Tom Sneath

Experience

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  Hydraflow

  Jan 1999 - Nov 2007

  Engineering Laboratory Technician

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  VACCO Industries

  Dec 2007 - Jan 2010

  Space Products Technician-Valves-Fluid System Components
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  Space Exploration Technologies

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2013

  Lead Propulsion Technician, Boost Components-Valves

  Coordinated with planners, material handlers, inspection, and management to meet production goals. Supported development and qualification testing. Developed training models and drafted work instructions. Introduced Lean manufacturing principles and cultivated efficient work practices for the components team. Hands on assembly and test of complex dev and flight components.▪ Led 12-member manufacturing and testing team responsible for RP1 and LOX systems components▪ Designed and built an additional 10K Ghe/GN2 pressure panel and 2 dual medium LN2/Ghe test panels▪ Hired and trained a test lead and additional staff to support component assembly deadlines▪ Successfully expanded components test facility; created a separate test team to match exponential product demand growth▪ Provided high-level support and training to the components team; scheduled tasks to meet critical demands Show less

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  BLUE ORIGIN

  Jan 2013 - Jul 2018

  I was selected for this role due to my extensive knowledge of Blue's fluid systems, mechanical systems, and my comprehensive test and cryogenic experience. Planned and executed environmental testing of Fluids, avionics, hydraulic, and mechanical components. Worked directly with test engineers to perform testing on space flight hardware. Maintained test equipment and coordinated facility operations. Analyzed, interpreted, and recorded test data for environmental QTP and ATP testing. ▪ Performed vibration, shock, thermal, and altitude testing of development and flight components▪ Tested propulsion, avionics, hydraulic, and ground support equipment (GSE)▪ Thermal-vac testing and test fixture development employing LN2 rapid thermal cycling.▪ Directed test teams in set-up, axis change and hardware instrumentation during vibe▪ Demonstrated proficiency in the use of network, DAQs, power measurement equipment, and special avionic test equipment to support environmental testing▪ Built and operated pneumatic pressure panels (DAQ) systems; ran scripts, (DAQ) systems and actuated systems under test▪ Utilized vibration research VR9500 controllers for all vibration/shock test equipment operation Unholtz-Dickie T2000/T4000 Show less Participated in BE4 Engine valve development, building, testing, and analysis. Collaborated cross-functionally to perform pneumatic and hydrostatic proof and leak testing as well as hydraulic, pneumatic, and cryogenic functional testing. Managed work orders and drove non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements. Handled and tracked multiple priorities while maintaining a focus toward common project goals. ▪ Tasked upon hire to design and build a dual medium (LN2/GHe) cryogenic test bench▪ Developed and built the cleanroom assembly and test operations function for company encompassing fluids panels, and liquid oxygen (LOX)-compatible materials▪ Obtained multiple IPC (Institute for Printed Circuits) certifications in wire and cable harnessing, soldering, and printed circuit board (PCB) assembly▪ Assigned as critical support for multiple assembly and test operations such as build, test, and vibe of flight HEX FCV for M2, operating vibration test for BHP for M2, and vibration test for fluids group▪ Was the principal fluids technician throughout NS1-NS4 development and build.▪ I built the near entirety of all fluids systems panels and HEX components of the first four New Shepard vehicles. Show less

  • Environmental Test Technician (Integration Engineer)

    Sept 2017 - Jul 2018

  • Integration Engineer-Valves-Fluids Systems-Sub Assemblies

    Jan 2013 - Jun 2018
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  Firefly Aerospace

  Jul 2018 - Jun 2020

  Test Operations Manager/EHS Engineer

  Provided outstanding leadership for testing operations of the engine and structural test stands. Established expectations for rapid test execution through use of operations best practices and innovative solutions to new test challenges. Applied established technologies using standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to solve complex problems. Made decisions to impact outcomes and analyzed potential risks to avoid schedule delays and expenditure of additional time or resources. ▪ Hands-on integration of engines, tanks, stage assemblies, and various components to test stands.▪ Test stand operation, integration, upgrades, and maintenance.▪ Managed high-complex projects with a scope encompassing various flight systems (propulsion, structural, and fluids systems)▪ Performed budgeting, staffing, purchasing, and development needs for the test team▪ Managed multiple simultaneous test operations including engine, full-stage, and various component level tests ▪ Coordinated rocket assembly and test technician team throughout fast-paced operations▪ Scheduled technicians on a 6-day work week over 2 shifts, avoiding burnout and improving morale▪ Enabled teams to adapt to all-weather environments▪ Built hardware from bench to test. Including engines, turbo-machinery, valves, and components. Show less

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  Austin Reliability Labs: a TyRex Technology Family company

  Jun 2020 - Sept 2022

  Reliability Lab Manager/EnvironmentalTest Engineer

  Lead high-performing team, proposed and incorporate continuous improvements, and equipment upgrades. Perform vibration, HALT/HASS, thermal, and other mechanical tests such as packaged drop testing, shock, IEC60068 IP exposure testing, salt fog, solar loading, and altitude. Inspect, maintain, and calibrate test equipment; compile and report testing data, evaluate requirements, and develop test plans. ▪ Developed and performed testing in fluids, mechanical systems, consumer electronics, avionics, and cryogens.▪ Operated, maintained and repaired vibration, HALT/HASS, and thermal equipment.▪ Designed and built custom test equipment, environmental enclosures, and pressure systems.▪ Managed scheduling of client tests, reports, and certification▪ Balanced allocation of test resources, equipment, and personnel to meet demanding schedule with limited resources▪ Performed testing for a wide variety of industries including space, satellite, communications, and transportation. ▪ Continuously increased business revenue 20% year over year▪ Clients included, SpaceX, Firefly, Quad-M, Nanoracks, Infinitum, Volcon, Yeti, Tesla, and Foxconn Show less

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  Blue Origin

  Sept 2022 - now

  As the principal Sub-Assemblies fluids Integration Supervisor, my current role leverages both my hands on experience and senior mentorship. GS2 Subs scope encompasses fluids, avionics and rack structural builds. My experience working developmental to production programs in fluids panels, valves and systems on New Shepard has given me unique perspective to develop effective strategies and processes for New Glenn. ▪ Driving prioritization and delegation of Sub-assembly builds▪ Planning, scheduling, and prioritizing hundreds of builds for multiple shipsets▪ Personnel management and work assignment across 3 active shifts▪ Responsible for establishing work center technician needs, hiring, and employee evaluation▪ Collaborate with PCs, MEs and REs to plan, procure and improve EWO and work-through process▪ Developed workcenter planning strategies to increase safety, quality, and efficiency Show less New Glenn-Fluids Sub-assembliesAs a Senior Technician specializing in fluid systems, I successfully applied my extensive experience in both build and test, combined with my diverse background at Blue Origin, SpaceX, and other companies, to achieve high-level success in Sub-Assemblies.▪ Assembly and test of high-complexity fluid-systems panels▪ Valve and component level assembly and test.▪ Specialized in Pneumatic, Hydrostatic and Cryogenic testing, and training.▪ Structural assembly and mechanical skills ▪ Worked extensively with MEs to develop work instructions, standards and documented processes.▪ Daily work planning, assignment and direction of technicians▪ Senior level mentorship, training, and dissemination of experience and skills to fellow techs▪ Cryogenic handling SME for GS1-GS2 Sub-Assemblies Show less

  • Supervisor-GS2 Sub-Assemblies

    Sept 2024 - now

  • Senior Technician-Lead, Fluids Sub-Assmblies-Cryo SME

    Sept 2022 - Sept 2024