William May
Wichita
Summary
Results-driven aviation leader with 13+ years of experience managing maintenance operations, leading technical teams, and supporting aircraft production and flight readiness. Oversaw maintenance across three production departments and supervised 30 mechanics while driving quality assurance, inspection excellence, and continuous improvement. Offers a strong blend of leadership, technical expertise, and operational discipline in both military and civilian aerospace environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Flight Test Service Engineer
GE Aerospace
Wichita, KS
09.2025 - Current
- Executed engine and aircraft certification test support plans to ensure flight test readiness.
- Maintained airworthiness of uncertified flight test engines and certified engines in production and field environments.
- Coordinated with Product Support, Engineering, Field Service, suppliers, and customers to resolve technical issues quickly.
- Applied jet engine and flight test knowledge to troubleshoot problems and support program execution.
- Led customer communication by translating technical issues into clear actions and recommendations.
- Guided junior team members and customer personnel on technical procedures and support practices.
- Managed spares receiving, storage, and shipment to keep flight test operations fully supported.
Experimental Flightline Mechanic
Textron Aviation
Wichita, KS
07.2023 - 09.2025
- Assisted with maintaining Textron Aviation legacy aircraft and new builds, ensuring operational readiness
- Specialized in Beechcraft Denali, Cessna Caravans, Cessna Single Engines, and Beechcraft Single Engines to support diverse fleet maintenance
- Installed and removed new updates and modifications as required by engineering, improving aircraft performance
- Coordinated and provided feedback with engineering to improve updates and modifications, enhancing process efficiency
- Conducted Phase, Annual, and 100 Hour inspections to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards
- Performed Functional Tests as part of Return to Service work, verifying airworthiness of aircraft
- Maintained GE Catalyst Engine on Beechcraft Denali, supporting engine reliability and performance
Production Flight Team Member
Textron Aviation
Independence, KS
09.2020 - 07.2023
- Reinstalled flight controls and small parts to restore aircraft functionality
- Performed rework when required, ensuring compliance with quality standards
- Resolved squawks found by inspection, pilots, and customers, improving aircraft reliability
- Conducted function tests as part of the buildup process, verifying system performance
- Rigged P&W PT6-114A and PT6-140 engines to meet specifications, ensuring optimal engine operation
- Performed engine run-ins in accordance with aircraft specifications on P&W PT6-114A and PT6-140 engines, validating engine performance
Tube Fabricator
Textron Aviation
Wichita, KS
05.2019 - 09.2020
- Utilized Eagle Eaton Leonard VB 300 tube bender to bend one to three inch diameter tubes, supporting production needs
- Inspected tubes using Tube Inspection Booth and Eaton Leonard Inspection Arm to ensure quality standards
- Identified tubes using required tapes and markings, maintaining accurate part tracking
- Beaded tubes using proper support equipment and measuring gauges to meet engineering specifications
- Interpreted engineering drawings and specifications to ensure accurate assembly of parts.
Assembly Team Member
Textron Aviation
Independence, KS
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Used blueprints and work instructions to perform aircraft maintenance, ensuring adherence to specifications
- Added and wired engine components and accessories to support aircraft assembly
- Performed sheet metal rework to correct structural discrepancies
- Installed upholstery and panels to the interior of the aircraft, enhancing cabin quality
- Collaborated with team members to streamline assembly processes, enhancing workflow efficiency
Non-Destructive Testing Technician
United States Marine Corps
Jacksonville, NC
04.2016 - 07.2018
- Trained in PT, MT, ET, UT, and RT, expanding inspection capabilities
- Coordinated with maintenance activities when inspections were required, minimizing downtime
- Selected, calibrated, or operated equipment used in the testing of products and materials to ensure accuracy
- Documented methods, processes, and results of inspections, supporting traceability and compliance
- Consulted with higher maintenance authorities to discuss inspection results, facilitating informed decisions
- Facilitated compliance audits, ensuring adherence to military standards and regulations in all testing activities
Collateral Duty Inspector
United States Marine Corps
Jacksonville, NC
08.2015 - 07.2018
- Ensured safety programs and quality control measures were adhered to, maintaining compliance with regulations
- Monitored work processes to ensure completeness, accuracy, and conformance to standards and specifications
- Provided documentation showing maintenance actions were completed, supporting audit readiness
- Verified requisition of supplies to meet production demands, reducing delays
- Reviewed work orders to plan maintenance in order to meet production requirements, optimizing workflow
- Led training sessions for junior inspectors on inspection protocols and safety procedures
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Component Mechanic
United States Marine Corps
Jacksonville, NC
06.2012 - 07.2018
- Examined aircraft components for cracks, breaks, leaks, and proper function to ensure airworthiness
- Conducted work while following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications, ensuring accuracy
- Overhauled broken or worn parts for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, extending component life
- Performed testing and troubleshooting using required support equipment to resolve system issues
- Manufactured hose and tube assemblies using appropriate hand tools, supporting maintenance operations
Leadership Member
United States Marine Corps
Jacksonville, NC
06.2012 - 07.2018
- Supervised and delegated work of 30 mechanics between three departments, ensuring efficient operations
- Conducted training to ensure employees were properly qualified in order to meet production demands
- Oversaw safety and wellbeing of all subordinates both on and off work, promoting a positive work environment
Education
Airframe And Powerplant License -
Airframe And Powerplant Apprenticeship
Wichita07-2025
High School Diploma -
Royal Valley High School
Hoyt, KS05-2012
Skills
- Technical support
- Schematic reading
- Preventive Maintenance
- Safety procedures
- System diagnostics
- Parts replacement
- Mechanical aptitude
- System maintenance
- Component replacement
- Hydraulic systems
Timeline
Flight Test Service Engineer
GE Aerospace
09.2025 - Current
Experimental Flightline Mechanic
Textron Aviation
07.2023 - 09.2025
Production Flight Team Member
Textron Aviation
09.2020 - 07.2023
Tube Fabricator
Textron Aviation
05.2019 - 09.2020
Assembly Team Member
Textron Aviation
08.2018 - 05.2019
Non-Destructive Testing Technician
United States Marine Corps
04.2016 - 07.2018
Collateral Duty Inspector
United States Marine Corps
08.2015 - 07.2018
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Component Mechanic
United States Marine Corps
06.2012 - 07.2018
Leadership Member
United States Marine Corps
06.2012 - 07.2018
Airframe And Powerplant License -
Airframe And Powerplant Apprenticeship
High School Diploma -
Royal Valley High School