Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Justin L. Novak

Riva

Summary

As engineering professional, consistently delivered innovative solutions in power systems. Proven ability to optimize system performance while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Known for strong collaboration skills and results-driven approach.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Propulsion and Power Systems Engineer

NAWCAD
06.2024 - Current
  • Spearheaded energy conservation initiatives, resulting in significant annual savings for the organization.
  • Led the successful integration of renewable energy sources into existing power infrastructure, promoting sustainability efforts.
  • Developed customized training programs to improve team knowledge and skill sets in power systems engineering principles.
  • Evaluated technical proposals from vendors, ensuring high-quality equipment selection at competitive pricing points.
  • Mentored junior engineers by providing guidance on best practices in design, analysis, and troubleshooting of complex power systems issues.

Mechanical Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
06.2017 - 06.2024
  • As the SI for the MQ-25 Stingray, I am one of two empowered engineers for Propulsion and Power (P&P) systems.
  • I represent the program during engineering rotations at Boeing.
  • I lead the P&P team of 7 SMEs and more than 10 part-time SMEs through technical meetings with Boeing and suppliers in the System Engineer’s (SE’s) absence.
  • We discuss ongoing work as well as lessons learned from other platforms and disciplines during these meetings.
  • I am responsible for reviewing Interface Control Documents for full-scale engine & subsystem test and aircraft installations of P&P equipment.
  • This challenging work has allowed me to pursue my goal of continuous learning as a Navy Engineer.
  • I am involved in technical meetings and program reviews for the Engine, Electrical Power & Wiring and Fuel System (pre-ASG reorganization), which allows me to continue learning about the products provided by P&P.
  • I regularly communicate issues to the P&P System Engineers (SEs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, class desks and Chief Engineers in this role.
  • I coordinate team technical reviews presented to Navy leadership.
  • I review and provide regular feedback to SE products for engineering team structure, staffing and budget data calls and evaluate work agreements between the program and P&P engineers.
  • I assist the SE in documenting lessons learned and providing feedback to ASG/P&P leadership as requested.
  • During my tenure, I signed the MQ-25 flight clearance for the first aerial refuel of an F/A-18F from an unmanned system on June 4, 2021.
  • In order to demonstrate this critical functionality, the team undertook the unprecedented effort to approve and release a Cat 3 IFC for a large UAS under a Public Aircraft Operation as declared by PMA-268.
  • I coordinated the risk-based flight clearance with the expert technical judgement and counsel of a highly experienced team of empowered professionals.
  • E-2D and JSF aerial refueling demonstrations followed the F-18 flight, in August 2021 and September 2021 respectively, which provided additional risk reduction for the other elements of the carrier air wing.
  • The result of this demonstration was to accelerate insight into the key knowledge points associated with the MQ-25 program.
  • PEO, AIR-00, ASN, and congress people acknowledged and appreciated these program successes.
  • The Maritime Accelerated Capabilities Office (MACO) environment presents significant procedural challenges that I lead the team through by tailoring of standard processes.
  • Our team not only provides technically accurate products, but also delivers on or ahead of schedule.
  • MQ-25’s level of visibility drives the pace of the program.
  • The team performs all work in parallel.
  • Design, test and production are simultaneous, which creates challenges to ensuring an airworthy aircraft.
  • Working across Navy/Boeing/OEM fuel system, containment, aerial refueling (AAR); engine; electrical power & wiring; and air vehicle subsystem teams my responsibilities as the SI include: Reviewing and providing input to SE and Class Desks for project plans, RFPs, SOWs and both program and technical reviews as needed.
  • Coordinating yearly P&P Tech Review material within the team.
  • Participating in program reviews and providing recommendations to SE and CHENG for either closure or actions required for closure of review.
  • Providing on-demand review and recommendations for contract clauses and/or SOW content for CSI/CAI management, software level of rigor activities, Li-ion battery qualification activities, future capabilities and specification changes.
  • Reviewing and developing technical/mission documentation leading to final engineering requirements and requirement verification strategies between Navy and OEM stakeholders.
  • Leading the technical team and recommending joint program approval of over 70 Technical Coordination Memos and several Specification Change Notices to document revised operational/technical requirements, design concepts and their verification strategies.
  • I ensure the technical team completes reviews and finalizes technical positions on schedule, and I provide engineering recommendations to the SE/CHENG/Class Desks for these activities.
  • Working with Boeing and Navy engineers to finalize environmental specification temperature range and support equipment requirements.
  • Working with the SE to track OEM progress to meet engineering requirements.
  • This has been a brute force tracking method as the program matures different software packages to deliver airworthiness (AW) artifacts and track SME reviews.
  • Interfacing with Boeing and Navy Program managers, Chief engineers, engineering managers and class desks to assure proper risk management, planning and engineering during design.
  • Working with Boeing/Suppliers/SMEs/PMA to identify and manage the risk associated with the lack of support from vendors for Software Safety Level of Rigor (LOR).
  • I worked with the SE and Boeing teams to identify two program level risks driven by lack of support from Rolls Royce and Safran Electrical Power.
  • I coordinated the scope of work with System Software, System Safety and the subsystem IPTs that led Boeing to modify the two contracts, with general agreement on the scope of work and schedule required develop LOR artifacts for airworthiness.
  • Working with Boeing/Suppliers/SMEs to document schedule risk associate with BC Systems’ continuing development of MQ-25 RTRUs.
  • This is a significant technical effort for the supplier and has potential to become a schedule driver for MQ-25.
  • I work to ensure configuration management is considered and documented as the BCS continues to improve the RTRUs to meet MQ-25 requirements.
  • Coordinating team engineering work to assess system development, test and evaluation planning and reporting, production reviews and support.
  • Assessing system level trade-offs and risk management to ensure initial quality and safety are part of the OEM design.
  • Coordinating wiring system adjudication of production non-conformances and on-site airworthiness production assessments.
  • Serving as a representative of the PMA-268 Chief Engineer during Government Embedded MACO Acceleration Team (GEMAT) rotations, which are one-week rotations to Boeing.
  • During rotations, I am the entrusted and empowered on-site Systems Engineering representative for all weekly engineering meetings.
  • GEMAT responsibilities include: Ensuring technical, engineering and contract requirements are met while participating in Boeing program management reviews; Program Risk reviews; Reliability and Maintainability working groups; Air System Integration working groups; Chief Engineer reviews; Change Board reviews; Contingency Management working groups; Warnings, Cautions and Advisory working Groups; System Safety Working Groups; E3 design and production options trades meetings; Iron Bird test findings reviews.
  • Providing insight to the Chief Engineer/CAPT and Deputy Program Managers from weekly on-site engineering activities.
  • Representing Navy engineering by providing input to Boeing, sharing immediate feedback to engineers at PAX, and coordinating information exchanges between Boeing & Navy.
  • Providing engineering insight to OEM design teams regarding unique Navy fleet operating environments, challenges and tempo associated with carrier based aircraft.
  • Providing operational justification to Rolls Royce to release proprietary engine operability information to support Navy flight clearances.
  • Ensuring turn-around time analysis is thorough to understand the time to prepare an MQ-25 for its next flight in the carrier flight event schedule.
  • The outcome of this analysis drives the fuel system design and future mission planning.
  • I worked across the engineering, logistic, carrier suitability and program team in PMA-268 to communicate a consistent status and results/impacts message to the PMA and Boeing.
  • Coordinating team review of proposals and specifications to reduce contracting time as much as possible while ensuring proposed aircraft system equipment feasibly meets all systems engineering requirements.
  • Engine bay cooling design: Working with Boeing and coordinated USN engineering support across the entire Air Vehicle team including Electrical Power, Environmental, Hydraulics, and Vehicle Software.
  • Through my efforts, the PMA and Chief Engineer had the necessary insight to support timely decision-making and drive the program to a successful redesign.
  • Coordinating design and test of integrated aircraft systems across Navy/OEM teams.
  • I coordinated the USN team’s technical input during Boeing’s initial evaluation of alternative Li-ion battery technology.
  • The scope of this program is to replace several existing lead acid batteries with lighter, high TRL Li-ion batteries that meet the MQ-25 electrical power system requirements.
  • Selected batteries must also meet safety requirements for CVN.
  • The combined Teams’ work led to selection of an already fielded battery offered by True Blue Power.
  • I led the USN work with Boeing and True Blue in Li-ion battery development and testing for the MQ-25.
  • I led the team establishing and reviewing the various test plans, ensuring the necessary number of test assets arrived at NAVSEA, and coordinating review of the test results.
  • Coordinating and providing input to Boeings advanced design team for research and development of high voltage lithium ion battery design and certification requirements.
  • Participating in quarterly conferences and coordinating inputs from NAVAIR battery and engine performance SMEs for future designs.
  • In 2018, I received a letter of appreciation from the program manager, CAPT Reed, for exceptional performance during source selection as an empowered engineer for AIR 4.4.
  • During source selection I evaluated the technical merit of proposals focusing on engines/controls and P&P subsystems: Electrical Power, Auxiliary Power, Emergency Power, and Fuel Systems.
  • This evaluation required regular communication with SMEs from each of these groups to gain understanding and insight into best design practices and lessons learned as I expand my experience within AIR 4.4.
  • My Source Selection responsibilities included: Working with the Systems Engineer, AIR 4.3 engineers and 4.4 SMEs to evaluate the proposals’ performance claims.
  • Communicating P&P issues for discussion with offerors weekly and often daily to Chief Engineer, Source Selection Deputy Director, Military and Civilian Class Desks.
  • Leading the P&P team of 7 SMEs through evaluation tasks to meet source selection deadlines during the absence of the Systems Engineer.
  • Serving as an advisor to the Class Desks responsible for evaluating the requirement verification plan, technical maturity and Airworthiness qualification plan.

Mechanical Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
06.2017 - 06.2024
  • As the SI for the MQ-25 Stingray, I am one of two empowered engineers for Propulsion and Power (P&P) systems.
  • I represent the program during engineering rotations at Boeing.
  • I lead the P&P team of 7 SMEs and more than 10 part-time SMEs through technical meetings with Boeing and suppliers in the System Engineer’s (SE’s) absence.
  • We discuss ongoing work as well as lessons learned from other platforms and disciplines during these meetings.
  • I am responsible for reviewing Interface Control Documents for full-scale engine & subsystem test and aircraft installations of P&P equipment.
  • This challenging work has allowed me to pursue my goal of continuous learning as a Navy Engineer.
  • I am involved in technical meetings and program reviews for the Engine, Electrical Power & Wiring and Fuel System (pre-ASG reorganization), which allows me to continue learning about the products provided by P&P.
  • I regularly communicate issues to the P&P System Engineers (SEs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, class desks and Chief Engineers in this role.
  • I coordinate team technical reviews presented to Navy leadership.
  • I review and provide regular feedback to SE products for engineering team structure, staffing and budget data calls and evaluate work agreements between the program and P&P engineers.
  • I assist the SE in documenting lessons learned and providing feedback to ASG/P&P leadership as requested.
  • During my tenure, I signed the MQ-25 flight clearance for the first aerial refuel of an F/A-18F from an unmanned system on June 4, 2021.
  • In order to demonstrate this critical functionality, the team undertook the unprecedented effort to approve and release a Cat 3 IFC for a large UAS under a Public Aircraft Operation as declared by PMA-268.
  • I coordinated the risk-based flight clearance with the expert technical judgement and counsel of a highly experienced team of empowered professionals.
  • E-2D and JSF aerial refueling demonstrations followed the F-18 flight, in August 2021 and September 2021 respectively, which provided additional risk reduction for the other elements of the carrier air wing.
  • The result of this demonstration was to accelerate insight into the key knowledge points associated with the MQ-25 program.
  • PEO, AIR-00, ASN, and congress people acknowledged and appreciated these program successes.
  • The Maritime Accelerated Capabilities Office (MACO) environment presents significant procedural challenges that I lead the team through by tailoring of standard processes.
  • Our team not only provides technically accurate products, but also delivers on or ahead of schedule.
  • MQ-25’s level of visibility drives the pace of the program.
  • The team performs all work in parallel.
  • Design, test and production are simultaneous, which creates challenges to ensuring an airworthy aircraft.
  • Working across Navy/Boeing/OEM fuel system, containment, aerial refueling (AAR); engine; electrical power & wiring; and air vehicle subsystem teams my responsibilities as the SI include: Reviewing and providing input to SE and Class Desks for project plans, RFPs, SOWs and both program and technical reviews as needed.
  • Coordinating yearly P&P Tech Review material within the team.
  • Participating in program reviews and providing recommendations to SE and CHENG for either closure or actions required for closure of review.
  • Providing on-demand review and recommendations for contract clauses and/or SOW content for CSI/CAI management, software level of rigor activities, Li-ion battery qualification activities, future capabilities and specification changes.
  • Reviewing and developing technical/mission documentation leading to final engineering requirements and requirement verification strategies between Navy and OEM stakeholders.
  • Leading the technical team and recommending joint program approval of over 70 Technical Coordination Memos and several Specification Change Notices to document revised operational/technical requirements, design concepts and their verification strategies.
  • I ensure the technical team completes reviews and finalizes technical positions on schedule, and I provide engineering recommendations to the SE/CHENG/Class Desks for these activities.
  • Working with Boeing and Navy engineers to finalize environmental specification temperature range and support equipment requirements.
  • Working with the SE to track OEM progress to meet engineering requirements.
  • This has been a brute force tracking method as the program matures different software packages to deliver airworthiness (AW) artifacts and track SME reviews.
  • Interfacing with Boeing and Navy Program managers, Chief engineers, engineering managers and class desks to assure proper risk management, planning and engineering during design.
  • Working with Boeing/Suppliers/SMEs/PMA to identify and manage the risk associated with the lack of support from vendors for Software Safety Level of Rigor (LOR).
  • I worked with the SE and Boeing teams to identify two program level risks driven by lack of support from Rolls Royce and Safran Electrical Power.
  • I coordinated the scope of work with System Software, System Safety and the subsystem IPTs that led Boeing to modify the two contracts, with general agreement on the scope of work and schedule required develop LOR artifacts for airworthiness.
  • Working with Boeing/Suppliers/SMEs to document schedule risk associate with BC Systems’ continuing development of MQ-25 RTRUs.
  • This is a significant technical effort for the supplier and has potential to become a schedule driver for MQ-25.
  • I work to ensure configuration management is considered and documented as the BCS continues to improve the RTRUs to meet MQ-25 requirements.
  • Coordinating team engineering work to assess system development, test and evaluation planning and reporting, production reviews and support.
  • Assessing system level trade-offs and risk management to ensure initial quality and safety are part of the OEM design.
  • Coordinating wiring system adjudication of production non-conformances and on-site airworthiness production assessments.
  • Serving as a representative of the PMA-268 Chief Engineer during Government Embedded MACO Acceleration Team (GEMAT) rotations, which are one-week rotations to Boeing.
  • During rotations, I am the entrusted and empowered on-site Systems Engineering representative for all weekly engineering meetings.
  • GEMAT responsibilities include: Ensuring technical, engineering and contract requirements are met while participating in Boeing program management reviews; Program Risk reviews; Reliability and Maintainability working groups; Air System Integration working groups; Chief Engineer reviews; Change Board reviews; Contingency Management working groups; Warnings, Cautions and Advisory working Groups; System Safety Working Groups; E3 design and production options trades meetings; Iron Bird test findings reviews.
  • Providing insight to the Chief Engineer/CAPT and Deputy Program Managers from weekly on-site engineering activities.
  • Representing Navy engineering by providing input to Boeing, sharing immediate feedback to engineers at PAX, and coordinating information exchanges between Boeing & Navy.
  • Providing engineering insight to OEM design teams regarding unique Navy fleet operating environments, challenges and tempo associated with carrier based aircraft.
  • Providing operational justification to Rolls Royce to release proprietary engine operability information to support Navy flight clearances.
  • Ensuring turn-around time analysis is thorough to understand the time to prepare an MQ-25 for its next flight in the carrier flight event schedule.
  • The outcome of this analysis drives the fuel system design and future mission planning.
  • I worked across the engineering, logistic, carrier suitability and program team in PMA-268 to communicate a consistent status and results/impacts message to the PMA and Boeing.
  • Coordinating team review of proposals and specifications to reduce contracting time as much as possible while ensuring proposed aircraft system equipment feasibly meets all systems engineering requirements.
  • Engine bay cooling design: Working with Boeing and coordinated USN engineering support across the entire Air Vehicle team including Electrical Power, Environmental, Hydraulics, and Vehicle Software.
  • Through my efforts, the PMA and Chief Engineer had the necessary insight to support timely decision-making and drive the program to a successful redesign.
  • Coordinating design and test of integrated aircraft systems across Navy/OEM teams.
  • I coordinated the USN team’s technical input during Boeing’s initial evaluation of alternative Li-ion battery technology.
  • The scope of this program is to replace several existing lead acid batteries with lighter, high TRL Li-ion batteries that meet the MQ-25 electrical power system requirements.
  • Selected batteries must also meet safety requirements for CVN.
  • The combined Teams’ work led to selection of an already fielded battery offered by True Blue Power.
  • I led the USN work with Boeing and True Blue in Li-ion battery development and testing for the MQ-25.
  • I led the team establishing and reviewing the various test plans, ensuring the necessary number of test assets arrived at NAVSEA, and coordinating review of the test results.
  • Coordinating and providing input to Boeings advanced design team for research and development of high voltage lithium ion battery design and certification requirements.
  • Participating in quarterly conferences and coordinating inputs from NAVAIR battery and engine performance SMEs for future designs.
  • In 2018, I received a letter of appreciation from the program manager, CAPT Reed, for exceptional performance during source selection as an empowered engineer for AIR 4.4.
  • During source selection I evaluated the technical merit of proposals focusing on engines/controls and P&P subsystems: Electrical Power, Auxiliary Power, Emergency Power, and Fuel Systems.
  • This evaluation required regular communication with SMEs from each of these groups to gain understanding and insight into best design practices and lessons learned as I expand my experience within AIR 4.4.
  • My Source Selection responsibilities included: Working with the Systems Engineer, AIR 4.3 engineers and 4.4 SMEs to evaluate the proposals’ performance claims.
  • Communicating P&P issues for discussion with offerors weekly and often daily to Chief Engineer, Source Selection Deputy Director, Military and Civilian Class Desks.
  • Leading the P&P team of 7 SMEs through evaluation tasks to meet source selection deadlines during the absence of the Systems Engineer.
  • Serving as an advisor to the Class Desks responsible for evaluating the requirement verification plan, technical maturity and Airworthiness qualification plan.

Fuel Systems and Fuel Thermal Management Systems (FTMS) Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
01.2011 - 06.2017
  • As a fuel systems and FTMS engineer for the Navy I am involved in research, design, development, qualification and sustainment of several aircraft fuel systems.
  • Working as a fuel system engineer requires me to have knowledge of the electrical, propulsion, APU, fuel containment, fire protection and ECS system designs, requirements and specifications to ensure proper system integration.
  • During my tenure I worked as the fuel system TAE and Performance Monitor for P-8A, VH-92A/Presidential Helo, RQ-21(STUAS), H-60, MQ-4C and BAMS-d.
  • My responsibilities to all platforms as fuel systems engineer include: Reviewing and approving Flight Clearances (FCs) for test and fleet aircraft.
  • Reviewing and approving Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs).
  • Presenting Technical Reviews and emerging issues to 4.4 Senior Executive and Technical leadership.
  • Developing system requirements for acquisition programs.
  • Verifying system requirements are satisfied for new designs and operating conditions.
  • Submitting and approving NATOPS and technical publication changes.
  • Providing recommendations for Military and Aerospace specification and handbook updates and JSSG updates to appropriate government, technical committees and advisory groups.
  • Pre-Briefing 4.4 technical leadership SETR event board members.
  • Mentoring junior branch members and providing technical direction as needed for fuel system, fuel containment and aerial refueling issues.
  • Working with team leads to develop multi-year planning strategies for branch thermal modeling resources.
  • P-8A successfully executed Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) within scope of the test program during my tenure.
  • During ground test, I resolved a difficult issue with the Master Isolation Valve (MIV) that was corrected prior to flight test, allowing the flight test program to proceed without interruptions due to MIV faults.
  • For aerial refueling, the design needed to be modified to continuously power the MIV open during fuel receive.
  • AAR capability was released to the fleet in 2017.
  • My responsibilities to the P-8A program include: Collaborating presentations for AAR Test Readiness Review (TRR).
  • Collaborating presentations for AAR Flight Readiness Review (FRR).
  • Working across competencies and agencies (USAF, Boeing, ITT, PMA, AIR 4353) to safely conduct AAR test program.
  • Coordinating fleet troubleshooting with FST, Boeing and other Navy SMEs for auxiliary fuel tank and fuel quantity indicating systems.
  • Reviewing deficiencies and proposed solutions for technical merit.
  • Providing fuel system engineering recommendations to the P-8A production line.
  • Execution of the AAR test program has been a priority to provide fleet capability meeting demanding schedules.
  • Communicating emerging issues to PMA and competency leadership has been important as component and system development and troubleshooting continues to support the test program.
  • The team met the Fleet’s need date for aircraft modification, training and first deployment.
  • This has only been achievable by the team’s constant communication, flexibility and commitment to each other and the fleet.
  • H-60 has provided several opportunities to engage in novel, out of the ordinary In-Service Engineering work including an engineering investigation surrounding the USS Monterrey (MTY) aircraft fuel system.
  • Supporting the deployed aircrew on board MTY required coordination with agencies across the Navy including MARMC, NAVSEA, NSWC and HSM 48 CO and OIC during a continuing investigation of contaminated fuel in the MH-60Rs.
  • This effort was necessary to maintain focus on cleaning MTY for the next deployment and required innovative and original techniques, as available guidance was minimal.
  • I worked to coordinate scheduling and funding for novel test planning onboard, and facilitated cross-agency reporting of results and recommended actions to clean MTY fuel system.
  • Additional duties to H-60 include: Qualifying SeaCEFS, an improved ballistically tolerant auxiliary fuel tank for fleet incorporation of the safer system.
  • Leading Sikorski, PMA, System Safety and Materials Engineers Risk Assessment to correct a possible overpressure condition on MH-60S, resulting in increased safety of flight.
  • Contributing project budget and staffing inputs to CIP as requested by System Engineers.
  • MQ-4C, Triton, conducted first flight during my tenure and test aircraft are flying the test program at PAX.
  • Working this program gave me the opportunity to participate in CDR, developmental testing, first article testing and the beginning of the Navy’s test program.
  • Duties include: NAVAIR fuel system representative for CDR.
  • Collaborated presentations for FRR and TRR.
  • Authored and presented multiple fuel system design and weighing briefings to program 0-6 level.
  • Participated in Developmental Test at the Palmdale factory to facilitate data review and system understanding.
  • Worked to implement a design change to install an additional fuel filter which was an oversight in the original design.
  • Filtering jet pump flow prevents frequent maintenance and long maintenance cycles to defuel.
  • Led a team of NGC engineers, Test Engineer and Pilots to update Triton NATOPS Alerts, Cautions and Warnings to provide operators correct situational awareness prior to first flight.
  • Reviewed Basis of Estimates, BOEs, and provided technical rational for exceptions for over 1000 hours of work resulting in $100Ks savings with no reduction in scope.
  • VH-92A has provided a unique opportunity to engage in a commercial derivative program and learn more about the FAA airworthiness process.
  • My responsibilities include: Participating in PDR and fuel system PDR.
  • Participating in CDR and fuel system CDR.
  • Understanding FAA airworthiness process and comparing to NAVAIR processes to ensure airworthiness.
  • I worked on branch initiatives for Science and Technology developing first generation models of the V-22 and F/A-18 fuel systems.
  • Within the branch, my S&T responsibilities include: Creating SWPs for model development and use.
  • Serving as Vice-Chair of the FTMS Technical Area Team for the Propulsion and Power System Alliance.
  • Directly resulted in collaboration between USAF and Navy modelers on the T-64 oil system.
  • Associate PI of the joint 2012 AIR 43/44 Thermal Modeling and Simulation NISE WFD program.
  • Associate PI for 2017 HEEFG NISE BAR program.

Fuel Systems and Fuel Thermal Management Systems (FTMS) Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
01.2011 - 06.2017
  • As a fuel systems and FTMS engineer for the Navy I am involved in research, design, development, qualification and sustainment of several aircraft fuel systems.
  • Working as a fuel system engineer requires me to have knowledge of the electrical, propulsion, APU, fuel containment, fire protection and ECS system designs, requirements and specifications to ensure proper system integration.
  • During my tenure I worked as the fuel system TAE and Performance Monitor for P-8A, VH-92A/Presidential Helo, RQ-21(STUAS), H-60, MQ-4C and BAMS-d.
  • My responsibilities to all platforms as fuel systems engineer include: Reviewing and approving Flight Clearances (FCs) for test and fleet aircraft.
  • Reviewing and approving Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs).
  • Presenting Technical Reviews and emerging issues to 4.4 Senior Executive and Technical leadership.
  • Developing system requirements for acquisition programs.
  • Verifying system requirements are satisfied for new designs and operating conditions.
  • Submitting and approving NATOPS and technical publication changes.
  • Providing recommendations for Military and Aerospace specification and handbook updates and JSSG updates to appropriate government, technical committees and advisory groups.
  • Pre-Briefing 4.4 technical leadership SETR event board members.
  • Mentoring junior branch members and providing technical direction as needed for fuel system, fuel containment and aerial refueling issues.
  • Working with team leads to develop multi-year planning strategies for branch thermal modeling resources.
  • P-8A successfully executed Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) within scope of the test program during my tenure.
  • During ground test, I resolved a difficult issue with the Master Isolation Valve (MIV) that was corrected prior to flight test, allowing the flight test program to proceed without interruptions due to MIV faults.
  • For aerial refueling, the design needed to be modified to continuously power the MIV open during fuel receive.
  • AAR capability was released to the fleet in 2017.
  • My responsibilities to the P-8A program include: Collaborating presentations for AAR Test Readiness Review (TRR).
  • Collaborating presentations for AAR Flight Readiness Review (FRR).
  • Working across competencies and agencies (USAF, Boeing, ITT, PMA, AIR 4353) to safely conduct AAR test program.
  • Coordinating fleet troubleshooting with FST, Boeing and other Navy SMEs for auxiliary fuel tank and fuel quantity indicating systems.
  • Reviewing deficiencies and proposed solutions for technical merit.
  • Providing fuel system engineering recommendations to the P-8A production line.
  • Execution of the AAR test program has been a priority to provide fleet capability meeting demanding schedules.
  • Communicating emerging issues to PMA and competency leadership has been important as component and system development and troubleshooting continues to support the test program.
  • The team met the Fleet’s need date for aircraft modification, training and first deployment.
  • This has only been achievable by the team’s constant communication, flexibility and commitment to each other and the fleet.
  • H-60 has provided several opportunities to engage in novel, out of the ordinary In-Service Engineering work including an engineering investigation surrounding the USS Monterrey (MTY) aircraft fuel system.
  • Supporting the deployed aircrew on board MTY required coordination with agencies across the Navy including MARMC, NAVSEA, NSWC and HSM 48 CO and OIC during a continuing investigation of contaminated fuel in the MH-60Rs.
  • This effort was necessary to maintain focus on cleaning MTY for the next deployment and required innovative and original techniques, as available guidance was minimal.
  • I worked to coordinate scheduling and funding for novel test planning onboard, and facilitated cross-agency reporting of results and recommended actions to clean MTY fuel system.
  • Additional duties to H-60 include: Qualifying SeaCEFS, an improved ballistically tolerant auxiliary fuel tank for fleet incorporation of the safer system.
  • Leading Sikorski, PMA, System Safety and Materials Engineers Risk Assessment to correct a possible overpressure condition on MH-60S, resulting in increased safety of flight.
  • Contributing project budget and staffing inputs to CIP as requested by System Engineers.
  • MQ-4C, Triton, conducted first flight during my tenure and test aircraft are flying the test program at PAX.
  • Working this program gave me the opportunity to participate in CDR, developmental testing, first article testing and the beginning of the Navy’s test program.
  • Duties include: NAVAIR fuel system representative for CDR.
  • Collaborated presentations for FRR and TRR.
  • Authored and presented multiple fuel system design and weighing briefings to program 0-6 level.
  • Participated in Developmental Test at the Palmdale factory to facilitate data review and system understanding.
  • Worked to implement a design change to install an additional fuel filter which was an oversight in the original design.
  • Filtering jet pump flow prevents frequent maintenance and long maintenance cycles to defuel.
  • Led a team of NGC engineers, Test Engineer and Pilots to update Triton NATOPS Alerts, Cautions and Warnings to provide operators correct situational awareness prior to first flight.
  • Reviewed Basis of Estimates, BOEs, and provided technical rational for exceptions for over 1000 hours of work resulting in $100Ks savings with no reduction in scope.
  • VH-92A has provided a unique opportunity to engage in a commercial derivative program and learn more about the FAA airworthiness process.
  • My responsibilities include: Participating in PDR and fuel system PDR.
  • Participating in CDR and fuel system CDR.
  • Understanding FAA airworthiness process and comparing to NAVAIR processes to ensure airworthiness.
  • I worked on branch initiatives for Science and Technology developing first generation models of the V-22 and F/A-18 fuel systems.
  • Within the branch, my S&T responsibilities include: Creating SWPs for model development and use.
  • Serving as Vice-Chair of the FTMS Technical Area Team for the Propulsion and Power System Alliance.
  • Directly resulted in collaboration between USAF and Navy modelers on the T-64 oil system.
  • Associate PI of the joint 2012 AIR 43/44 Thermal Modeling and Simulation NISE WFD program.
  • Associate PI for 2017 HEEFG NISE BAR program.

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant

01.2009 - 06.2010

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant

01.2009 - 06.2010

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics

Michigan Technological University (MTU)
Houghton, MI
12.2007

Graduate Courses

University of North Dakota (UND)
Grand Forks, ND

Skills

  • SysML
  • Simulink
  • FLUENT
  • GAMBIT

Certification

Top Secret Security Clearance

Timeline

Propulsion and Power Systems Engineer

NAWCAD
06.2024 - Current

Mechanical Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
06.2017 - 06.2024

Mechanical Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
06.2017 - 06.2024

Fuel Systems and Fuel Thermal Management Systems (FTMS) Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
01.2011 - 06.2017

Fuel Systems and Fuel Thermal Management Systems (FTMS) Engineer

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
01.2011 - 06.2017

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant

01.2009 - 06.2010

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant

01.2009 - 06.2010

Graduate Courses

University of North Dakota (UND)

BS Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics

Michigan Technological University (MTU)

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Justin L. Novak