tony Cuppari

• Developed Manufacturing 101 Training materials to approximately 30 early-to-mid career SE's and led on-site factory workshops focusing on factory best practices such as FOE, ESD, Lean 5s, Error Proofing, Variability Reduction techniques, & process control measures through SPC
• Mentoring a multitude of supplier engineers
• Conducted several supplier assessments (RESA Chapter 3-5) to detect pre-production weaknesses in supply chain and ensure supplier performance
• Championed knowledge sharing among colleagues through weekly Tech Office Hours training sessions focused on sharing supplier engagement best practices.
• Reduced time-to-market delays stemming from supplier-related concerns through proactive collaboration with engineering teams.
• Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere to address quality issues.
• Evaluated potential new suppliers through rigorous assessments, maintaining high standards in sourcing decisions.
• Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers, driving overall quality enhancements.
• Led cross-functional efforts to resolve complex supplier non-conformances, minimizing impacts to programs timelines.

Managed IST SE team responsible for key energetic suppliers, Northrop Grumman and Aerojet.

• Led, coached and mentored the IST SE team responsible for managing multiple programs (e.g., RAM, TOW 2A, TOS 2B, Griffin, AIM-9X, Stinger, SM3, SM6, Tomahawk, etc.)
• Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
• Played integral role in implementing the Senior Technical Review Board at Aerojet for SM3, SM6, GEM-T, and Tomahawk programs
• Cultivated positive relationships with Aerojet and Northrop to deliver timely and cost-effective process improvements in support of SM3, Tomahawk, TOW, and GEM-T

• Managed organization with over 50 employees, and 5 direct report managers
• Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
• Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
• Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
• Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
• Contributed to the creation of long-term strategic plans that aligned with the company''s overall vision and goals.

• Managed implementation of new technological improvements resulting in increased efficiency.
• Built trusted relationships with stakeholders through clear communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
• Developed technical strategies to align with business objectives, driving growth and innovation within the organization.

• MKVR Mission Assurance Manager- Responsible to conveying importance of Mission Assurance and embedding MA during the early conceptual development phase and through the product lifecycle of the program.
• Established strong relationships with key leaders from te Missile and Defense Agency
• Led more than 12 on-site supplier manufacturing readiness assessments leading to a successful Gate 5 review/ approval.
• Contributed to several trade studies for DACS Technical Interchange meetings and provided valuable feedback during Design for Manufacturing exercises for Seeker and Adaptor components
• Made key improvements to the MKVR supplier selection process with the addition of Casual NC data analysis and specific RCCA evaluations coupled with on-site readiness assessments targeting: FOE, Lean 5s, Tool Accountability, Chemical Storage, and KPP/KCC methodology

SM3 IA, IB, IIA

• Responsible for providing independent assessment of product and process risk and investigates and ensures closure of significant problems
• Authored PFMEA "How to Guide" that was converted to enterprise wide training module
• Developed PFMEA Logic Decision Flow Chart
• Conducted comprehensive reviews of internal controls, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated flexibility in managing diverse projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of professionalism under pressure situations.
• Coordinated mission assurance engagements from planning to execution, providing reliable results for clients.

• Established strong working relationships with clients through exceptional communication skills, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Participated in formal internal design reviews of proposed products and components.
• Conducted rigorous quality assurance tests, identifying areas of improvement for product optimization.
• Presented technical findings to stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of project status and goals.

• Rocketdyne's Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is the world’s most reliable and highly tested large rocket engine ever built, and operates at greater temperature extremes than any mechanical system in common use today. The SSME has achieved 100 percent flight success with a demonstrated reliability exceeding 0.9996 in over 1,000,000 seconds of hot-fire experience.
• Lead manufacturing engineer on the Main Combustion Chamber team responsible for the fabrication, inspection, and procurements of all detailed assembly components. Solved complex manufacturing problems using data to drive effective solutions. NASA customer focal point communicating status of critical schedules/ milestones.
• Increased production efficiency by designing and implementing process improvement strategies in mechanical operations.
• Improved product quality with the development of robust testing procedures and implementation of corrective actions.
• Streamlined assembly lines for optimal performance, resulting in reduced downtime and increased output.