NICHOLAS MEROLA
Painted Post,NY
Summary
Retains Government Security Clearance. Data driven, training focused with a high mechanical aptitude. Heavy aviation and manufacturing background. Delivered >$5.5M positive Manufacturing Variance swing year-over-year and 11.5% Overall Equipment Effectiveness increase. Earned 2 Army Commendation Medals. One for Distinguished Heroism, by notifying quality control that aircraft safety violations occurred preventing total loss of life. One for Meritorious Achievement, for my ability and willingness to operate at levels above the rolls assigned to me.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Leader
Corning Incorporated
Corning, NY
07.2022 - Current
- Successfully operated as Team Leader in both Finishing and Forming departments
- Conducted daily Layered Process Audits within Finishing, Forming and Dry Blend
- Developed line staffing techniques to promote cohesion and production amongst the 70 individuals under my supervision
- Proven track record of successfully leading teams to reach customer satisfaction goals
- Expertise in coaching and motivating team members to achieve maximum performance
- Adept at utilizing conflict resolution techniques to deal with challenging situations
- Proficient in using software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, Excel and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the finishing department, ensuring consistent quality of products and on time delivery to customers
- Monitor production performance, analyze production data and recommend measures to increase efficiency and reduce costs
- Communicate with other departments and personnel to ensure production goals are met
- Train, motivate and evaluate production personnel, ensuring compliance with safety standards
- Create and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), overtime schedules, and quality assurance guidelines
- Monitor and maintain equipment, troubleshoot problems and coordinate with maintenance personnel
- Prepare and analyze production reports, including costs, quality and delivery metrics
- Led project teams in process optimization initiatives through the use of Six Sigma tools; and methodologies
- Creates and delivers daily pre-shift meetings to team
Flight Engineer
New York Army National Guard
Rochester, NY
12.2016 - Current
- Monitor aircraft safety systems and operational conditions, reporting errors or faults to pilot in command
- Administer comprehensive pre-flight inspections, following detailed checklist
- Interpret and update technical manuals, retain repair logs, and document preventative and corrective aircraft maintenance
- Repair and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, rigging, hydraulic units, fuel systems, gaskets, and seals
- Maintain mission readiness of Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) for 26 aircrew members as unit's ALSE Non-commissioned Officer
- Delegated tasks, created timeline, and prioritized effectively to repair an aircraft in unfamiliar territory with one coworker, completing tasks in seven days while critically understaffed
- In-depth knowledge of CH47F helicopter components, systems, and design
- Proven record of performing routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs on CH47F helicopters
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast paced environment
Section Chief
Army
, Middle East
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Company Overview: Military organization operating in the Middle East
- Led a Platoon of 80 personnel consisting CH-47F (Chinook) and UH-60 (Blackhawk) aviation maintainers with effective leadership
- Prioritizing mission readiness, welfare of Soldiers and adherence to safety regulations
- Liaised with senior military officers to coordinate missions and ensure strategic objectives
- Managed budgetary and logistical constraints while ensuring critical mission capabilities across aircraft fleet
- Developed and maintained Aviation Maintenance Training Program (AMTP)
- Documenting individual training metrics, maintenance objectives, and advising superiors of our Units capabilities
- Supervised over 6500 aviation maintenance hours with no safety incidents and improved operational readiness across entire Task Force from 45% to 75% of aircraft being Fully Mission Capable (FMC)
- Actively supported quality control shop
- Updating technical manuals, processing supporting documents, implementing best practices, tracking DA Form 2410 items and maintaining aviation safety as a Technical Inspector (TI)
- Personally accruing 500 hours as a TI
- Operated under high stress environment with a high operational tempo, ensuring all deadlines were safely and effectively met
- Deeply involved with complicated and unique maintenance incidents
- Often reaching out to Boeing representatives and engineers to solve complex and dynamic challenges
- Military organization operating in the Middle East
Federal Technician, Aircraft Mechanic
Army Aviation Support Facility
Rochester, NY
10.2018 - 01.2022
- Achieved Senior Aviation Maintainer status (ML3)
- Capable of conducting maintenance at all levels to include: Phase, periodic and daily inspections
- Power plant, avionics, airframe, hydraulics, drive train and fuel systems
- Maintained operational readiness of CH-47F aircraft as Lead Technician
- Performed scheduled preventative maintenance, inspections, and functional checks on aircraft
- Ensured technical and tactical readiness for day flights, night flights, and night vision goggle (NVG) exercises
- Troubleshot and diagnosed unscheduled maintenance, completing wide range of repair and testing on aircraft systems
- Administered pre-/post-flight and daily inspections on aircraft to verify health and safety of flight crew
- Oversaw the completion, start to finish, of three C2 MSG3 phases as the Lead Technician
- Removed and replaced aircraft parts, accessories, and components; made adjustments using tools; and tested equipment according to established specifications
- Communicated with supervisors and aircraft mechanics to provide administrative and technical guidance to meet inspection criteria and deadlines
- Trained and delegated tasks to subordinates
Industrial Electrician
World Kitchen Corelle Brands
Corning, NY
04.2015 - 10.2018
- Assisted with maintenance and compliance of electrical systems within industrial manufacturing facility
- Installed, inspected, repaired, and maintained wiring, control systems, lighting fixtures, and electrical components such as transformers and breakers
- Read and interpreted blueprints and other technical diagrams
- Used variety of testing devices and instrumentation, including hand tools, calibrators, probes, scopes, and meters
- Maintained knowledge and understanding of state and local building regulations based on National Electric Code (NEC)
- Installed electrical systems, equipment, and components in a variety of industrial settings
- Conducted safety inspections of electrical systems and equipment to identify any potential hazards or malfunctions
Education
Sling Load Inspector Course -
Fort Lee
VA07.2021
Aviation Life Support Equipment -
Fort Rucker
AL09.2020
Basic Leadership Course -
Fort Indiantown Gap
PA03.2020
CH-47 Flight Engineer Course -
NGBEFEC-47 Fort Indiantown Gap
PA08.2019
CH-47D/F Helicopter Repairer -
Fort Eustis
VA11.2017
High School Diploma -
West High School
Painted Post, NY01.2013
Skills
- Mentoring
- Work Planning
- Shift Scheduling
- Issue Resolution
- Safety processes and procedures
- Leading Team Meetings
- Overseeing Daily Activities
- Team motivation
- Attention to Detail
- People Management
- Daily workflow improvement
- Lean Manufacturing
Languages
English, Native
Personal Information
Nationality: American
Timeline
Section Chief
Army
01.2023 - 01.2024
Team Leader
Corning Incorporated
07.2022 - Current
Federal Technician, Aircraft Mechanic
Army Aviation Support Facility
10.2018 - 01.2022
Flight Engineer
New York Army National Guard
12.2016 - Current
Industrial Electrician
World Kitchen Corelle Brands
04.2015 - 10.2018
Sling Load Inspector Course -
Fort Lee
Aviation Life Support Equipment -
Fort Rucker
Basic Leadership Course -
Fort Indiantown Gap
CH-47 Flight Engineer Course -
NGBEFEC-47 Fort Indiantown Gap
CH-47D/F Helicopter Repairer -
Fort Eustis
High School Diploma -
West High School
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