Ryan Opdahl
Graham,WA
Summary
Dynamic Aircraft Structures Mechanic with hands-on experience, excelling in structural repairs and safety protocol adherence. Proven ability to enhance team productivity through effective communication and problem-solving. Skilled in technical documentation and aircraft blueprint interpretation, contributing to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Experienced with aircraft structures, including assembly and repair. Utilizes technical manuals and blueprints to ensure accuracy and safety. Track record of maintaining high standards in team environments and adapting to dynamic work conditions.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Aircraft Structures Mechanic
Boeing
Puyallup, WA
07.2014 - Current
- Assisted in conducting inspections of aircraft structures for compliance with safety standards.
- Learned to use specialized tools and equipment for repairs and maintenance of aircraft components.
- Supported fellow mechanics by organizing workspaces and maintaining inventory of parts.
- Gained hands-on experience in assembling, disassembling, and repairing various aircraft structures.
- Observed and followed established guidelines to ensure high-quality workmanship during repairs.
- Developed understanding of documentation processes related to maintenance and repair activities.
- Supported a safe working environment by consistently adhering to established safety procedures during all production activities.
- Improved team productivity by providing expert guidance on complex aircraft structural repairs.
- Provided mentoring/coaching support for junior mechanics, sharing best practices, tips, tricks, and lessons learned from past experiences to bolster overall team performance.
- Maintained compliance with FAA regulations through strict adherence to repair protocols and documentation.
- Streamlined workflow processes by maintaining organized workspaces and properly storing tools and equipment after each task completion.
- Upheld high quality standards with accurate interpretation of technical drawings and specifications during repairs.
- Expedited repair timelines by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in addressing complex structural issues.
- Contributed to cost savings by identifying opportunities for repair rather than replacement of aircraft parts.
- Ensured proper documentation of all repair activities, maintaining detailed records that allowed for improved long-term tracking and analysis of structural maintenance trends.
- Effectively diagnosed root causes of structural anomalies using various inspection techniques for prompt resolution before potential escalation into larger issues occurred.
- Maintained a steady rate of work, closing 3 or more jobs per day
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B)
Army Reserve
Marysville, WA
07.2013 - 07.2019
- Led workshops on advanced diagnostic tools, improving team proficiency in vehicle assessment and repairs.
- Conducted routine maintenance on diverse military vehicle fleet of over 40 vehicles, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Evaluated effectiveness of alternative repair approaches, streamlining processes and increasing overall productivity.
- Contributed to efficient shop operations by maintaining a clean, organized workspace for optimal productivity.
- Conducted routine maintenance on diverse military vehicle fleet, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Trained junior mechanics on safety protocols and repair techniques, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Implemented preventive maintenance schedules, reducing vehicle downtime and increasing mission efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex mechanical failures and optimize repair processes.
- Maintained accurate records of vehicle repairs and parts inventory, streamlining the ordering process for replacement components.
- Developed training materials for new mechanics, standardizing procedures and improving knowledge transfer across teams.
- Streamlined inventory management for parts procurement, ensuring timely availability of essential components.
- Implemented quality control measures during all stages of repair work, resulting in reduced rework rates and increased customer satisfaction.
- Performed wheeled vehicle recovery operations.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
- Explained maintenance and repair needs to customers and offered advice on preventative maintenance.
- Coordinated with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
- Investigated customer complaints to identify cause of malfunctions.
- Retained accurate records of purchases, titles and sales.
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B)
Army
Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA
07.2008 - 07.2013
- Conducted routine maintenance on diverse military vehicle fleet of over 40 vehicles, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Trained junior mechanics on safety protocols and repair techniques, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Implemented preventive maintenance schedules, reducing vehicle downtime and increasing mission efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex mechanical failures and optimize repair processes.
- Streamlined inventory management for parts procurement, ensuring timely availability of essential components.
- Developed training materials for new mechanics, standardizing procedures and improving knowledge transfer across teams.
- Maintained accurate records of vehicle repairs and parts inventory, streamlining the ordering process for replacement components.
- Ensured mission success by maintaining and repairing critical support vehicles such as ambulances, cargo trucks, and fuel tankers.
- Sustained vehicle functionality during deployments by performing field expedient repairs under challenging conditions.
- Increased unit readiness by troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing mechanical issues promptly and efficiently.
- Ensured safe operation of vehicles through meticulous inspections and adherence to safety protocols.
- Reduced operational downtime by quickly identifying causes of malfunctions using diagnostic equipment.
- Collaborated with other mechanics to complete complex repairs, improving teamwork and communication within the unit.
- Mentored junior mechanics in proper repair techniques and procedures, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Updated team members on new tools or equipment that became available through effective communication strategies.
- Performed wheeled vehicle recovery operations.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
- Explained estimates and determined repair timelines to manage customer expectations.
- Coordinated with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
- Retained accurate records of purchases, titles and sales.
- Coordinated and oversaw vehicle modification process.
- Investigated customer complaints to identify cause of malfunctions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH04-2026
Associate of Science - Computer Science
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH04-2025
Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Continuous learning mindset
- Manufacturing processes
- Process improvement
- 5S methodology
- Process development
- Quality assurance practices
- Technical documentation comprehension
- Safety protocol adherence
- Structural repair expertise
- Painting and finishing techniques
- Aircraft blueprint interpretation
- Technical manual interpretation
- Problem-solving
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Attention to detail
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Aircraft Structures Mechanic
Boeing
07.2014 - Current
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B)
Army Reserve
07.2013 - 07.2019
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B)
Army
07.2008 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Science - Computer Science
Southern New Hampshire University