Roberto Bilbao
Tehachapi,CA
Summary
Quality assurance specialist with 30 years of mechanical experience. Expertise in technical troubleshooting and quality inspections, ensuring compliance with NASA and AS9100 standards. Demonstrated precision in inspections and a commitment to operational excellence in aerospace projects. Proven ability to enhance quality management through rigorous adherence to industry standards.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Assurance Specialist (GGR)
USAF
Edwards AFB, CA
03.2021 - Current
- Performed quality assurance inspections on multiple aircraft platforms as delegated by the USAF or DoD customer.
- Customer-mandated inspections varied from flight operations, component installation, wiring, engine installation, operational tests, tool inspections, shop floor inspections, employee compliance, and aircraft records-keeping inspections.
- Performed an annual review of contractor operating procedures for acceptance and/or revision.
- Performed verification of data on unique flight test hardware during qualification testing.
- Reviewed test data and built packages on flight test hardware for correctness.
- Ensure that the contractors are in compliance with contractor and related service-specific operating instructions, or technical data.
- Made accept/reject determinations on required inspections.
- Recorded and logged all inspections, test results, and reported data to each respective program office on a monthly basis.
- Performed the validation process on unverified tasks for approval and release.
- Re-negotiated mandatory inspection points annually, based on risk.
- When required by the customer, a Quality Assurance surveillance plan is built and submitted.
- Performed calibration audits to ensure that no tools or equipment went overdue.
- Established excellent rapport with contractors and customers alike to ensure inspections operate smoothly and are properly balanced with cost, schedule concerns.
- Performed and validated one-time inspections when issued by the military services.
- Performed a review of aircraft maintenance records and jacket files.
- Sought engineering dispositions from the USAF when required.
- Recommended changes and revisions to technical data.
- Verified setups of test equipment prior to tests being performed.
- Reviewed various contractor records for accuracy and currency.
- Analyzed the contractor's procedures for the verification of effectiveness.
- Performed compliance audits of contractors' Environmental Safety and Health programs.
Lead Quality Assurance Specialist (NASA Programs)
Defense Contract Management Agency, DCMA
Redondo Beach, California
10.2015 - 03.2021
- Led a team of seven quality inspectors and two engineers to perform inspection duties on the James Webb Space Telescope, as delegated by NASA on NF 1430B.
- Collaborated with the NASA Mission Assurance Office to perform an annual review of mandatory inspection points, and would reduce or increase inspections as necessary based on risk.
- Performed in-resident quality inspections on parts for mission and flight hardware per NASA requirements.
- Inspected manufacturing lab and shop areas for compliance with NASA requirements.
- Made accept/reject decisions on submitted inspections based on established criteria, and recorded the results of the inspection, whether performance-based, dimensional, or data-based.
- Performed calibration audits on tools and test equipment to verify due dates and matching identification numbers.
- Created training courses and presentations to ensure team members were up-to-date and current on required NASA and agency requirements.
- Ensured employees were in compliance with health and safety requirements, including physical exams.
- Managed confined space program.
- Submitted the QA and engineering surveillance report to NASA on a weekly basis.
- Secured pieces of non-flight hardware for inspectors to practice inspection techniques, and would test knowledge.
- Ensured all team members were certified to IPC JSTD-100 and NASA 8739 series standards for the inspection of electronic subassemblies.
- Witnessed and inspected operational tests against pass/fail criteria, and established technical data.
- Recorded and logged all inspections.
- Maintained an excellent working relationship with the contractor and the NASA Mission Assurance office by maintaining open communication at all hours.
- Utilized root cause analysis and issued corrective actions if warranted.
- Reviewed, verified and accepted contractor quality procedures.
- Collaborated with engineers to process change requests.
- Monitored unique flight hardware during acceptance and qualification testing for verification of correct operation with established procedures.
- Verified test configurations and setup prior to operational tests to ensure compliance with procedures.
- Applied technical knowledge and expertise to resolve complex issues; would consult engineers on the team when required.
- Recommended changes to operating methods and processes, where practical, without compromising safety or quality.
- Reviewed contractor inspection records for accuracy.
- Performed audits and analysis of the contractor's verification methods to ensure they are accurate or current.
- Received DCMA Palmdale Employee of the Year Western Region award in 2016 for support provided to NASA on the James Webb Space Telescope
- After the spacecraft was delivered, I performed source inspection on parts for mission and flight hardware, per NASA requirements, on sub-tier suppliers.
Aircraft Fuel Systems Specialist
US Air Force
March Air Reserve Base
08.1995 - 10.2017
- Executed hands-on maintenance on aircraft fuel systems across various models, including F-15 and KC-135.
- Troubleshot complex issues on aircraft to ensure operational integrity and safety.
- Employed as a full time Air Reserve Technician until April 2010.
- Launched, recovered, and serviced aircraft, maintaining high readiness levels.
- Replaced critical components and assemblies on subsystems, including fuel, bleed-air and electrical systems.
- Held secondary AFSC as Aircraft Electrician.
- Conducted operational checks on aircraft to verify performance standards.
- Managed a team of 44 reservists and active-duty personnel, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Promoted to Section Chief in October 2017 after serving as Shift Supervisor since February 2004.
- Utilized specialized tools and test equipment for precise aircraft repairs.
- Conducted training.
Quality Assurance Specialist
Defense Contract Management Agency, DCMA
El Segundo
04.2010 - 10.2015
- Conducted in-process and final manufacturing inspections to identify nonconforming issues at the F/A-18 fuselage assembly line to assess compliance.
- Witnessed and verified manufacturing processes being performed, such as heat treat, tube bending, annealing, pressure proof tests, etc. Verified raw material certifications for compliance with drawing requirements.
- Inspected components in fuel tanks, hydraulic systems, and engine compartments, as well as completed the final inspection.
- Verified the accuracy of product documentation, such as labels, instructions, and warnings.
- Created reports summarizing findings from inspections and tests conducted.
- Investigated customer complaints regarding quality issues, and implemented corrective actions accordingly.
- Created training materials related to quality assurance topics.
- Monitored production operations for conformance to established quality standards. (AS9100, ISO 9001, etc.)
- Worked closely with suppliers to ensure that components met the required specifications.
- Participated in external supplier scorecard evaluation activities.
- Identified areas of improvement within the existing Quality Management System.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant safety regulations during testing phases.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify, investigate, and verify complex records, and potential risk issues.
- Performed dimensional inspections and first-article tests.
- Conducted thorough inspections of incoming materials and finished products to ensure that quality standards were met.
Education
Photojournalism
El Camino College
El Camino VillageSkills
- 30 years of mechanical experience
- 15 years of quality assurance experience
- Technical troubleshooting
- Good time management skills
- GD&T Y145 (2009) blueprint trained
- Attention to detail
- Records management
- NASA-quality experience
- Sound decision-making
- Works well in a team environment
- Stakeholder/customer collaboration
- Good communication skills
- Ability to prioritize work tasks, multitask
- Proficient in Microsoft SharePoint
- Ability to resolve issues at the lowest level
- Punctual
Affiliations
- Photography as a hobby
- Repair/restore vintage electronics
Accomplishments
- DCMA Rising Star award on June 2016 for standing up complete product support team in support of the James Webb Telescope
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Certification
- Defense Acquisition Professional Certification (Level 2)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Quality Assurance Specialist (GGR)
USAF
03.2021 - Current
Lead Quality Assurance Specialist (NASA Programs)
Defense Contract Management Agency, DCMA
10.2015 - 03.2021
Quality Assurance Specialist
Defense Contract Management Agency, DCMA
04.2010 - 10.2015
Aircraft Fuel Systems Specialist
US Air Force
08.1995 - 10.2017
Photojournalism
El Camino College