PATRICK J. SCHAMEL
Marinette,WI
Summary
Senior Quality Assurance leader with 20+ years of experience in naval shipbuilding, mechanical systems oversight, and defense manufacturing. Expert in developing and executing large-scale QA programs, building and leading high-performing technical teams, and ensuring compliance with complex contractual and regulatory requirements. Proven ability to strengthen production quality, reduce risk, and deliver mission-ready vessels across multiple ship classes. Known for building collaborative relationships with engineering, production, and executive leadership to solve complex problems and elevate organizational performance. Core strengths include risk-based surveillance, mechanical systems QA, supplier quality, root-cause analysis, audit leadership, and cross-functional team management.
Quality Assurance professional with strong background in ensuring product integrity and compliance. Skilled in identifying system inefficiencies, implementing effective quality control measures, and enhancing operational processes. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to evolving project demands while consistently achieving high-quality results. Equipped with analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisory Quality Assurance Specialist (Mechanical Division)
Supervisor of Shipbuilding
Marinette, WI
11.2023 - Current
- Lead QA authority for mechanical systems across multiple Navy shipbuilding programs. Manage a team of 11 QA professionals and oversee all aspects of the Contract Administration Quality Assurance Program (CAQAP).
- Programs Supported: LCS, MMSC, FFG
- Key Achievements & Responsibilities
- Served as acting Senior Site Quality Manager, overseeing site-wide QA operations and strategic priorities.
- Directed risk-based oversight for critical shipbuilding activities, reducing cost, schedule, and performance risks.
- Analyzed quality data to identify systemic issues and drive corrective actions that strengthened builder performance.
- Conducted audits, surveillance inspections, and process evaluations to ensure compliance with technical specifications and contractual requirements.
- Provided expert QA guidance to senior leadership, program managers, and contractor executives.
- Defined divisional QA goals, training requirements, and personnel qualification standards.
- Strengthened mechanical systems QA across propulsion, auxiliary systems, HVAC, seawater/potable water, damage control, compressed gas, aviation support systems, and ship control systems.
Quality Assurance Mechanical Team Lead
Supervisor of Shipbuilding
Marinette, WI
02.2021 - 11.2023
- Led a team of 11 QA Specialists supporting mechanical systems oversight for multiple ship classes at Fincantieri Marinette Marine.
- Programs Supported: LCS, MMSC, FFG
- Key Achievements & Responsibilities
- Directed mechanical QA oversight from in-process inspections through final acceptance trials.
- Developed mechanical discipline components of the Site Quality Assurance Plan, including surveillance strategies and special studies.
- Interpreted NAVSEA, DoD, and contractual requirements and translated them into actionable QA processes.
- Delivered detailed QA reporting to senior leadership, identifying trends and recommending improvements.
- Led investigations into complex quality issues and negotiated changes to contractor inspection programs.
- Ensured corrective actions were implemented effectively and prevented recurrence.
- Assessed readiness and performance of major mechanical systems including propulsion, auxiliary machinery, HVAC, seawater systems, damage control, and navigation/communication systems.
Quality Assurance Specialist – Mechanical Division
Supervisor of Shipbuilding
Bath, ME
04.2017 - 02.2021
- Provided mechanical systems QA oversight across multiple Navy shipbuilding programs, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, contractual requirements, and performance standards throughout construction, testing, and trials.
- Bath Iron Works (BIW) | Apr 2017 – Sep 2019
- Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) | Sep 2019 – Feb 2021
- Programs Supported: LCS, MMSC, DDG-51, DDG-1000
- Key Achievements & Responsibilities
- Conducted in-process audits, final inspections, and readiness assessments for builder and acceptance trials.
- Ensured strict compliance with technical manuals, drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
- Evaluated performance of propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, HVAC, seawater/potable water, compressed gas, damage control, and ship control systems.
- Identified deficiencies and collaborated with contractor engineering and production teams to implement corrective actions.
- Performed detailed audits and inspections of mechanical and HVAC systems to verify compliance and system performance.
- Assessed ship readiness for acceptance trials, validating system functionality and operational capability.
- Interpreted complex technical documentation and ensured alignment with Navy and contractual requirements.
Security Specialist – Supervisor of Shipbuilding
Bath, ME
06.2015 - 04.2017
- Managed security operations, visitor vetting, access control, and Antiterrorism Force Protection (AT/FP) programs for SUPSHIP Bath. Coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies to protect personnel, facilities, and classified material.
Security Manager – McKean Defense Group
04.2014 - 06.2015
- Oversaw physical security, Industrial Security, Personnel Security, Operational Security, AT/FP, and classified material handling for Navy Pre-commissioning (PRECOM) units. Developed and implemented security programs, conducted training, and coordinated with Senior Leadership, Law Enforcement and Military Agencies.
United States Navy
01.1996 - 01.2014
- Completed a 20-year Navy career with progressive leadership roles in aviation maintenance, mechanical systems oversight, high-risk training, Nuclear Command and Control, and instructor development. Managed large technical teams, executed complex maintenance programs, and delivered mission-critical training to high-risk personnel.
- Aviation & Survival Training | Mechanical Systems QA | Leadership & Instruction
- Highlights
- Led teams of 45-60 personnel across aviation maintenance, SERE instruction, and flight operations.
- Conducted QA inspections on electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and HVAC systems for multiple aircraft platforms.
- Delivered 1,000+ hours of high-risk Code of Conduct (SERE) instruction; served as Lead Instructor for Field and Resistance phases.
- Managed training programs for 98 instructors, including records, compliance, and curriculum development and execution.
- Oversaw maintenance and operational readiness for MH-53E, TH-57, SH-60, CH-46 and E6B Mercury aircraft.
- Supported humanitarian operations during the Kosovo conflict.
- Held multiple collateral duties in security, safety, and program management.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bradford Central School
Skills
- Quality Systems & Auditing (ISO 9001, internal/lead audits)
- Mechanical Systems QA (propulsion, HVAC, auxiliary systems, seawater/potable water, damage control)
- Risk-Based Surveillance & Root Cause Analysis
- Supplier Quality & Corrective Action Management
- Technical Drawing & Specification Interpretation
- Data Analysis & Quality Reporting
- Team Leadership & Training
- Stakeholder & Contractor Management
- Detail-oriented
- Quality assurance
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical thinking
Certification
- Current TS/SCI Security Clearance - Active SECRET
- DAWIA Level II Certification
- NBPI Certified
- Extensive training in ISO 9001, auditing, mechanical systems QA, AT/FP, OPSEC, and leadership development
Timeline
Supervisory Quality Assurance Specialist (Mechanical Division)
Supervisor of Shipbuilding
11.2023 - Current
Quality Assurance Mechanical Team Lead
Supervisor of Shipbuilding
02.2021 - 11.2023
Quality Assurance Specialist – Mechanical Division
Supervisor of Shipbuilding
04.2017 - 02.2021
Security Specialist – Supervisor of Shipbuilding
06.2015 - 04.2017
Security Manager – McKean Defense Group
04.2014 - 06.2015
United States Navy
01.1996 - 01.2014
High School Diploma -
Bradford Central School