Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Wallace Darrol Houser Jr

Granada Hills,CA

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, excelling in project management and team development. Leveraging strong analytical thinking and time management skills, I foster high-performing teams and drive project success, consistently achieving timely deliverables while enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction.

Experienced with team leadership and group coordination. Utilizes strong organizational and interpersonal skills to achieve team goals. Knowledge of effective conflict resolution and team-building strategies.

Safety-conscious individual comfortable lifting, pushing and pulling material weighing up to 50 pounds. Dedicated to producing products of consistent quality. Excellent time management, organizational and written and verbal communication skills.

Overview

49
49
years of professional experience

Work History

Group Supervisor

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, CA
08.1994 - 05.2024
  • Fostered positive relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, facilitating seamless coordination across departments.
  • Built high-performing teams by recruiting top talent and promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
  • Managed multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks effectively to ensure timely completion of all deliverables.
  • Organized training sessions for staff members to meet departmental goals.
  • Delivered exceptional results on key projects by applying strong leadership skills and effective project management techniques.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive project success and meet deadlines consistently.
  • Assisted in interviewing and hiring of new candidates.
  • Drove employee engagement initiatives that resulted in higher morale, increased retention rates, and greater job satisfaction among team members.
  • Evaluated staff performance and provided feedback.
  • Continuously assessed group performance, providing constructive feedback and implementing targeted improvement measures to optimize results.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering a supportive work environment and promoting professional growth.
  • Delegated tasks strategically and monitored progress for timely completion.

Machinist

CDI Contractors
Los Angeles, CA
02.1988 - 08.1994

Worked as a contract machinist at Shafer magnetics and Jet Propulsion Lab.

  • Inspected completed parts to verify compliance with specifications and quality standards.
  • Utilized micrometers and calipers to measure and verify precise tolerances.
  • Manually set up machinery, lathes, and grinders.
  • Used CNC and manual equipment to perform both initial and final machining.
  • Adjusted machine settings to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
  • Worked with team members to improve production processes and procedures.
  • Supported team members in troubleshooting complex machine issues, sharing knowledge and expertise to resolve problems quickly.

Machinist

Dip Brase House
Lancaster, CA
04.1986 - 01.1988
  • Inspected completed parts to verify compliance with specifications and quality standards.
  • Utilized micrometers and calipers to measure and verify precise tolerances.
  • Used CNC and manual equipment to perform both initial and final machining.
  • Assisted in training new machinists on company procedures, best practices, and safe operation of equipment.
  • Monitored equipment to detect and report malfunctions and prevent accidents.

Tool Maker

Northrop
Newbury Park, CA
03.1985 - 02.1986
  • Ensured accurate measurements for tool making with the use of micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring instruments.
  • Utilized expertise in materials science when selecting appropriate raw materials for tool making, optimizing performance, and durability in various applications.
  • Consistently met deadlines for project completion through effective time management and organizational skills.
  • Maintained clear communication with team members throughout projects to ensure all requirements were met accurately and efficiently.

Tool and Die Maker

Parker Hannifin Corp.
Culver City, CA
04.1982 - 02.1985
  • Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety regulations and proper equipment handling procedures.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by designing and fabricating custom tooling for manufacturing processes.
  • Optimized machining operations using advanced techniques such as wire EDM, CNC milling, and grinding machines.
  • Developed expertise in various materials properties including steel alloys, aluminum, brass, plastics, allowing for appropriate selection based on project requirements.
  • Achieved high levels of dimensional accuracy through meticulous attention to detail when crafting custom tools and dies.

Machinist

Litton Data Systems
Los Angeles, CA
07.1981 - 03.1982
  • Operated drill presses, lathes and milling machines to produce required parts.
  • Manually set up machinery, lathes, and grinders.
  • Adapted to frequently changing priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring timely completion of all assignments.
  • Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings and schematics to determine parts dimensions.
  • Demonstrated flexibility in working with various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, to produce high-quality machined components.
  • Used CNC and manual equipment to perform both initial and final machining.

Tool and Die Maker

Rite Autotronics Corp
Los Angeles, CA
11.1978 - 06.1981
  • Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety regulations and proper equipment handling procedures.
  • Reduced machine downtime by performing regular maintenance and repairs on die sets and equipment.
  • Supported continuous improvement initiatives by actively participating in root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by designing and fabricating custom tooling for manufacturing processes.

Machinist Apprentice

Processed Plastics
Montgomery, IL
02.1978 - 07.1978
  • Operated band saws, CNC mills, and lathes in machine shop.
  • Reduced production errors by accurately measuring dimensions using precision tools such as calipers and micrometers.
  • Expanded skill set under machinist mentorship, learning advanced techniques for improved job performance.
  • Kept work area neat and tidy to safeguard workspace and efficiently locate tools and other items.

General Laborer

Trio Brass Foundry
Aurora, IL
11.1977 - 01.1978
  • Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
  • Demonstrated strong work ethic, completing physically demanding tasks under varying conditions.
  • Assisted team members with tasks that require group effort.

Security Specialist

United States Air Force
Whiteman Air Force Base, MO
03.1975 - 09.1977

Security alert team leader: Working in a top secret role protecting Missiles and the launch control facility.

  • Detected potential threats proactively through regular monitoring of surveillance systems and analyzing incident reports.
  • Performed regular audits of existing security measures, identifying areas for improvement and recommending changes accordingly.
  • Patrolled and monitored premises in company vehicle, on bicycle, and by foot.
  • Screened incoming employees, personal belongings, and shipments for security concerns.

Education

Associate of Science - Engineering

Valley College
Van Nuys, CA
08-1987

High School Diploma -

West Aurora Senior High School
Aurora, IL
11-1974

Skills

  • Leadership skills
  • Time management expertise
  • Analytical thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Priority management skills
  • Critical thinking capability
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Issue resolution
  • Schedule coordination
  • Manufacturing oversight

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Interests

  • Swimming
  • Volunteer Work
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Photography
  • Adventure Travel
  • Road Trips
  • Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination

Timeline

Group Supervisor

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
08.1994 - 05.2024

Machinist

CDI Contractors
02.1988 - 08.1994

Machinist

Dip Brase House
04.1986 - 01.1988

Tool Maker

Northrop
03.1985 - 02.1986

Tool and Die Maker

Parker Hannifin Corp.
04.1982 - 02.1985

Machinist

Litton Data Systems
07.1981 - 03.1982

Tool and Die Maker

Rite Autotronics Corp
11.1978 - 06.1981

Machinist Apprentice

Processed Plastics
02.1978 - 07.1978

General Laborer

Trio Brass Foundry
11.1977 - 01.1978

Security Specialist

United States Air Force
03.1975 - 09.1977

Associate of Science - Engineering

Valley College

High School Diploma -

West Aurora Senior High School
Wallace Darrol Houser Jr
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