Susan E. Adkins
North Royalton,OH
Summary
Disciplined Senior Test Engineer with 30 years enhancing design and testing processes by creating cost-effective, revelatory testing systems. Adept at saving employers from wasteful spending by applying economical, reliable approaches to pre-release inspection. Designs methodologies that improve research outcomes while adhering to development budgets.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Test Operations Engineer
HX5 Sierra LLC
06.2015 - 10.2025
- Developed and maintained standardized operating procedures for numerous functions and tasks to streamline testing operations.
- Completed walk-downs and on-site inspections during equipment installations and change management phases.
- Provided independent technical reviews of operational procedures and plans to eliminate functional bottlenecks.
- Provided technical assistance during operational changes via both on-site support and remotely.
- Designed administrative and maintenance procedures to provide optimal service uptimes and minimize service disruptions.
- Maintained technical fluency in required equipment and networking hardware for assigned jobs and facilities.
- Developed and implemented procedures to verify compliance with engineering standards.
- Monitored and evaluated engineering performance to recommend improvements.
- Reviewed, evaluated, and identified requirements for testability.
- Created comprehensive test plans, test scripts, and use cases to support testing objectives.
- Documented and developed engineering procedures and processes.
- Implemented new strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency of engineering team.
- Conducted research to identify and evaluate new technologies and concepts.
- Created detailed reports on engineering activities and findings.
- Analyzed and interpreted customer requirements to develop engineering solutions.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers to facilitate quality and timely delivery of materials.
Lead Test Engineer
Sierra Lobo Inc.
04.2006 - 05.2015
- Reviewed, evaluated, and identified requirements for testability.
- Created comprehensive test plans, test scripts, and use cases to support testing objectives.
- Developed comprehensive engineering documents for all projects.
- Documented and developed engineering procedures and processes.
- Assisted in developing cost-effective solutions to engineering problems.
- Conducted research to identify and evaluate new technologies and concepts.
- Designed and implemented quality control processes to facilitate customer satisfaction.
- Created detailed reports on engineering activities and findings.
- Led engineering teams to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.
- Analyzed and interpreted customer requirements to develop engineering solutions.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
- Trained and mentored junior engineers, providing guidance and direction.
- Drafted and updated operations and maintenance manuals to correspond to owned hardware and software assets within overseen equipment.
Test Engineer
QSS Group, Inc.
04.2001 - 04.2006
- Duties were the same as described above prior to recompetition of the government contract.
Engineer
Dynacs Engineering, Inc.
06.1998 - 04.2001
- Duties were the same as described above prior to recompetition of the government contract.
Engineer
Federal Data Corporation
01.1998 - 06.1998
- Duties were the same as described above prior to recompetition of the government contract.
Engineer
NYMA Inc.
11.1996 - 01.1998
- Duties were the same as described above prior to recompetition of the government contract.
Co-op/Engineer
General Electric Aircraft Engines
09.1994 - 11.1996
- Conducted mission analysis studies on several aircraft engine lines, both commercial and military.
- Interpreted data recorded from the aircraft and produced charts and summaries to report the data.
- Performed life analyses programs on fan and turbine parts for several military engines. Included using computer programs (GE programs xlife and plife) to analyze the materials, composition, and construction of the parts to determine long and short term life of the parts.
- Set up and executed flow tests and emissions tests on aircraft engine combustor sections.
Education
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH06.1996
None - Business/Engineering
Kent State University
06.1992
Diploma - College Prep
Northwest
Canal Fulton, OH06.1989
Skills
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Operational analysis
- Corrective action execution
- Meeting Lead
- Project planning
- Test procedures
- Engineering principles
- Facility management
- Technical analysis
- Performance testing
- Hardware development
- Microsoft Office expertise
Accomplishments
- NASA Combustor Test Engineering Achievement Awards, 1999-2025
- NASA Award for Support of Energy-Efficient Engine Technology Testing, 2000-2025
Training
- NASA, AutoCad, 1997
- NASA, Jet Engine Aircraft, 1999
Timeline
Senior Test Operations Engineer
HX5 Sierra LLC
06.2015 - 10.2025
Lead Test Engineer
Sierra Lobo Inc.
04.2006 - 05.2015
Test Engineer
QSS Group, Inc.
04.2001 - 04.2006
Engineer
Dynacs Engineering, Inc.
06.1998 - 04.2001
Engineer
Federal Data Corporation
01.1998 - 06.1998
Engineer
NYMA Inc.
11.1996 - 01.1998
Co-op/Engineer
General Electric Aircraft Engines
09.1994 - 11.1996
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering
University of Cincinnati
None - Business/Engineering
Kent State University
Diploma - College Prep
Northwest