Tedd Michel
Marina,CA
Summary
I am an experienced manufacturing engineer with a passion for building radical hardware and solving challenging technical problems. I have employed an extremely hands-on approach to successfully develop manufacturing processes for revolutionary rocket components and EVTOL aerostructures. I’m seeking an opportunity to tackle challenging problems, acquire new skills, and contribute to the success of a new and inspiring mission.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Airframe Assembly Manufacturing Engineering Lead
Joby Aviation
Marina, California
03.2024 - Current
- Led manufacturing engineering team through completion of the 2.1B design phase and through Joby’s first FAA conforming airframe build. Collaborated closely with project manager and product team leads to meet aggressive schedule targets and ultimately deliver all structures on time.
- Worked closely with the design, quality, and production planning teams to ensure all airframe structures were demonstrably built in compliance with engineering definition.
- Currently working to scale the production rate to 24 aircraft per year through the revision of the factory layout, improvement of processes and fixtures, and implementation of automation.
Sr. Assembly Manufacturing Engineer, Wing Lead
Joby Aviation
Marina, California
01.2021 - 03.2024
- Developed and implemented manufacturing processes for the S4 2.1 wing primary assembly. Responsible for managing and executing initial wing builds.
- Led the design-for-manufacturability effort during the wing redesign campaign to ensure the new production design would be certifiable and manufacturable at scale.
- Supported the development of Joby’s structural bonding, drilling, and fastening processes.
- Initiated hiring program to select high-performing candidates and grow the airframe manufacturing engineering team’s capability.
Manufacturing Engineer II - Payload Adapter
SpaceX
Hawthorne, California
12.2019 - 12.2020
- Rapidly developed a manufacturing process for the initial EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) to support the introduction of SpaceX’s smallsat rideshare program.
- Recruited an expert technician team to execute the initial build and support the development of the assembly process.
- Collaborated with design and production teams to improve manufacturability and develop higher-capacity ESPA configurations.
- Established and scaled the ESPA production line to support the growing rideshare demand.
Manufacturing Engineer II - Fairing Reusability
SpaceX
Hawthorne, California
09.2018 - 12.2019
- Spearheaded the execution and successful completion of the fairing separation mechanisms reuse qualification campaign, unlocking the use of flown hardware on future launches.
- Established a refurbishment process for separation mechanisms, enabling saving $350K in hardware costs per launch.
- Led cost reduction effort for the payload fairing acoustic attenuation system to save $70K per launch.
Sabbatical
SpaceX
06.2018 - 09.2018
Manufacturing Engineer - Composites Automation
SpaceX
Hawthorne, California
01.2016 - 06.2018
- Responsible for establishing SpaceX’s first automated fiber placement work cell and manufacturing processes, completing the first full-scale qualification lower joint laminate in less than one year.
- Developed lamination and cut processes, programs, and manufacturing methods required to produce AFP laminate for payload fairing laminate, culminating in a successful qualification campaign/build.
- Developed a production process with a cycle time less than the fairing takt time.
- Executed a seamless hand-off to the production team after establishing robust manufacturing processes and training operators, quality inspectors, and the sustaining engineering team.
- Developed a novel tooling system to support the copmlexity of the lamination and transfer processes for the fairing's lower joint
Manufacturing Engineer - Payload Fairing Assembly
SpaceX
Hawthorne, California
12.2013 - 01.2016
- Developed manufacturing processes for the installation of bonded hardware, thermal protection systems, and electromagnetic interference protection features on the F9 payload fairing assembly.
- Drove process improvement initiatives to reduce manufacturing defects and decrease cycle time from months to weeks.
- Collaborated with design and production teams to improve manufacturability and resolve challenging production setbacks.
- Selected and implemented a new adhesive system for bonding the fairing’s thermal protection material, resulting in reduced installation time and use in other areas of the rocket.
Process Planner - Composites Manufacturing
SpaceX
Hawthorne, California
06.2012 - 12.2013
- Authored manufacturing work instructions for parts and assemblies of the Dragon and Falcon 9 spacecraft.
- Developed initial sets of work instructions for the launch of the payload fairing program.
- Supported the development of SpaceX’s internal MES software through production use and beta testing.
Structures Intern
SpaceX
Hawthorne, California
02.2011 - 06.2012
- Designed experiments and executed material testing to support the production of thermal protection system components.
- Authored process specifications and work instructions for the manufacture of thermal protection panels for Dragon and Falcon 9 spacecraft.
- Designed fixtures and modular platforms to facilitate the manufacture of high-temp composite parts.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA06-2012
Skills
- Process automation
- Team leadership
- Solidworks CAD
- 3DExperience CAD (CATIA V6)
- Process development
- Project management
- New product introduction
- Design for manufacturing
- Tool design
- Composites manufacturing and automation
- Aerostructure assembly
- Material and qualification testing
- System integration
- Factory layout development
Affiliations
- Surfing
- Building surfboards
- Running
- Archery
Timeline
Airframe Assembly Manufacturing Engineering Lead
Joby Aviation
03.2024 - Current
Sr. Assembly Manufacturing Engineer, Wing Lead
Joby Aviation
01.2021 - 03.2024
Manufacturing Engineer II - Payload Adapter
SpaceX
12.2019 - 12.2020
Manufacturing Engineer II - Fairing Reusability
SpaceX
09.2018 - 12.2019
Sabbatical
SpaceX
06.2018 - 09.2018
Manufacturing Engineer - Composites Automation
SpaceX
01.2016 - 06.2018
Manufacturing Engineer - Payload Fairing Assembly
SpaceX
12.2013 - 01.2016
Process Planner - Composites Manufacturing
SpaceX
06.2012 - 12.2013
Structures Intern
SpaceX
02.2011 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State University, Fullerton
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