Richard Cismowski
Operations Manager
Nine Mile Falls,WA
Summary
Results-driven Operations Manager with expertise in project management and team leadership. Led initiatives to enhance safety and quality while meeting operational objectives. Skilled in aircraft maintenance and technical documentation, fostering continuous improvement within a workforce of over 400.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
AMAZON
Airway Heights, USA
01.2025 - Current
- Oversaw all budgetary, people development, and operations objectives within a $2.5 million building and managed over 400 employees.
- Ensured achievement of operational goals through strategic oversight and performance monitoring.
- Manage, lead, develop, and mentor all Area Managers, and first line managers to develop continuous improvement between employees and stakeholders.
- Led initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and performance standards across all shifts.
- Executed strategic planning and forecasting, evaluated performance metrics, resolved operational issues, and addressed staffing requirements.
- Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures.
- Sortation Center, Airway Heights, WA
Production Superintendent
US Air force
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, USA
06.2020 - 02.2025
- Managed maintenance operations for 48 C-17 Aircraft valued at $10 billion as the Aircraft Production Superintendent.
- Managed scheduled and unscheduled repairs, coordinated logistics across agencies, allocated personnel from 5 Air Force Specialty Codes, and assessed aircraft status to ensure operational readiness.
- Interpreted system schematics and aircraft engineering drawings, directed maintenance actions, and organized recovery teams for aircraft at austere locations to restore mission capability.
- Coordinated with external agencies to secure critical equipment and supplies, enabling timely maintenance and repairs.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Force Base, WA
First Line Manufacturing Manager
Boeing
Auburn, USA
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Manages and integrates employee activities across more than one area in materials management and transportation for 737, 747, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft.
- Developed and executed project and process plans, implemented policies and procedures, and set operational goals to align with organizational objectives.
- Acquired resources for projects and processes, provided technical management of suppliers, and led process improvements.
- Provides oversight and approval of technical approaches, products and processes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers, stakeholders, peers, partners, and direct reports to enhance collaboration and communication.
- Led employee development initiatives to enhance team performance.
- Spearheaded the upgrade of two Zimmerman portal milling machines.
- Fabricated and installed new base plate working areas.
- Procured and installed over 10K thread inserts for the mounting of parts with machines valued at over $400K.
- Auburn, WA
Technical Aircraft Operations
US Air force
01.2001 - 01.2024
- Augmented Security Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, leading patrols, assisting in convoy security, and directing 27 airmen in vehicle inspections, escort operations, and medical emergencies for Third Country Nationals at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait.
- Provided flight line supervision and leadership to 500 assigned military and civilian personnel in 6 different specialties in the largest wing in Air Mobility Command.
- Managed aircraft safety and training programs for 300 personnel, focusing on dropped object prevention and foreign object damage prevention.
- Secured special duty position as E-4 (Senior Airman), waiving seven level/Red X permissions to lead aircraft during TDY’s and deployments globally.
- Deployed to Tikrit Iraq to work enroute on C-130 aircraft.
- Had no prior training on C-130’s learned everything through On the Job Training (OJT).
- Monitored HAZMAT security protocols to maintain safety compliance.
- Various World-Wide Locations
Section Chief
US Air force
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, USA
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Led health, welfare, morale, professional development, readiness, manning, training, and mission effectiveness for 1,200 Airmen across 5 Air Force Specialty Codes, enhancing overall unit performance.
- Analyzed problems, identified alternative solutions, and implemented recommendations to achieve strategic goals, improving decision-making processes.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Force Base, WA
Production Expediter
US Air force
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, USA
06.2016 - 06.2019
- Oversaw 48 C-17 aircraft worth $10 billion as aircraft production expediter, coordinating logistical actions between agencies to ensure timely repairs for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
- Established and supplied maintenance recovery teams for off-station aircraft to enhance repair operations.
- Coordinated with outside agencies for equipment, supply, and technical order alterations.
- Interpreted system schematics and wire diagrams to direct and streamline aircraft maintenance actions.
- Allocated personnel from 9 Air Force Specialty Codes to optimize operational efficiency.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Force Base, WA
Quality Assurance Safety Inspector
US Air force
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, USA
02.2014 - 06.2016
- Ensured mission readiness for 48 C-17s and 1,400 personnel across 11 flights and 33 work centers within the 62nd Maintenance Group.
- U.S. Air Force level aircraft maintenance subject matter expert investigated 3 aircraft mishaps that accounted for millions of dollars in damages.
- Investigated ground and aircraft mishaps, coordinated one-time inspections, and evaluated aircraft dropped objects to mitigate future risks.
- Managed weight and balance program, flight records, FOD/DOPP, and AMC ramp inspection programs, ensuring compliance and safety standards.
- Led group’s digital inspection and documentation program.
- Subject matter expert for the Maintenance Group regarding composite tool kits, HAZMAT, Weight and Balance, and Air Force specialty codes dispersed between the flight line and back shop.
- Conducted technical research to support aircraft maintenance and operations.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Force Base, WA
HSC Dock Controller
US Air force
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, USA
02.2009 - 02.2014
- Coordinated all 180-day home station checks (HSC) inspections/repairs for 48 assigned C-17 aircraft valued at $10 billion and assigned personnel taskings for 350 personnel.
- Collaborated with three primary back shops (HSC, A/R, JETS) as fully qualified technician to ensure seamless operations.
- Served as squadron lead technician and subject matter expert, developing comprehensive training agendas for all 350 personnel to enhance skill development.
- Rebuilt the Crash Damaged Disabled Aircraft Recovery (CDDAR) program with monthly/annual inspections, handpicked and trained 20 personnel.
- Coordinated towing of heritage aircraft between paint barn and display locations for McChord’s museum, preserving historical assets.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Force Base, WA
Flying Crew Chief
US Air force
Kadena, Japan
02.2005 - 02.2009
- Led scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on 15 KC-135 R/T inflight refueling aircraft, ensuring operational readiness in diverse conditions.
- Led as Flying Crew Chief and performed maintenance on 15 KC-135 R/T aircraft in hostile areas with limited resources.
- Preformed jet engine maintenance at home station and deployed locations, Isochronal inspections, and aircraft systems replacement.
- Lead 25 airmen, controlled training, work schedules, and readiness items.
- Coordinated aircraft repairs in remote areas with limited support facilities, enhancing mission success despite resource challenges.
- Responsible for safety of 5-person crew plus loading and unloading of cargo and extra personnel.
- Provided in-flight refueling and visual confirmation, contributing to mission safety and effectiveness throughout the tour.
- Responded to aircraft fire coordinating fire department response, 5 emergency aircraft tows, and evacuating 2 aircraft hangars.
- Utilized three, 150-pound fire bottles to extinguish the fire prior to the fire department response saving 3 aircrew members lives and 4.5$ million-dollar aircraft.
- Spearheaded the first ever deployment of F-22 fighter aircraft through the Pacific Theatre.
- Supported operations at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.
Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman/Flying Crew Chief
US Air force
Grand Forks, USA
12.2001 - 02.2005
- Served as Flying Crew Chief performed maintenance on 52 KC-135 R/T aircraft in hostile areas in less-than-ideal locations.
- Coordinated aircraft repairs in austere environments.
- Deployed to Edwards AFB with the 412th Test Wing to get the F-22 certified for flight.
- Trained across multiple KC-135 R/T subsystems to enhance versatility. in all KC-135 R/T subsystem.
- Went through first ever certification course for Crew Chiefs, Sheet Metal, Electrical, Hydraulics, Engines, and Communications.
- Volunteered to deploy to Tikrit Iraq working on C-130H/J aircraft.
- Ensured safety for 5-person crew during cargo and personnel loading and unloading operations.
- Transported over 54.5 million pounds of cargo and 15,000 military personnel.
- Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND
Education
M.D. - aviation safety
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL01.2026
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Maintenance
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL01.2023
Associate - applied science, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL01.2020
Skills
- Aircraft maintenance
- Safety management
- Quality assurance
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Technical documentation
Job Related Training
- Proficient with both Boeing computer programs MIC and VECTOR.
- Extended experience with GO81, CAMS, ETIMS, and IETM.
- KC-135 R/T (all variants) aircraft 9 years of experience.
- C-17A aircraft 14 years of experience.
- C-130 H/J aircraft 1 year of experience.
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (Level 2).
- Aircraft Production Superintendent school.
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (Level 1).
- Aircraft Weight and Balance Certified.
- Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.
- C-17 Flight Control Rigging.
- C-17 Doors Rigging.
- Advanced Trouble Shooting for KC-135 R/T.
- Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman Course.
- Airman Leadership School.
- Chemical Warfare Instructor.
- Special Vehicle Trainer/Certifier (Forklifts all size, de-icers, mobile cranes and floor cranes, tow vehicles).
- Distance Learning Center Test Proctor.
- Suicide Prevention Instructor Certification.
- Flight Line Driving Instructor/Certifier.
Timeline
Operations Manager
AMAZON
01.2025 - Current
First Line Manufacturing Manager
Boeing
09.2024 - 11.2024
Production Superintendent
US Air force
06.2020 - 02.2025
Section Chief
US Air force
06.2019 - 06.2020
Production Expediter
US Air force
06.2016 - 06.2019
Quality Assurance Safety Inspector
US Air force
02.2014 - 06.2016
HSC Dock Controller
US Air force
02.2009 - 02.2014
Flying Crew Chief
US Air force
02.2005 - 02.2009
Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman/Flying Crew Chief
US Air force
12.2001 - 02.2005
Technical Aircraft Operations
US Air force
01.2001 - 01.2024
M.D. - aviation safety
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Maintenance
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Associate - applied science, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force