Stephen Thomas
Kent
Summary
Flight Test & Evaluation Instrumentation Engineer supporting flight test certification and EcoDemonstrator programs with test hardware, data system architecture, and instrumentation calibration. Coordinates remote test planning, shop and engineering partners, and aircraft ground-to-flight data system execution to keep test assets ready. Resolves critical instrumentation issues through root-cause analysis and corrective action, while coaching new engineers and interns on compliance and test processes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Flight Test & Evaluation Instrumentation Engineer
The Boeing Company
06.2023 - Current
- Design test hardware, software, and systems to achieve test requirements.
- Develop and maintain data system architecture, both Electrical and Mechanical.
- Managed team scheduling and coordinated remote test planning to ensure efficient use of resources and timely execution of test activities.
- Support fabrication, configuration, build, installation, calibration, and checkout of data system.
- Built and sustained relationships with customers, suppliers, peers, and executive stakeholders to secure alignment and resources for successful project outcomes.
- Resolve critical instrumentation issues, lead root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to protect program timelines.
- Proficient in equipment management, functional checks, troubleshooting, solo flyer, preflight/postflight aircraft data system, and worksheet authority.
- Experienced with digital volt meters, Oscilloscopes, AC/DC Power supplies, Frequency Generators, Power Meters, XMA simulators, BAAM calibration units, and other Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems.
- Experience with onboard strain gage and synchro calibrations.
- Perform backup lead duties for Flight Test Certification testing and EcoDemonstrator programs.
- Provide estimates and design input for future EcoDemonstrator projects.
- Manage team scheduling and coordinate remote test planning
- Coordinate and collaborate with Shop, Analysis, Ground Ops, Test directors, lab, staff engineering, TPI, and other support engineering groups.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, peers, and executive stakeholders to secure alignment and resources.
- Resolved critical instrumentation issues, led root-cause analysis, and implemented corrective actions to maintain program timelines.
- Conduct team meetings, set engineering expectations, and provide solutions to roadblocks.
- Facilitated remote travel arrangements domestically and internationally.
- Instrumentation representative in MIT meetings, TOL/Advisory reviews, and FC reviews.
- Support aircraft refurbishment and data system de-modification.
- Support rotating shift work.
- Experience in project management and the ability to work on several projects simultaneously
Aviation Maintenance Technician – Flight Test & Evaluation
The Boeing Company
09.2020 - Current
- Perform lead duties and train new team members through flight test processes and procedures.
- Coordinated equipment, tooling, and aircraft towing operations to ensure timely flight test readiness.
- Communicated project status clearly and efficiently to all management levels, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Prepare, assemble, install, inspect, repair, reroute, modify and/or replace various systems, including tubing, standoffs, valves, regulators, compressors, and ducts, wire, wire bundles, and/or electrical components.
- Perform installation/removal of instrumentation wiring, equipment racks, and various transducers, as required by flight test engineering.
- Identified and documented discrepancies during rework/retest of aircraft structures/systems to enhance maintenance accuracy.
- Identify and document discrepancies noted during rework/retest of aircraft structures/systems.
- Coordinated equipment, tooling, and aircraft towing operations.
- Clearly and efficiently communicate project status to first, second, and third level management.
- Performed installation and removal of instrumentation wiring, equipment racks, and various transducers for flight test engineering.
- Coach, mentor, and train Aviation Maintenance technicians using compliance related activities and processes.
General Assembler B – Lead
The Boeing Company
01.2018 - 09.2020
- Perform primary lead duties for multiple teams.
- Balanced workload across multiple teams by evaluating team proficiency and skillsets.
- Manage team proficiency and balanced workload across multiple teams based on skillset.
- Lead new team members through the Boeing production processes and procedures.
- Led production bar time studies and influenced process improvements.
- Utilize operational skills to raise team performance and meet cost, schedule and quality commitments
- Coached, mentored, and trained manufacturing mechanics on compliance-related activities and processes to enhance operational standards.
- Clearly and efficiently communicate project status to first, second, and third level management.
- Conduct team meetings, set shop expectations, and provide solutions to roadblocks across multiple teams.
- Perform system functional checks, rework, and repairs.
Education
Associate of Science - Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, and Engineering
Bellevue College
Bellevue08-2017
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Seattle University
Bellevue06-2023
Skills
- Flight test process experience
- Earned Value Management
- Microsoft Office
- Python
- MATLAB
- Instrumentation team leadership
- Root cause analysis
- Safety compliance
- Coaching & mentoring
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Program scheduling
- Resource allocation
- Risk mitigation
- Performance management
- Stakeholder reporting
ENGINEERING SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Instrumentation representative at International Telemetry Conference 2023.
- Instrumentation representative at Flight Test Safety Conference 2024.
Timeline
Flight Test & Evaluation Instrumentation Engineer
The Boeing Company
06.2023 - Current
Aviation Maintenance Technician – Flight Test & Evaluation
The Boeing Company
09.2020 - Current
General Assembler B – Lead
The Boeing Company
01.2018 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Seattle University
Associate of Science - Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, and Engineering
Bellevue College