NICHOLAS KALUZA
Valley Center,USA
Summary
My journey in Aviation first began in 2009 after joining the USMC as an Airframe Mechanic. I had the pleasure of being assigned to AH1-Z, AH1-W, UH1-Y, & UH1-N aircraft. After my military contract, I transitioned into a Government Contractor job working depot-level aviation maintenance on F-18, E-2, & C2 aircraft. While on the island, I performed modifications & maintenance on two F-18 Blue Angel jets. I then began working at Northrop Grumman as an Inspector II for the F-35 and F-22 programs. After that assignment, I then began working at MCAS Miramar assigned to VMM-764 as a Mechanic III Collateral Duty Inspector for the MV-22 platform. In January 2022, I joined the F-35 CFT Team as a Structures Mechanic III at Miramar MCAS. I was then promoted to Structures Mechanic IV and subsequently promoted to Master Technician. Aviation is my passion and I plan to pursue my highest potential and obtain a lifelong career within the sector.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Master Technician
Northrop Grumman
MCAS Miramar, California
01.2022 - Current
- Executed depot-level modifications for F-35B and F-35C aircraft to enhance operational readiness.
- Conducted maintenance tasks in powerline, airframes, and avionics shops, ensuring aircraft reliability.
- Performed CDQAR inspections on F-35B airframes to ensure compliance.
- Employed MVI for operational, functional, and troubleshooting checks on aircraft systems.
- Installed new assemblies such as engines and lift fans in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Implemented SQARs to maintain procedural integrity.
- Utilized 3D CAD modeling for precision fitment and design tolerances using VAS CATIA.
- Collaborated with engineering teams for effective design implementation with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
- Facilitated training sessions for coworkers and active duty Marines, improving team knowledge and skills.
Mechanic III
Zenetex
MCAS Miramar, California
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Executed maintenance on MV-22 aircraft, ensuring operational readiness for VMM-764 USMC squadron.
- Achieved CDI qualification, improving technical proficiency and readiness for complex aircraft maintenance.
- Acquired CDQAR syllabus, reinforcing compliance with quality assurance standards and enhancing team capability.
- Established GSE qualifications to ensure operational readiness.
Inspector II
Northrop Grumman
San Diego, California
11.2018 - 03.2020
- Performs Final Inspection for F-35 and F-22 Avionics modules
- Executed inspections, tests, and measurements of aviation parts and materials, ensuring compliance with regulations and specifications
- Coordinated daily inspections with Lockheed Martin and DCMA for JSF F-35 Program, ensuring adherence to quality standards
- Performs Receiving Inspection for F-35 and F-22 piece parts IPC-A-600 & J-STD
- SQAR, RCCA, & NCR experience
- Enhanced quality assurance procedures, reducing errors and increasing inspection effectiveness
Journeyman Sheet Metal Mechanic
Tyonek Native Corporation
San Diego, CA
07.2015 - 05.2018
- Performed Depot Level Maintenance procedures on F-18, E-2, & C-2 aircraft
- Worked with F-18 center barrel program, building 378
- Inspected completed maintenance actions by other workers.
Airframe Mechanic
United States Marine Corps
Camp Pendleton South, CA
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Performed the role of Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) for AH1Z, AH1Y, UH1Y, & UH1N aircraft, validating adherence to safety and operational standards.
- Supervised and managed daily maintenance actions for 50 Marines, enhancing operational readiness and team coordination
- Executed organizational-level aviation maintenance tasks to ensure aircraft readiness and safety.
- Diagnosed and resolved hydraulic and flight control failures, minimizing aircraft downtime
Education
Associate of Science - Science
Palomar College
San Marcos, California, CA06.2015
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Skills
- Secret Security Clearance
- Aircraft Collateral Duty Inspector (5 Different T/M/S)
- Certificate of Conformance (COC) experience
- RCCA & NCR experience
- SQAR experience
- 3D Modeling CAD (VAS, CATIA)
- Aircraft Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR) Airframes F-35B
- ALIS, JTD, AR's, JDL, PDM, Solumina, SAP
- IPC-A-600 & J-STD knowledge
- AS9100 Inspection criteria
- DCMA familiarity and experience
- F-35/F-22 CNI Final Inspection/Receiving Inspection
- F-35B/F-35C experience
- COMNAVAIRFORINST 47902
- Naval Aviation Maintenance Management Program (NAMP) Knowledge
- Basic print reading skills and layout skills
- NALCOMIS/OOMA
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Master Technician
Northrop Grumman
01.2022 - Current
Mechanic III
Zenetex
03.2020 - 03.2021
Inspector II
Northrop Grumman
11.2018 - 03.2020
Journeyman Sheet Metal Mechanic
Tyonek Native Corporation
07.2015 - 05.2018
Airframe Mechanic
United States Marine Corps
01.2009 - 01.2014
Associate of Science - Science
Palomar College