Paul Acken
1st Assistant Engineer
Sandy
Summary
Motivated and detail oriented marine engineer with 9+ years experience on all operational systems onboard private mega yachts and OSVs. Creative problem solver with critical experience in maintaining, identifying problems, troubleshooting and implementing successful solutions to all mechanical systems to ensure smooth, continuous operation of the vessel.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
1st Assistant Engineer
SpaceX
03.2023 - Current
- Implemented Polaris / Horizon Oil Analysis Program for Marine assets.
- PSTP Revision Owner-Took ownership of revising ARK vessels Periodic Testing Safety Procedures (PSTPs) which were reviewed and approved by the American Bureau Of Shipping (ABS)
- BOB Shipyard Superintendent-Developed project management skills overseeing 9 work items totaling over $1.5 million dollars. Ensured work items were completed correctly without compromising quality or safety. Coordinated cross functional team teams and subcontractors to ensure clear communication, smooth workflows and timely problem resolution
2nd Assistant Engineer
SpaceX
08.2022 - 03.2023
- OCISLY HPU Hot Swap Project-Successfully built spare HPU from scratch which was installed when T3 experienced an unexpected catastrophic failure.
- OCISLY T3 Thruster-Successfully removed, dissembled and replaced the thruster motor. This was the first time this was completed in-house resulting in savings of $100,000 +
- Mentor junior engineers including rebuilding multiple pieces of equipment (fuel purifiers, bilge pumps and reduction cooling pumps)
2nd Engineer
Motor Yacht Excellence V
08.2016 - 06.2019
- Prioritized and executed daily preventative and corrective maintenance schedules on auxiliary equipment, hydraulics and propulsion systems
- Created 3D engineering models for various projects for improvement of functionality, maintainability and performance of onboard equipment
- Documented and organized all repairs and maintenance reports for thorough equipment history
- Coordinated dry docking and managed contractor projects
- Responsible for ensuring engineering department complied with United States Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations and American Bureau of Shipping at all times for scheduled and unexpected audits
2nd Engineer / Electrical Technical Officer
Motor Yacht Excellence
06.2019 - 08.2023
- Oversaw Lloyds Register acceptance testing and certification of all onboard machinery during vessel construction in Bremen, Germany
- Implemented planned maintenance program and wrote standard operating procedures to ensure correct operation and execution of tasks
- Performed field installation, configuration, activation and acceptance testing on navigation electronics, AV/IT, satellite communications, servers, storage drives, instrumentation and controls
- Maintained, operated, repaired and performed troubleshooting on main propulsion, diesel generators, electrical system (Up to 480V), dynamic positioning, piping systems and HVAC systems
- Prepared cost analysis, sourced and purchased all vessel spare inventory and implemented barcode tracking
- Configured logs and rounds software to assess, monitor and record data for continuous trend analysis and implemented solutions for increased operational efficiency
- Coordinated, communicated and collaborated with engineers, crew, and shipyard technicians for warranty projects finding new solutions for all mechanical and technical issues
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 08.2012 - 06.2016
Skills
Drone Photography, Video Editing, Strong Communication, Time Management, Machining, Project Planning, Project Management, Problem Solving, IronCAD, Fusion 360, Microsoft Suite, Basic LabView, Arduino Projects, PLCs
Certification
U.S.C.G Merchant Mariner Credentials (III/1; III/2; III/3; III/4; III/6; VI/1; VI/2; VI/3; VI/4);
Timeline
1st Assistant Engineer
SpaceX
03.2023 - Current
2nd Assistant Engineer
SpaceX
08.2022 - 03.2023
2nd Engineer / Electrical Technical Officer
Motor Yacht Excellence
06.2019 - 08.2023
2nd Engineer
Motor Yacht Excellence V
08.2016 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology
Purdue University
08.2012 - 06.2016
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