RUSSELL L. EDWARDS
Weirton,West Virginia
Summary
Quality management, safety, and electrical engineering leader with extensive experience developing compliance programs, conducting audits, managing complex industrial projects, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Proven record of strengthening quality management systems, maintaining OSHA and ISO compliance, improving operational efficiency, and delivering projects valued from $500,000 to $340 million. Recognized for advanced critical thinking, technical troubleshooting, employee development, and continuous improvement leadership.
Overview
1
1
Certification
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
QMS Manager, Safety Coordinator, and Field Electrical Engineer
Tenova Inc.
Coroapolis, PA
08.2019 - Current
- Manage quality management system activities to strengthen compliance, improve operational efficiency, and support continuous improvement.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards and applicable state safety regulations, achieving zero fines or violations during tenure.
- Developed and implemented a quality inspection and tracking program covering product scheduling, tracking, and customer delivery.
- Authored a supporting standard operating procedure that established clear instructions for employees using the inspection and tracking program.
- Develop Inspection and Test Plans for industrial construction projects to verify compliance with customer requirements and quality specifications.
- Conduct internal quality audits and document nonconformances, corrective actions, and preventive actions.
- Recommend practical solutions to audit findings and monitor corrective measures through resolution.
- Supported successful ISO recertifications in September 2021 and October 2024.
- Deliver ISO 9001:2015 training to new and current employees, strengthening awareness of quality requirements and individual responsibilities.
- Provide OSHA safety training to new and current employees and verify that field technicians follow company and customer safety requirements.
- Lead safety orientations for new hires, subcontractors, and site visitors to ensure a thorough understanding of site-specific rules and expectations.
- Compile weekly safety reports for project managers and senior leadership, identifying performance trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
RT Patterson Electrical Project Engineer
Constellium Rolled Products
Ravenswood, WV
07.2017 - 08.2019
- Supervised medium- and low-voltage electrical projects, including upgrades and new installations valued from $500,000 to $340 million.
- Developed a planned maintenance program for transformers 1 through 5 and associated North Switchyard components, improving equipment reliability.
- Led the upgrade of an outdated evacuation system to improve safety and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinated with ABB contractors to replace Transformer 2 accessories and 13.8 kV air breakers in the South Switchyard while minimizing operational downtime.
- Designed and established new source-power pathways for the North and South Compressor House air dryers.
- Upgraded battery rooms at both switch stations with hydrogen detection and alarm systems.
Mechatronics Program Director and Instructor Specialist
West Virginia Northern Community College
Wheeling, WV
08.2014 - 07.2017
- Managed a grant-funded technical education program, including project planning, resource allocation, vendor management, and equipment procurement.
- Researched and managed vendors for $1.7 million in equipment purchases, ensuring alignment with program requirements and funding objectives.
- Negotiated a 10-level electrical and mechanical tier-factor training program with ArcelorMittal Steel Production for the Weirton Campus.
- Authored departmental safety protocols, qualification documents, test plans, and test reports to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
- Built productive relationships with operations managers, executives, clients, and industry partners to establish standards for program development and service delivery.
- Trained 29 TDK Oil and Gas employees, including the field superintendent, in reading and interpreting piping and instrumentation diagrams.
- Directed technical instruction and workforce development activities supporting electrical, mechanical, and mechatronics disciplines.
Principal Electrical Engineer and Integration and Test Lead
Orbital ATK
Huntsville, AL
05.2008 - 06.2014
- Led electrical integration and testing activities for complex engineering programs.
- Supervised medium- and low-voltage electrical projects, including upgrades and new installations valued from $500,000 to $340 million.
- Developed a planned maintenance program for transformers 1 through 5 and associated North Switchyard components to improve reliability.
- Led an evacuation system modernization project that strengthened safety and compliance.
- Coordinated contractor activities for transformer accessory upgrades and the replacement of 13.8 kV air breakers while minimizing downtime.
- Established source-power pathways for North and South Compressor House air dryers.
- Upgraded switch station battery rooms with hydrogen detection and alarm systems.
Interior Communications Electrician, Propulsion Plant
United States Navy
San Diego, CA
08.1993 - 05.2008
- Performed workshop supervisor responsibilities as a Third Class Petty Officer, leading personnel and coordinating daily technical activities.
- Selected as a member of the initial crew aboard the USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52), earning the designation of Plankowner.
- Selected as a member of the initial crew aboard the USS Kidd (DDG-100), earning a second Plankowner designation.
- Supported maintenance and repair operations as a member of the United States Naval Academy Small Craft Repair Department in Annapolis, Maryland.
- Served with the United States Naval Academy Auxiliary Battery Force, supporting base operations and tenant commands throughout the region.
- Maintained and supported interior communications and propulsion plant electrical systems in demanding operational environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Organizational Management, and Security
University of Phoenix
01-2012
Bachelor of Science - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC06-1993
Skills
- Quality Management Systems
- ISO 9001:2015 Compliance
- OSHA 1910 and 1926 Compliance
- Internal Audits and Recertification
- Corrective and Preventive Actions
- Nonconformance Management
- Inspection and Test Plans
- Safety Training and Coordination
- First-Line Leadership
- Electrical Project Engineering
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Process and Program Development
- Remote Technical Support
- Software Proficiency
- Advanced Critical Thinking
Certification
OSHA 501 Trainer for General Industry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Timeline
QMS Manager, Safety Coordinator, and Field Electrical Engineer
Tenova Inc.
08.2019 - Current
RT Patterson Electrical Project Engineer
Constellium Rolled Products
07.2017 - 08.2019
Mechatronics Program Director and Instructor Specialist
West Virginia Northern Community College
08.2014 - 07.2017
Principal Electrical Engineer and Integration and Test Lead
Orbital ATK
05.2008 - 06.2014
Interior Communications Electrician, Propulsion Plant
United States Navy
08.1993 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Organizational Management, and Security
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
University of North Carolina at Charlotte