WILLIAM SWEARSON
GRAND FORKS,ND
Summary
Experienced in advanced engineering with a strong background in research and development. Adept at leading complex projects and delivering innovative solutions to technical challenges. Skilled in systems optimization and proficient in cross-functional team leadership, consistently driving successful outcomes through collaboration and strategic problem-solving.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Engineer
Bifrost Manufacturing
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Lead business development of advanced research and development for the DOD and DAPRA.
- Worked with directors, programs managers, and executives to determine strategic plans.
- Developed solutions for satellite systems radiation shielding, microelectronics, and nucleosynthesis.
Systems Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2018 - 05.2024
- Developed two patents, innovating multipurpose delivery systems.
- Led a group of engineer to develop GUI to monitor and report changes in sensor data collection.
- Managed in an agile work environment to increase efficiency and production in test automation.
GFK Operation Specialist/ARFF
Grand Forks Airport Authority
07.2016 - 01.2018
- Acted as a member of the aircraft crash/rescue crew of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.
- Conducted airfield, lighting, terminal, and perimeter inspections as required by FAA PART 139.
- Assumed control of snow command vehicle activities.
- Maintained and performed routine service on all emergency vehicles, communications, and ground support equipment.
GFK Station Manager
Integrated Aviation Services (IAS)
05.2015 - 07.2016
- Identified areas of inefficiency, decreased financial losses, and returned stations to profitability.
- Restructured station and innovating outdated processes.
- Bolstered productivity, saving thousands of dollars in less than 6 months.
- Negotiated and gained the trust of customers and partners by providing excellent, reliable service.
Graduate Research Assistant, Space Studies
University of North Dakota
01.2009 - 05.2010
- Long Term life support and habitat architecture design and feasibility.
- Engineered reusable launch vehicle systems for data collection of lower atmosphere in collaboration of UND engineering department.
- Network engineering, performing initial data reduction processes of several interstellar objects using national research facilities and grants.
Research Assistant
University of California, Irvine
06.2009 - 08.2009
- Operated flight hardware, payloads, and sensory array through NASA DC-8 flying research laboratory at the Dryden Research Center.
- Identified variables in algal blooms using data extraction software, WEKA and remote sensing data.
- Produced an accurate forecasting feasibility model using an artificial neural network to determine risk assessment to coastal economies.
Research Assistant, Physics
University of North Dakota
06.2004 - 08.2009
- Assisted in engineering remote networks, data processing and coding for tracking planets using ground-based optics and remote sensing hardware.
- Utilized a supervised learning algorithm to model behavior of matter during Type II Linear supernovae in MATLAB (matrix laboratory) programming language.
- Developed a decision tree for rocket maneuvers to mitigate risk of injury and damage to payload and ground support.
- Collaborated with NASA to engineer and develop launch vehicle and ground systems for St.R.I.P.E, a testbed for refining reusable launch vehicle designs.
Research Assistant
NASA Ames Astrobiology Institute
06.2007 - 08.2007
- Participated in engineering programs at AMES small spacecraft center.
- Compared analysis of a Monte Carlo simulation to determine correlations in observed and projected outcomes of complex systems.
- Tasked with unsupervised operation of networked a large radio telescope array, ATA.
Research Assistant
SETI Institute
06.2007 - 08.2007
- Participated in engineering programs at AMES small spacecraft center.
- Compared analysis of a Monte Carlo simulation to determine correlations in observed and projected outcomes of complex systems.
- Tasked with unsupervised operation of networked a large radio telescope array, ATA.
Education
M.S. - Aerospace/Space Studies
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND01.2011
B.A. - Anthropology
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND01.2008
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND05-2027
Skills
- Leadership skills
- Team management
- Project management
- Technical presentation
- Innovation and creativity
- Project research
- Analytical thinking
- Mechanical aptitude
- Critical thinking
- Technical leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Design optimization
- Mechanical engineering
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved product delivery issues which led to roughly 70% increase in efficiency and $330,000 more in profits in two quarters.
- Achieved site certifications through effectively helping with implementing standards across entire site.
- Supervised team of 27 staff members.
Awards
National Science Foundation Research Experience Program Funding Recipient: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, and 2004., University of North Dakota Anthropology Department Scholarship Recipient, 2008., University of North Dakota Student Involvement Award Winner, 2006.
VOLUNTEER AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra board member volunteer: 2021 to 2025. Emerado Volunteer Fire Department Fire Fighter: 2020 to 2025. Co-founder of AT Environmental Solutions/Obsidian, 2012 to 2025. North Dakota Museum of Art Volunteer: 2008 to 2014. Astronomy Club Member and President: 2010 to 2012. Dakota Space Society Member: 2008 to 2010.
Timeline
Senior Engineer
Bifrost Manufacturing
05.2024 - 05.2025
Systems Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2018 - 05.2024
GFK Operation Specialist/ARFF
Grand Forks Airport Authority
07.2016 - 01.2018
GFK Station Manager
Integrated Aviation Services (IAS)
05.2015 - 07.2016
Research Assistant
University of California, Irvine
06.2009 - 08.2009
Graduate Research Assistant, Space Studies
University of North Dakota
01.2009 - 05.2010
Research Assistant
NASA Ames Astrobiology Institute
06.2007 - 08.2007
Research Assistant
SETI Institute
06.2007 - 08.2007
Research Assistant, Physics
University of North Dakota
06.2004 - 08.2009
B.A. - Anthropology
University of North Dakota
M.S. - Aerospace/Space Studies
University of North Dakota
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Dakota
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