Derrick LaRosa
Savannah
Summary
Detail-oriented Aircraft Inspector with proven skills in quality assurance, process improvement, and team collaboration. Expertise in aerospace inspections ensures adherence to specifications and enhances operational efficiency. Successful Composite Technician with several years of expertise in delivering high-quality items by carefully following specifications. Practiced in performing work according to established methods and requirements by following engineering drawings, specifications sketches, and job orders. Focused on safety procedures while operating heavy-duty equipment and tools. Seasoned Production Manager successful at achieving production goals on consistent basis. Highly organized, forward-thinking and creative in handling normal and challenging production problems. Known for great leadership and attention to detail.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Aircraft Inspector 3
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Iuka
03.2025 - Current
- Verify process adherence. Inspect the technicians' work. Document nonconformance. Photograph discrepancies.
- Conducted thorough inspections of aerospace components for quality assurance.
- Reviewed engineering drawings to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Utilized inspection tools to measure part dimensions and tolerances.
- Documented inspection results and communicated findings to engineering teams.
- Collaborated with production teams to resolve quality issues promptly.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance inspection efficiency and accuracy.
- Trained new inspectors on procedures and best practices in quality control.
- Inspected finished goods prior to shipment to guarantee they meet company standards.
- Rejected products and materials failing to meet expectations.
- Worked closely with management teams to help identify process improvements that would improve overall efficiency levels.
Lead Aircraft structures Mechanic 2
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Iuka
01.2024 - 03.2025
- Fabricated composite parts using hand tools and power equipment.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
- Operated curing ovens and other equipment for composite materials.
- Assisted in training new employees on fabrication techniques and safety protocols.
- Documented production activities and reported any discrepancies or issues.
- Utilized vacuum bagging techniques to ensure structural integrity of composites.
- Operated hoists and cranes to move heavy objects during assembly process.
- Provided technical assistance to coworkers regarding proper use of fabricating machinery.
- Prepared surfaces prior to bonding by cleaning with solvents or removing old coatings.
- Coordinated with supervisors regarding production progress and scheduling issues.
- Repaired damaged composites using sanders, grinders, drills, and other tools.
- Verified accuracy of finished products using measuring instruments such as calipers.
- Assembled composite parts with fasteners, adhesives, and other materials.
- Resolved problems related to product design or manufacturing methods when necessary.
- Cut and shaped composite material to size using saws, routers, shears, grinders, and other tools.
Lead Aircraft Structures Mechanic 2
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Palmdale
03.2021 - 01.2024
- Fabricated composite components using precision tools and techniques.
- Assembled parts according to technical specifications and blueprints.
- Operated automated equipment for curing and shaping composite materials.
- Collaborated with engineers to improve assembly processes and workflows.
- Trained new team members on best practices in composite handling.
- Documented production activities for traceability and compliance audits.
- Repaired and replaced defective parts using hand tools, power tools, adhesives, sealants, and other equipment as needed.
- Provided technical advice regarding the selection of appropriate materials for various applications.
- Ensured that all work was carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and safety procedures.
- Identified areas where improvements could be made in existing manufacturing processes.
- Installed composite components on aircrafts according to engineering drawings and specifications.
- Monitored production processes to ensure quality control standards were being met.
- Worked with engineers to develop innovative solutions for complex problems involving composites.
- Trained personnel in the proper use of composites when repairing aircrafts.
- Interpreted drawings and specification sketches to determine manufacturing instructions.
- Adjusted daily work procedures to meet schedules and maintain product quality standards.
Automotive Repair Technician/Front Office Manager
Quartz Hill Auto Care
Lancaster
02.2017 - 03.2021
- Diagnosed automotive issues using advanced diagnostic tools and techniques.
- Performed routine maintenance services on various vehicle makes and models.
- Repaired electrical systems, including starters, alternators, and battery issues.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot complex mechanical problems.
- Maintained accurate records of repairs and service history for customer vehicles.
- Communicated effectively with customers regarding service recommendations and repairs.
- Reassembled engine components after repairs were completed.
- Diagnosed malfunctions of vehicles using computerized diagnostic equipment and technical manuals.
- Trained apprentices in basic automotive repair techniques.
- Cleaned up work areas after completing repairs.
- Ordered necessary replacement parts when needed.
- Rebuilt fuel injectors, carburetors, starters and alternators.
- Inspected vehicle engines to diagnose problems such as worn or damaged parts.
- Managed the office and other mechanics in the absence of management.
- Repaired, replaced, and adjusted components such as engines, transmissions, steering systems, brakes, electrical systems, fuel systems, air conditioning units, and suspension systems.
- Assisted other technicians with complex repairs when required.
Water Damage Technician/Senior Production Manager
Servpro
Victorville
10.2006 - 01.2016
- Assessed water damage and identified affected areas for restoration.
- Operated specialized equipment for water extraction and drying processes.
- Documented damage and restoration progress for insurance claims and reports.
- Collaborated with team members to coordinate restoration efforts efficiently.
- Implemented safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment on-site.
- Trained new technicians on equipment use and best practices in water damage restoration.
- Communicated with clients to explain services and address concerns during projects.
- Maintained inventory of supplies and equipment for effective job readiness.
- Maintained daily logs detailing progress made on each job site.
- Measured moisture content in walls, floors, carpets and other affected areas using specialized equipment.
- Developed detailed estimates for clients outlining all costs associated with restoration services provided.
- Utilized air movers, dehumidifiers and other restoration equipment to dry out affected areas.
- Heavy equipment operation.
- Pack out of the customer's home to facilitate efficient work areas.
- Communicate with the corporate office for the intake of new jobs.
- Dispatch crews.
- Repair and maintain equipment and vehicles.
- Facilitate onsite repairs, such as remodeling or rebuilding of the structure, using many specialty tools.
- Manage multiple technicians and crews simultaneously.
- Arrange for temporary labor when required.
Education
High School Diploma -
Littlerock High School
Littlerock, CA06-2006
Skills
- Quality assurance
- Engineering drawing review
- Process adherence verification
- Inspection tool utilization
- Nonconformance documentation
- Aerospace component inspection
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Employee training
- Process improvement
- Sample collection
- Composite fabrication
- Composite assembly
- Discrepancy documentation
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Composite lamination
- Rework and repair
- Trimming and finishing
- Autoclave operation
- Adhesive bonding techniques
- Composite repair techniques
- Hand tools
- Surface preparation
- Operating hand tools
- Ply orientations
- Engine rebuilding
- A/C troubleshooting
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Brake inspection
- Electrical system repair
- Parts ordering
- Customer service
- Effective communication
- Technical training
Timeline
Aircraft Inspector 3
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
03.2025 - Current
Lead Aircraft structures Mechanic 2
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
01.2024 - 03.2025
Lead Aircraft Structures Mechanic 2
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
03.2021 - 01.2024
Automotive Repair Technician/Front Office Manager
Quartz Hill Auto Care
02.2017 - 03.2021
Water Damage Technician/Senior Production Manager
Servpro
10.2006 - 01.2016
High School Diploma -
Littlerock High School
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