficiency Reports (PQDRs) through cross-functional communication with customer and contractor stakeholders.
• Managed performance reporting using DCMA tools such as PDREP and WAWF, creating actionable insights and supporting contract closeout and delivery confirmation.
• Issued Quality Letters of Instruction (QALIs) to vendors and developed scopes of work aligning with quality expectations and program needs.

Supported aerospace component assembly and structural integrity checks for military and commercial aviation platforms, with a strong focus on quality, precision, and compliance with manufacturing standards.

• Interpreted engineering manuals and technical drawings to lay out holes, fit components, and assemble structures for major programs including Gulfstream leading edges, Embraer engine cowlings, and A-10 aircraft components.
• Assembled and installed aircraft structural parts, ensuring tight tolerances and defect-free integration of complex mechanical systems.
• Performed in-process and final quality inspections on both personal and team-assembled units to ensure compliance with specifications and FOD-free environments.
• Administered and participated in FOD audits, controls, and training, reinforcing clean manufacturing practices across the facility.
• Applied and maintained hazardous sealants and chemical agents in accordance with material safety and usage guidelines.
• Calibrated and utilized precision tools including torque wrenches, gauges, and calipers, ensuring accurate and consistent measurements across production runs.

Performed structural inspections, maintenance, and repairs on rotary-wing aircraft, contributing to mission readiness, flight safety, and high-precision component quality. Provided aviation support for UH-60 Blackhawk, AH-64 Apache, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters during peacetime operations and overseas deployment.

• Conducted in-depth inspections and repairs on interior and exterior aircraft structures, including composite, honeycomb, and fiberglass components, ensuring compliance with technical manuals and safety standards.
• Fabricated and installed custom structural repairs and modifications using manual layouts, tools, and calibrated instruments including torque wrenches, calipers, gauges, fault indicators, and ground power units.
• Performed non-destructive inspections (NDI) on critical components to identify structural fatigue or failure risks, coordinating closely with crew chiefs, pilots, and inspectors during pre-flight and maintenance operations.
• Supervised squad-level maintenance team and supported flight line operations, ensuring aircraft were mission-ready under strict time constraints and operational guidelines.
• Deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2013–2014), providing full-spectrum aircraft maintenance in austere environments and coordinating with multinational teams.
• Maintained strict adherence to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) protocols while handling hazardous materials and performing chemical-based repairs and applications.
• Installed aircraft modifications as directed by Technical Manuals, performing final inspections and documentation of all completed work to uphold airworthiness and readiness.