Salih Gülücü
Boca Raton,FL
Summary
UAV / Mission Systems Integration Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting unmanned aircraft systems, avionics integration, mission systems, and defense aerospace programs within military and government environments. Extensive hands-on background in system integration, avionics installation, mission systems troubleshooting, ground and flight test support, configuration control, and sustainment operations. Directly supported Lockheed Martin–aligned defense programs, including the Pakistan F-16 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU), as well as large-scale military aircraft and UAV platforms such as C-130 Hercules, Boeing 737 AEW&C (AWACS), and advanced unmanned systems (ANKA, AKSUNGUR, ANKA-3). Demonstrated ability to operate across the full lifecycle of UAV and mission systems, from factory integration through deployment, operational readiness, and post-delivery support. Although formal education is at the technical diploma level, professional experience reflects Bachelor’s-degree equivalency through long-term responsibility in complex defense programs, system-level integration activities, international deployments, and direct customer engagement with military and government stakeholders.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
UAV / Mission Systems Integration Specialist
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI / TUSAŞ)
Ankara, Turkey
01.2010 - Current
- Integrated UAV and mission systems across multiple platforms (ANKA, AKSUNGUR, ANKA-3), including avionics, communications, payloads, sensors, and power distribution.
- Performed system-level integration, verification, and validation to meet program, airworthiness, and defense aviation standards.
- Supported ground and flight test operations, including pre-test preparation, system configuration, functional checks, execution, fault isolation, and post-test analysis/documentation to ensure compliance with operational requirements.
- Supported international UAV export and deployment, including on-site integration, acceptance testing, and delivery.
- Installed, configured, tested, and certified communication radios, navigation systems, IFF equipment, mission computers, and aircraft power systems.
- Diagnosed complex avionics faults, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective/preventive actions.
- Collaborated with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and sustainment teams to resolve integration challenges and implement configuration changes, enhancing overall system performance.
- Served as Technical Representative to government/military end-users for operational support and sustainment guidance.
- Delivered hands-on training to military personnel and Turkish Armed Forces units on equipment and systems operation, improving operational readiness and effectiveness. to military personnel and Turkish Armed Forces units.
- Participated in configuration control boards, quality audits, first article inspections, and airworthiness reviews.
- Applied continuous improvement and Kaizen to optimize workflows and enhance quality performance.
- Contributed to Pakistan F-16 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program under Lockheed Martin–aligned processes.
Electronics Calibration Technician
Çinkom A.Ş
Ankara, Turkey
10.2009 - 08.2010
- Calibrated, verified, and functionally tested electrical/electronic measurement equipment, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and quality standards.
- Maintained accurate calibration records and documentation, facilitating audit readiness and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Coordinated calibration activities with vendors and supported internal/external quality audits.
- Inspected faulty equipment, identified root causes, and recommended corrective actions, enhancing reliability and performance.
Electrical Maintenance Technician
Kaytaş A.Ş
Kayseri, Turkey
04.2004 - 02.2006
- Installed, maintained, and repaired industrial and commercial electrical systems.
- Installed wiring, conduit, circuit breakers, transformers, and control systems, ensuring compliance with electrical standards for optimal performance.
- Diagnosed faults with digital multimeters and test equipment, enhancing safety and functionality of systems.
- Ensured compliance with occupational health and safety procedures during maintenance activities, promoting a safe working environment.
Education
Technical High School Diploma - Electronics
Melikgazi Merkez Anadolu Teknik Lisesi
Kayseri, Turkey04-2010
Skills
- UAV System Integration and Mission Systems Integration
- Avionics Installation, Testing, and Troubleshooting
- Communications, Navigation, and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) Systems
- Mission Computers, Payloads, Sensors, and Power Distribution
- System Verification, Validation, and Acceptance Testing
- Ground Test and Flight Test Preparation, Execution, and Analysis
- Configuration Control, Technical Documentation, and Compliance
- Root Cause Analysis and Corrective / Preventive Actions
- Defense Aviation Standards (MIL-PRF, NATO, BAC, FAI)
- Electrical Harness Manufacturing, Installation, and Repair
- Sustainment, Deployment, and Operational Readiness Support
- Technical Representation for Military and Government Customers
- Cross-Functional Collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Teams
Locations
- Boca Raton, FL
- Chicago, IL
- Ankara, Turkey
Languages
- English
- Turkish, Native
- English, Upper-Intermediate (B2)
Work Authorization
Work permit: SSN and EAD
Certifications & Professional Training
- UAV Pilot Certificate
- CYDEO Software Test Engineering Certification (Seven-Month Program, United States)
- First Aid Certification
Defense & Aerospace Training Includes:
- MIL-PRF, NATO, BAC Standards
- Electrical Bonding, Crimping, Soldering, ESD Awareness
- Electrical Harness Manufacturing, Installation, & Testing
- Flight Safety, Flight Line Operations, Ground Handling
- Configuration Management Systems (Teamcenter, Documentum)
- First Article Inspection (FAI) & Non-Conformance Management
- Weight & Balance, Refueling, Aircraft Servicing Procedures
- Quality Management Systems & Continuous Improvement
Timeline
UAV / Mission Systems Integration Specialist
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI / TUSAŞ)
01.2010 - Current
Electronics Calibration Technician
Çinkom A.Ş
10.2009 - 08.2010
Electrical Maintenance Technician
Kaytaş A.Ş
04.2004 - 02.2006
Technical High School Diploma - Electronics
Melikgazi Merkez Anadolu Teknik Lisesi