Thomas Wright
Waianae,HI
Summary
A technically skilled and results-driven leader with 16+ years of U.S. Air Force experience in the operation, integration, and field support of advanced airborne communication systems. Proven ability to serve as a key technical point of contact, providing expert-level support for Viasat Ku/Ka systems, IP networking, and complex avionics. Seeking to apply a deep background in maintenance coordination, system troubleshooting, and technical training to excel as a Field Support & Integration Engineer at Viasat.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Evaluator, Airborne Communications Systems
U.S. Air Force
JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, USA
12.2020 - Current
- Served as the technical lead on 3 post-maintenance flights, isolating and resolving complex hardware and IP networking issues by coordinating directly with field support, ensuring aircraft were returned to service on schedule.
- Managed the successful integration of a $6.2M Starshield Global Wideband system, training all operators on new procedures to ensure a seamless fleet-wide Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
- Facilitated multiple immersion events with Viasat military partners, fostering direct collaboration between engineers and operators to enhance product knowledge and drive system improvements.
- Led a 6-person team to modernize technical training, digitizing over 800 line items across 15 syllabi, which reduced administrative workload by 21 hours per week.
Instructor & Program Manager, Airborne Communications Systems
U.S. Air Force
JB Andrews, USA
12.2009 - 12.2020
- Functioned as the primary equipment manager for a $742M executive airlift fleet, overseeing all hardware support, technical data, and contract upgrades for secure voice and data systems, including Viasat MBR 4020, VR-12H Ku/Ka systems, SpaceX Starshield, and Satcom Direct INMARSAT.
- Restored mission-critical command and control communications in under one hour during a U.S. Central Command mission by leading a tri-agency team to diagnose and resolve a top-secret network outage.
- Authored and implemented new maintenance and operational procedures (TTPs) that increased the efficiency of communication support across two government agencies by 10%.
- Authored 9 new digital checklists and technical aids, saving 85 man-hours annually and improving the accessibility of critical in-flight data.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Project Management
American Military University
01.2020
Associate of Arts - Information Systems Management
Community College of The Air Force
01.2016
Skills
- Viasat Arclight and Ka
- Hardware troubleshooting
- IP networking
- Technical training
- System integration
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Viasat MBR 4020
- SpaceX Starshield
- Satcom Direct INMARSAT
- HF/VHF/UHF/EHF communications
- Network troubleshooting
- Secure voice and data systems
- LAN and WAN management
- Maintenance coordination
- On-site and remote support
- Technical manual interpretation
- Schematic interpretation
Additional Information
Active Top Secret/SCI, Fully accustomed to 75% international travel and 24/7 operational schedules., U.S. Citizen. Eligible for airport badging in Japan (SIDA).
Timeline
Evaluator, Airborne Communications Systems
U.S. Air Force
12.2020 - Current
Instructor & Program Manager, Airborne Communications Systems
U.S. Air Force
12.2009 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Applied Science - Project Management
American Military University
Associate of Arts - Information Systems Management
Community College of The Air Force