Meet Our Key Staff
Teri Sgammato
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Teri is ES3’s CEO and Board Chairman. With over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, her background ranges from analyst to program manager to entrepreneur. Teri has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science and an MS in Engineering Physics from the University of California San Diego. Teri agrees with the Business Roundtable’s sentiment that today’s corporations must have a beneficial impact on society. As such, ES3 pursues technological and business growth with a strategy to benefit all stakeholders—our customers, our staff, our suppliers, our communities, and our shareholders.
Craig Edwards
Chief Engineer, Aerospace
Craig is ES3’s Chief Engineer and a Corporate Officer with more than 30 years of experience in landing gear structural integrity, material processing, and supply chain management. Craig is currently serving an eight-year term with SAE International A-5 Aerospace Landing Gear Systems Committee as chair of the A-5B Gears, Struts, and Couplings Committee. Craig holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and an MS in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Idaho. Craig’s efforts at ES3 are currently focused on improving the industrial base, quality, and lead time for military landing gear component supplies.
Brett Bailey
Chief Information Officer
Brett is ES3’s Chief Information Officer, Facilities Security Officer, and a Corporate Officer. Brett manages all ES3 information infrastructure including the protection of ES3’s intellectual property and oversight of ES3’s financial and banking transactions. Brett has a BA in Computer Science and a BA in Japanese from Weber State University. During his 20 years at ES3, Brett has always promoted and overseen ES3’s investment into expanding our facilities and developing the custom designed laboratories and production capabilities that are foundational to ES3’s business objectives and growth.
Doug Wiser
Chief Operating Officer
Doug is ES3’s Chief Operating Officer and single point of contact for most contracting actions. Doug is a systems engineer with more than thirty years’ experience understanding the aerospace industry’s priorities, problem components, and promising technologies. Doug’s technical expertise includes all aspects of landing gear systems research, test and evaluation, design and analysis. Doug holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah along with multiple publications and a patent. During his career in the USAF Landing Gear Engineering Branch, he served as the Lead Engineer for Heavyweight Aircraft and as Deputy Director of the Landing Gear Commodity Council.
Daniele Pelessone
Chief Scientist
Daniele is ES3’s Chief Scientist and a Corporate Officer. He has more than 35 years of experience in engineering structural analysis and scientific computational methods development. Daniele has a D.Sc. in Aeronautical Engineering from Universita degli Studi di Pisa, Italy and an MS in Applied Mechanics from the University of California at San Diego. Daniele is the primary author and lead developer of the ES3 MARS solver—a multi-physics, multi-scale computational simulation code which enables the modeling of highly dynamic systems and the post-failure structural response to catastrophic events such as collisions, blasts, and penetrations.
Clint Forrest
Chief Technology Officer
Clint oversees many of the new and emerging technology projects pursued at ES3. With over 30 years of aerospace landing gear systems technology experience, Clint is a highly specialized technical expert in complex and multi-disciplined critical technology development and implementation efforts. Clint is the Vice Chairman of SAE International A-5B Landing Gear Committee with a focus on new material and environmental process improvements as well as rolling stock and steering system improvements. Clint has Mechanical Engineering Degrees from the University of Utah (Bachelors) and University of Idaho (Masters). Clint promotes a business strategy heavy in R&D that benefits all stakeholders.
Craig Pessetto
Chief Engineer, Material and Process
Craig is the Material and Process (M&P) Chief Engineer at ES3. All M&P technology development and M&P implementation projects report to Craig. Additionally, Craig oversees ES3’s Material Research and Development Center (MRDC) laboratory, test, and production facility that specializes in engineered surface technologies, metallurgical lab analysis, corrosion prevention technologies, material-mechanical and hydraulic testing, high precision component/fixture fabrication, and CNC grinding. Craig has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Utah and an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Utah State University. Craig is a licensed professional environmental engineer with more than 30 years of experience.
Todd Walker
Chief Engineer, Rolling Stock
Todd leads ES3’s Tactical Planning Group and is responsible for ensuring that customer improvement/redesign initiatives are properly defined in terms of scope, duration, and cost. He has more than 30 years of experience in requirements definition, design/integration, development/qualification, and global sustainment of landing gear systems. Todd has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University and is an expert in nondestructive inspection (NDT Level III) and failure analysis. In addition to his enterprise-level responsibilities, he manages major USAF system-level improvement programs. Most recently, Todd managed integration/implementation of a fleet-wide wheel/brake retrofit on USAF F-15C/D/E aircraft.
Joe McFarlane
Chief Engineer, Mechanical Systems
Joe has over 33 years of experience working on military, commercial and NASA platforms; his focus is on mechanical systems including hydraulics, pneumatics, flight controls, landing gear, environmental control systems, fuels, engines and egress. Joe currently oversees the mechanical systems engineering and integration programs. Previously, Joe served as USAF chief engineer for the A-10 weapon system responsible for all contract and organic engineering efforts. Joe is well versed in System Safety Analyses, Failure Modes/Effects and Criticality Analyses, and the military airworthiness process. Joe is a licensed professional engineer with a BS in mechanical engineering from Utah State University.
Jay Randolph
Chief Strategy Officer
Jay focuses on developing long term strategies for growth and diversification. Jay is an aerospace engineer with over 30 years of engineering and aircraft maintenance experience on both military and commercial aircraft. His technical expertise includes overhaul and repair, modification, failure analysis/damage tolerance, aging aircraft and corrosion control, and on-site incident recovery. Prior to joining ES3, Jay was a Lead Principal Engineer and Supervisor at Delta Air Lines. Jay holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
Ed Moffett
Director, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
Ed is ES3’s Director of Business Development. He leads the business development efforts across the company with a specific emphasis on strategic engagement and long-term expansion. He has over 35 years of aerospace experience with a keen understanding of the military and commercial priorities, government funding streams and business practices/policies. He couples his 35 years of aerospace business acumen with his Program Management Professional and Proposal Writing
Professional certifications to engage with customers and respond to their requirements to achieve desired outcomes. He attended Northern Michigan University and attained degrees in Instructor of Technology and Military Science and Business Administration.
Roger Jessen
Director, Midwest Operations
Roger Jessen is located in Midwest City Oklahoma and manages/coordinates projects aligned with the Midwest region of the US in addition to developing and pursuing new business opportunities. Roger has BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and is a licensed professional engineer with over 30 years of experience. His expertise includes engineering management, machine design, factory processes and Six Sigma methodologies; Roger holds 12 patents related to assembly methods/equipment.
Fred Laguines
Director, Southeast Operations
Fred leads ES3’s Southeast Operations. Fred is an aerospace engineer with over 30 years of engineering and maintenance experience on commercial and military aircraft. His technical expertise includes Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) and implementation of a variety of critical structural, material, and processing aspects of aircraft systems and component repair. As a former aircraft structures and landing gear engineer from Delta Air Lines, Fred has a depth of engineering experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical components / subsystems such as landing gear, wheels, tires, and brakes. Fred holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Regis University.
JP Rouliez
Aircraft Business Development Specialist
Quality
Steve Kmetzsch
Quality Manager, Utah Operations
Steve oversees and implements the ES3 Quality Management System at ES3’s Material Research and Development Center (MRDC)—a 100,000 square foot prototyping, testing, and production facility which holds quality Aerospace Standard AS9100D (2016) and International Standard ISO 9001:20. Per the ES3 Quality Management System, all ES3 products and services meet well-defined and quantified quality metrics. Steve has a BS Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah along with a wide array of continuing education credentials such as intensive coursework in Corrosion, Metallurgy of Welding and Joining, Principles of Heat Treating, and Electro Microscopy in Failure Analysis from ASM International.
Jonathan Nuhu
Quality Manager, Southeast Operations
Jonathan oversees all quality activities for new technology/product development as well as all MRO activities at ES3’s Southeast Operations. This includes management of such quality certifications as AS9100D, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and Nadcap. Jonathan holds a BS in Technical Management/Logistics and an MS in Technical Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University along with being a Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/QE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), a Licensed A&P Mechanic, and a licensed private pilot.
Corporate Oversight
Lily Flores
Accounting Manager & Controller
Lily manages all corporate headquarters staff including the accounting, contracting, purchasing, HR, and administrative departments. She ensures all ES3 books and financial dealing are meeting the highest accounting and ethical standards. Since 2013, ES3 has had our Business Systems repeatedly audited and approved by DCMA. Lily has over 20 years of experience in the area of Accounting and Finance along with a BS in Business Administration and Management from San Diego State University and a Certificate in Government Contract Management issued by the National Contract Management Association. Lily oversees the day to day operational functions in the area of Government Accounting Compliance, Year End Close, Internal Financial Reporting, Project Control, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Purchasing.
Belinda Williamson
Human Resources Manager
Belinda, as the Human Resources Manager, works with corporate leadership to understand and execute ES3’s overall goals and strategy for Staffing, Recruitment and Retention. Belinda earned her BS in Economics from Oakwood University and her MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her experience in microbusiness development and corporate enterprise shape her approach to human resources. Her knowledge of trends, best practices, and new technologies in human resource management has enabled her to structure a Compensation Plan and Benefits Package that places ES3 in the top quintile of all US employers. Belinda’s and ES3’s goals are to create a workplace environment that maximizes each staff member’s value, personal fulfillment, creativity, and overall performance.
Michael Wade
In-House Counsel
Michael provides in-house legal counsel to the ES3 Board of Directors, Executives, Administrators, and Project Leads. His expertise includes such areas as Corporate Governance, Contract Law, Intellectual Property (IP), Employment Law, and Acquisitions. He guides ES3’s activities in dispute resolution. Michael has a BA degree from Washington & Lee University and his JD degree from George Mason University.
Desiree Wilson
Export Control Coordinator
Desiree oversees all ES3 export control issues including Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Desiree has a BA in Global Studies and a BA in Political Science from the University of California Riverside along with extensive training and experience in export control. As ES3’s export control certifying official, Desiree has negotiated and obtained many export licenses for ES3 from the US Department of State and US Department of Commerce. Additionally, Desiree supports ES3’s technical staff to ensure export control applicable to their specific technical areas and customer base.
Accounts Payable
Silvia Garces
Accounts Payable (AP) Lead
Silvia is the Lead AP Specialist for ES3. She has an Associate of Science Degree in Business Studies and Accounting and a Certificate of Performance in Small Business Bookkeeping from San Diego City College along with more than 12 years of experience in accounts payable processing. Silvia leads ES3’s accounts payable activities with an appreciation that our suppliers are essential to our business. Silvia executes the ES3 policy that all supplier invoices are paid within 7 business days. Silvia is a first stop resource for any ES3 supplier who requires expedited invoice payment or special accommodations including advance or progress payments.
Theresa Orellana
Accounts Payables
Theresa is an AP Specialist who ensures the prompt and accurate review and processing of vendor invoices. Additionally, she performs a multitude of tracking and reconciliation functions. Her work adheres to all Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Her approach is to provide the highest level of responsiveness and issue resolution to our suppliers and subcontractors. Theresa has a BS in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, Tucson.
Accounts Receivable
Kevin Montejano
Accounts Receivable
Kevin is the primary accountant in ES3’s Accounts Receivable Department. Kevin works closely with each ES3 project lead and each of our customers to ensure ES3’s invoices are accurate, timely, and provide the requisite definition and detail so that our customers can easily understand and approve our invoices for payment. Kevin received his BA Business Administration – Marketing from California State University Fullerton and his MS in Accountancy from National University.
Crystal Buck
Senior Accountant
Crystal has extensive expertise in Government accounting, cost accounting and compliance. She assists in ensuring all of ES3’s records adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and prepares support schedules as it pertains to Government accounting reporting requirements. Crystal received a dual BA in Community Health and Movement and Sport Science from Purdue University. Crystal served in the Peace Corps creating public health programs and agricultural initiatives for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Purchasing
Lisa Broom-Crawford
Purchasing Department Manager
Lisa oversees all purchasing at ES3 which issues contracts and purchase orders in excess of $40M annually. Lisa has a BA in Political Science from the University of California Santa Barbara and an MBA in Supply Chain Management from the University of California San Diego. She has more than 16 years of experience in the Contracting, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Sourcing arenas. Her expertise includes FAR, DFAR, and general aerospace industry standards, along with specific DCAA, DCMA, and Sarbanes-Oxley audit compliance. ES3 operates a DCMA Approved Purchasing System, having passed its first Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) audit in March 2019. Lisa ensures that ES3 Purchasing adheres to the highest operating standards while also making the purchasing experience for our engineers and suppliers as streamlined and responsive as possible. ES3 understands that good supplier relationships are key to achieving the technical and programmatic goals of its engineers and customers.
Ralph Tyrell
Purchasing Agent
Ralph, as purchasing agent at ES3, negotiates and executes purchase orders for all of ES3’s facilities and functional division, including high dollar value orders that entail complex technical requirements and a host of FAR, DFAR, Financial, Technical, Safety, and Quality requirements. Ralph received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Spanish from Andrews University. He has an MBS in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix San Diego and he attended law school at the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, Ralph is a US Army Veteran, having served as a commissioned officer in Tactical Leadership.
JJ Morano
Purchasing Specialist
JJ is an experienced buyer at ES3, supporting all engineering and production divisions. He is particularly adept at handling large volume orders, expediting deliveries when needed, performing risk assessments, and assisting with a myriad of supply chain issues. JJ works closely with ES3’s suppliers to ensure the ES3 purchasing process is streamlined and efficient from the perspective of our many suppliers and subcontractors. JJ has a BS in Information Systems from the City University of Seattle and experience in raw material inventory, ISO 9001 compliance, and purchasing via Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Bonnie Barton
Sourcing Specialist
Bonnie is a sourcing specialist at ES3. She is adept at locating suppliers for difficult-to-source aerospace component raw materials, process consumables, and parts. She is experienced in supply chain specifics for the defense, aerospace, and other heavy industries. Additionally, Bonnie assists as an ES3 buyer and monitors ES3’s inventory systems. Bonnie studied Liberal Arts and Science, General Studies and Humanities at Cuyamaca College.
Administration
Tiffanie Smith
Utah Lead Administrator and Internship Program Manager
Tiffanie leads the ES3 internal office administrative functions by providing oversight, support, and training for essential services such as purchasing, traveling, badging, and inventory control. Additionally, Tiffanie oversees the ES3’s Internship Program at the Clearfield, Utah office and at the Materials Research and Development Center (MRDC). She pairs high school and college students with ES3’s knowledgeable staff members in the areas of engineering, business, testing, and fabrication. ES3’s Internship Program has been a great way for students to obtain real work experience and for ES3 to connect with talented potential new hires.
Giselle Snyder
Georgia Technical Operations Center Administrator
Giselle is the lead administrator at the ES3 Georgia facility, implementing the procedures and coordinating the processing to support purchasing, security, travel, timekeeping, and other administrative functions. Giselle has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Middle Georgia State University. Her background in administrative and management roles allows her to support ES3 staff and customers in a many aspects of document management, material control, and supply chain management.
Chad “Hoss” Forrest
Lead Engineer, Electrical Engineering, & Aircraft Prognostics/Diagnostics
Hoss is ES3’s lead engineer and supervisor for Electrical Engineering and Prognostic/Diagnostic landing gear health monitoring systems. His expertise includes cradle to grave aspects of hardware/software certification of airborne electronic hardware and software. Under Hoss’s direction, his team has delivered full rate production hardware of ES3’s landing gear health monitoring solutions. Hoss is a professional licensed engineer with a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Utah and more than 20 years’ experience.
Bryan Terry
Lead Engineer, Mechanical & Electrical Subsystems
Bryan is ES3’s lead engineer for projects relating to aerospace rolling stock, mechanical, and electrical subsystems. Bryan and his team oversee and perform antiskid system redesigns, brake system improvements, aircraft instrumentation, aircraft modification, and aircraft integration projects. Bryan has more than 15 years of aerospace engineering and program management experience in both military and commercial programs. Bryan has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah.
Jared Hanson
Lead Engineer, Structures
Jared, as the Structures Lead Engineer, manages landing gear structural redesign, analysis, and development programs and leads a team of engineers focused on solving landing gear structural issues using state-of-the-art design, evaluation, analysis, manufacturing, and test methods. Jared holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and an ME in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho and has more than 13 years of experience in landing gear research, development, trouble-shooting, deficiency identification, requirements definition, design, analysis, manufacturing, inspection, on-aircraft loads evaluation, testing, airworthiness qualification, and implementation.
Paul Horne
Lead Engineer, Mechanical Design
Paul is the Lead Engineer of Mechanical Design at ES3’s Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC). He leads ES3’s engineering design team in the development of cold spray component fixturing, conformal plating anodes, and manufacturing tooling. Paul oversees the Additive Manufacturing (AM) operations of basic and advanced polymers at the GTOC and has supported the development of technologies such as Laser-Assisted Cold Spray (LACS) and Dripless Brush Zn-Ni Plating. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering from Kennesaw State University. Paul is a Certified Solidworks Professional (CSWP) in Mechanical Design and is ASTM certified for Quality Assurance in AM.
Shawn Huff
Lead Engineer, Additive Manufacturing & Laser Cladding
Shawn is the technical lead in advanced manufacturing including Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Laser Cladding. Shawn manages the development of new AM alloys for aerospace part manufacture and repair and new AM polymer applications to improve MRO operations while lowering part overhaul costs. Shawn has spent 20+ years developing manufacturing solutions utilizing 3D scanning, smart tooling, and integrated reverse engineering functionality. He has implemented weapon system sustainment solutions across many of the DoD depot repair centers. Shawn has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Western Governors University.
Ryan Bradshaw
Lead Engineer, Materials Testing
Ryan is Lead Engineer of Materials Testing at ES3’s Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC). He leads the materials testing division in fatigue, tensile, shear and other materials testing operations. He also takes charge of the robotics in spray applications for applying and removing coatings on many types of metals and surfaces. Ryan oversees the ongoing integration of Pulse Automated Water Strip System (PAWSS) technologies, Novel Cooling, and other High Velocity Oxygen Fueled (HVOF) coating technologies. Additionally, Ryan has assisted in the development of Laser Assisted Cold Spray (LACS) technology and the testing of Low Hydrogen Embrittling (LHE) Zn-Ni coatings. Ryan holds a Bachelors of Materials Science and Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jeremy Hall
Lead Engineer, Electroplating Technologies
Jeremy is the lead engineer for material and electroplating processes. He oversees electroplating process development and quality assurance testing development and implementation for the military and commercial plating industries. Jeremy has extensive experience in materials and electroplating processes which includes process improvement for electroplating, testing to improved efficiency, performance and reliability. Jeremy and his team have designed and installed several of electroplating lines and developed specifications for DoD and the commercial industry. Jeremy has MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University along with more than 10 years of professional experience.
Marie A. Claudio-Cintrón
Senior Chemist
Marie is a Senior Chemist and Project Lead at ES3’s Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC). Her technical expertise is analytical and industrial chemistry with experience in product Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E). Her effectiveness as a Senior Chemist and Project Lead is informed by her many years of experience in laboratory testing, laboratory operations, test/equipment troubleshooting, and root cause analysis. Marie leads ES3’s efforts in developing HF-free etching alternatives for Ti and provides chemistry assistance in the development of such technologies as Brush Zn-Ni, Superhydrophobic Coatings, Spot Anodize, and Cold Spray. Marie holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao and an MS in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Dale Rackham
Engineering Hydraulic Systems Lead
Dale leads the hydraulic systems team with over 30 years’ experience as a landing gear engineer. His experience with landing gear includes wheels and brakes, brake control, structures, steering and actuators, materials and processes, and tires. Dale holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University. For 12 years, Dale was a USAF Landing Gear Engineer, working both lightweight and heavyweight aircraft. His experience includes tool and fixture, and test equipment design; including the design and manufacture of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) fixtures for the validation of new brake and antiskid systems.
Ben Opfermann
Lead Engineer, Magnetron Sputtering Systems
Ben is the lead engineer and patent inventor of ES3’s Magnetron Sputtering technology which restore the internal dimensions of landing gear outer cylinders. Ben’s leads a team of engineers and technicians in a custom designed Magnetron Sputtering laboratory and production facility. He oversees all the research and development of new Magnetron Sputtering equipment for new materials and applications in addition to overseeing the prototyping and integration of repairs for landing gear components. Ben has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and has over 10 years of experience in vacuum system designs and sputtering related operations.
Kelly Smith
Lead Engineer, Fixture and Anode Design
Kelly is the lead engineer and manager at ES3 for corrosion and wear preventive coatings. Kelly has 10 plus years of experience in development and implementation of conformal anodes and plating technologies. His technical expertise includes machining, overhaul and manufacturing processing, corrosion control, and plating systems. Kelly and his staff have successfully developed over 500 conformal anodes using VENUS (Virtual Electroplating NUmerical Solver), an in house developed finite element plating prediction software for use in Chrome, Nickel, Zinc Nickel, Cadmium, and Titanium-Cadmium. Kelly holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University.
Chris Dickson
Manager, Software Development
Chris manages the software development of ES3’s suite of software products that support and enhance ES3’s engineering capabilities and improve internal business processes. He also manages software development contracts for various ES3 customers. Chris leads a talented team of dedicated software developers and applies proven software engineering methodologies throughout the software development lifecycle including requirements analysis, design, development and testing. Chris has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Utah and has over 20 years of experience working with modern web applications, client-server and stand-alone desktop applications, and mobile devices.
Matt Fowers
Aerospace Engineer: Aircraft Structural MRO
Mike Shaw
Aerospace Engineer: Aircraft Structural MRO
Mike is an aerospace engineer who specializes in aircraft structural analysis. When at the US Air Force, he was responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of fighter aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul functions. Mike has extensive experience in aircraft sustainment, materials, design, fabrication, coatings, NDI, process development, and test methods. He has 20 years of professional experience and uses a hands on approach to leading engineering teams for MRO, crisis management, research and design, safety boards, and integrated program teams at the System Program Office level. Mike has BS in Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace Emphasis from Utah State University and is systems planning, research, development and engineering (SPRDE) Level III certified from Defense Acquisition University.
Ruben Prado
Inorganic Coatings and Surface Finishing
Ruben joined ES3 after retiring from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) where he specialized in materials science for aerospace applications. At ES3, Ruben provides technical expertise and oversight for a variety of metal finishing R&D projects along with support to ES3 customers for whom ES3 has engineered, installed, and qualified metal finishing systems. Ruben’s expertise includes new, emerging material protection technologies for aircraft components. Ruben has a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Central Florida and is a certified Master Surface Finisher (MSF). He has more than 35 years of experience and multiple publications on inorganic coating technologies, including electroplating and anodizing.
Owen Gordon
Surface Finishing Expert
Owen is a subject matter expert with the ES3 engineering, fabrication, and installation team that designs, builds, and installs turnkey surface finishing systems. These systems include large, electroplating lines with advanced material handling systems, state-of-the-art environmental air scrubbing / ventilation, and automated monitoring and control systems. Owen’s expertise includes design and layout of customized systems with challenging installation footprints. Owen studied business management at Penn Valley College, Kansas City, MO.
Antonio Deleo, Ph.D.
Aerospace Structural Engineer
Toni joined ES3 as a subject matter expert in computational fracture mechanics and manufacturing, testing, and modeling of composite structures. He finished his Ph.D. under the guidance of Prof. Marco Salviato in the department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at the University of Washington Seattle. Toni is a technical expert in computational methods—being one of the main developers of the novel Discrete Model for Composites (DM4C) and lead developer of its faster implementation called FastDM4C. He has extensive knowledge in manufacturing methods (AM, FDM, AFP, VARTM, VBO) and his pioneering work led to the use of composites in foldable origami structures. He has 100+ citations and dozens of academic articles published. Toni holds a BA and MA in Music from the National Conservatory of Music in Pesaro, Italy.
Sean Phenisee, Ph.D.
Structural Analysis Engineer
Sean is a structural analysis engineer at ES3. He has been involved in the development of the Discrete Model for Composites (DM4C), which is a meso-scale computational model implemented in the ES3 MARS solver (a Finite element solver for multi-physics and multi-scale structural analysis) for laminated and Additively Manufactured (AM) composites. He has extensive experience in experiments with laminated and AM composite materials for the characterization of fracture properties. Sean has a Ph. D in Aeronautics and Astronautics from University of Washington under the supervision of Prof. Salviato. His Ph.D. work is focused on the development of data driven topology optimization using isogeometric framework for AM composite structural design.
Mark Flores, Ph.D.
AM Composite Engineer
Steve Gaydos
Material and Process Subject Matter Expert
Steve joined ES3 after retiring from Boeing as a Technical Fellow. He was a Material and Process engineer specializing in corrosion control and application of metal surface finishing treatments to improve the corrosion and wear resistance of military aircraft and weapon systems. While at Boeing, he implemented several environment friendly surface finishing treatments including zinc-nickel plating to replace cadmium plating.
At ES3, Steve supports all of the surface finishing projects and reviews surface finishing test methods, such as hydrogen embrittlement testing. He has a MS degree in Metallurgical Engineering and BS degree in Chemistry, both from the University of Missouri.
Tom Dwenger
Aircraft Tire Engineering Expert
Tom provides support on the design, production, and product support of bias and radial, new and retread aircraft tires. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology and a wealth of global experience in dealing with original equipment airframe manufacturers, airlines, wheel and brake manufacturers, and tire manufacturers.
Bob Knievel
Engineering Specialist
Bob joined ES3 after his retirement from a distinguished career at Boeing as an Associate Technical Fellow, DER. He was the lead engineer on the Boeing 747-8 airplane, overseeing development and integration of its landing gear. At ES3, Bob provides expertise in structural analysis of aircraft and landing gear. He holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Brad Baden
Rolling Stock Subject Matter Expert
Brad joined ES3 after retiring as a Project Engineering Manager at UTC Aerospace Systems (Goodrich Wheels and Brakes). Brad has 42 years of engineering experience in the design, development, and qualification of wheel and brake systems for military, regional & business, and commercial programs. Most recently, Brad was the UTAS chief engineer for the C-130 and F-15 WBSI programs. Brad’s expertise is in the area of detail design of wheels and brakes. Brad has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
John Coates
Structural Analysis Specialist
John is a Senior Structural Analyst and Subject Matter Expert (SME) with over 20 years of experience in design, analysis, and test for landing gear systems. John’s expertise is in state-of-the-art strength and fatigue failure prediction and prevention, static and dynamic loads prediction, materials characterization, and root cause failure identification. During his career, he has completed structural analysis and flight tests for USAF landing gear integrity programs and USAF landing gear component redesign programs. He holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science degrees with high honors from the University of Utah.
Tom Yentzer
Metallurgical, Mechanical, and Chemical Testing
Tom oversees the specialized laboratory testing performed at the ES3 Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC). Tom has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Georgia along with post graduate work in Metallurgical Processing at the Metals Engineering Institute and post graduate work in Aerospace
Engineering at Mercer University School of Engineering. Tom has more than 30 years of experience and multiple publications addressing aerospace industry issues regarding chemistry, metallurgy, materials engineering, failure analysis, and corrosion.
Kody Holyoak
Logistical and Financial Analyst
Kody manages the logistical and financial efforts provided on ES3’s engineering programs. He provides support that includes economic analyses, program schedule development, implementation support and any other efforts needed to implement the desired solution(s).
He has extensive knowledge of USAF’s Improved Item Replacement Program (IIRP) procedures. Kody has over 13 years of experience assisting the USAF with implementing their engineering efforts. Kody has a BS in finance and an MBA with an emphasis in accounting, both degrees from the University of Utah.
Rob McCowin
Lead Engineer and Wing Overhaul
Rob leads the F-16 wing overhaul/repair operations as well as component qualification and evaluation testing at ES3. Rob has extensive experienced in all types of aircraft structural integrity programs involving structural analysis, repair development, risk assessment and mitigation, configuration control, and structural programs management. Rob has many years of specific experience with F-16 structural issues having spent many years as a USAF F-16 structural engineer. Rob also served as the F-16 ASIP manager where he oversaw many of the major modification programs to the aircraft and facilitated the structural health monitoring and evaluation for F-16 programs worldwide. Rob has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and more than 30 years professional experience.
Robert Huot
Electronics and Avionics Production Lead
Robert leads the Electronics/Avionics operations at ES3. He oversees the mechanical design, hardware/software integration, testing, certification efforts, and production manufacturing for existing programs and for new product development. Robert has been involved in electro-mechanical systems integration for over 20 years and specifically aerospace systems for over 18 years. Robert has worked on system integration projects for multiple airframes, including B-52, C-130, H-47 and WB-57. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University with a minor in Electrical Engineering. He also holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering again from Boise State University and an MBA from Western Governor’s University.
Derek Shelley
Production Lead for Engineered Aerospace Composites
Derek leads the Additive Manufacturing (AM) of highly-engineered, continuous-fiber composite structures at ES3. This includes fabrication of prototype samples, development and execution of material and prototype tests which include iterative studies with predictive computational models, and development of new materials and parameters for production. Derek has over ten years of experience in material and fabrication Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E). He leads all ES3 efforts to customize and operate a variety of ES3’s AM composite machines, including several Anisoprint units and an Electroimpact SCRAM. Derek has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and is certified as a Laser Safety Officer.
Chris Jordan
MRO Manager, Southeast Operations
Chris oversees the maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) operations at the ES3 Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC) in Warner Robins, GA. Chris is an experienced leader with over 25 years experience in commercial and military aircraft, including parts manufacture, overhaul and quality. Chris has been a quality manager for Boeing and a production supervisor for Triumph Aerostructures and HAECO Airframe services of America. Before his management roles he worked for ASA Airlines as well as Northwest Airlines as a lead mechanic. Chris holds an Airframe and Power Plant license, Inspection Authorization license, composite repair certifications, AS9100+ISO9001 internal auditor certificate, and a green belt in Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University.
Lucas Brunner
Machine Shop Manager
Sean Halligan
Tow Bar Production Lead
Sean oversees the production of a variety of ES3 tow bars. Sean is a concept-to-production project engineer on the ES3 design team developing, testing, and qualifying a new class of tow bars that offer greatly reduced impact loading on the nose landing gear, thus eliminating the potential for gear damage. Sean has a BS from the University of Utah and an MS from the University of Idaho, both in Mechanical Engineering. He has more than 20 years in mechanical system design, development, testing, production, and troubleshooting.
Tod Hickman
Southeast Operations M&P
Tod leads the Material and Processing (M&P) group at ES3’s Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC). Todd oversees technology development efforts as well as production services in Zn-Ni electroplating, thermal spray of advanced custom coatings, and environmentally preferred chemical-free stripping methods. Todd holds a BS in Engineering Science and Mechanics (Materials Engineering) from University of Tennessee Knoxville and more than 30 years of experience in aerospace technologies including operational test and evaluation.
Cliff Skelton
Lead Engineer, Aircraft Structures
Cliff is the lead engineer for aircraft structures at ES3’s Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC). He provides engineering support for ES3’s C-5 Galaxy Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) efforts. His experience includes structural design and analysis, tooling design, reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping. Cliff has a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University. He has over 10 years of experience aircraft structures, supporting the Air Force’s C-5, C-130, F-15, H-60, and E-8 platforms.
Phillip MacKay
Sheet Metal Fabrication Lead
Phillip leads the ES3 Utah-based sheet metal fabrication facility and staff. Phillip leads all scheduling, material sourcing, and fabrication activities of sheet metal components and assemblies. His expertise includes development of production processes for new prototype designs as well as high quality production of established production runs. Phillip has a Batchelor’s Degree in Technology from Utah State University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Weber State University.
Nathan Hall
Fixture and Tank Assembly Lead
Nathan supervises all assembly of ES3 surface finishing tanks and conformal anode fixtures. His tank work includes carbon steel and stainless steel tank fabrication with capacities up to 20,000 gallons and a variety of liners such as Koroseal, Kynar, PFC, and CPVC. His fixture work includes both new fabrication and repair of conformal anode plating fixtures. Nathan has both a BS and MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University. He has supported the design, fabrication, and installation of a variety surface finishing tank lines and their associated fixtures.
Don Crawford
Southeast Operations Shop Manager
Don oversees all shop operations at the ES3 Georgia Technical Operations Center (GTOC). Don is an experienced shop manager with more than 35 years of experience as a lead mechanic and shop supervisor at ES3, Delta Air Lines, and the US Air Force. Don is a technical specialist with vast experience and capabilities in thermal spray (including cold spray, HVOF, Plasma, Combustion, and Arc Spray, surface preparation, and advanced, chemical-free stripping.
Sheridan Kay
Manager, Spare Parts Provisioning
Sheridan oversees all of the ES3 parts supply activities. She is the contracting authority for ES3 PLG under the US DLA Landing Gear Collaborative Supply Chain Integration (LG-CSCI) contract. Sheridan manages and oversees the schedule and cost of all delivery orders. She is responsible for ensuring deliveries are completed on time and within budget. She oversees all purchase agreements with subcontractors as well as technical agreements. Sheridan has a BS in Finance from Weber State University and is experienced with all aspects of Commercial Contracting, the Uniform Commercial Code, Government Contracting, FARs, DFARs, along with ITAR compliance.
Rob Martin
Logistics Manager
Rob Martin is ES3’s Sr. Logistics Manager and Subject Matter Expert (SME) with over 30 years of experience in USAF acquisition planning and integration, supply chain management, implementation schedule development, technical order research, and USAF requirements. His expertise covers USAF landing gear, landing gear subsystems, wheels, brakes and antiskid systems. Rob is currently involved in the Landing Gear Collaborative Supply Chain Integration (LG-CSCI) involved in pre-award and post-award activities as well as engineering data research and forecasting.
Quality
Richard Vander Straten
Lead Engineer, Quality Systems
Richard is the ES3 PLG Quality Systems Lead Engineer serving the LG-CSCI contract. His expertise includes Engineering design and analysis, General Management-Plant, Operations, Machine fabrication, Quality Systems and EH&S. He is a SME in HVOF/Thermal Spray surface engineering process optimization and coating development for wear and corrosion including HVOF replacement of Hard Chrome for USAF Landing Gear. His engineering expertise supports success in SBIR technologies including Belt Grinding/Superfinishing, HVOF non-line of sight, HVOF advanced masking and Superhydrophobic coating development. Richard supports commercial business product development, technical sales and customer service. Richard has a B.S.M.E from the University of Texas with over 34 years of experience.
Maria Free
Quality Assurance
Maria performs a wide range of Quality Assurance functions for the LG-CSCI program, including on-site inspection of supplier and potential supplier facilities / processes. Maria has 20+ years experience in aerospace quality assurance and inspections on such production processes as metal forming, machining, ring forgings, closed die forgings, heat treating, destructive and non-destructive testing, chemical processing, plating operations, lay-up, and composites. Maria attended the California State University Long Beach and studied metallurgy at Cerritos College. She is a certified AS9100B Internal Auditor and fluent in Corrective Action processes.
Pre-Award Activities
Shaun Edwards
Technical Data Integrity
Shaun provides engineering support to the LG-CSCI contract. Shaun reviews all technical data to ensure it is accurate, complete, and current. He assists ES3 and our suppliers in preparing Source Approval Request (SAR) packages to expand the industrial base of qualified aerospace parts manufacturers. Shaun has an in-depth knowledge of DLA/USAF supply chain as well as a quality engineering background. Shaun joined ES3 after a 12-year career in Civil Engineering in the US Air Force.
BJ Montero
Logistics / Supply Chain Specialist
BJ is a logistics and supply chain specialist on the ES3 PLG Landing Gear Collaborative Supply Chain Integration (LG-CSCI) contract. She supports development of the supply chain industrial base by working with existing suppliers and identifying potential new suppliers to assist them in qualifying for production purchase orders under the LG-CSCI contract. Her work on the LG-CSCI program includes soliciting, reviewing, and selecting bids for delivery order awards to vendors.
Taylor Flitton
Spare Parts Provisioning
Taylor is a sourcing specialist on the ES3 PLG Landing Gear Collaborative Supply Chain Integration (LG-CSCI) contract. She has been with ES3 for seven years. Taylor develops competitive pricing strategies and aids in the negotiation of purchase agreements with part suppliers. Taylor conducts market research on alternative engineering products and procurement sources, responds to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations, and contact suppliers in order to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems
Meagan Dunton
Spare Parts Provisioning
Meagan is a sourcing specialist on the ES3 PLG Landing Gear Collaborative Supply Chain Integration (LG-CSCI) contract. Meagan supports the LG-CSCI contract by conducting market research on alternative engineering products and procurement sources. Meagan supports the development of competitive pricing strategies. Additionally, Meagan assists in the negotiation of purchase agreements with part suppliers and responds to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations. Meagan works with our suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems.
Award and Post Award Execution
Jeanette Bagcus
Purchasing Agent
Jeanette is the purchasing agent for LG-CSCI. She negotiates and executes purchase orders with LG-CSCI part suppliers in accordance with all requisite FAR, DFAR, Financial, Technical, Safety, and Quality requirements. Jeanette has a BS in Management and Industrial Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology – Manila, Philippines along with a Masters of Arts in Management from National University San Diego. Additionally, Jeanette has certifications and/or experience in ISO 9001, AS9100, Quality Assurance, Inventory Control, Forecasting, and Counterfeit Part Prevention.
Austin Forrest
Post Award Processing
Austin supports the LG-CSCI contract by providing post award monitoring of orders and the post award workflow. This includes the monitoring of schedule and collection of all necessary data and forms for submission and payment of invoices in accordance with contract requirements. Austin interfaces with the various data systems to ensure the timely processing of supplier data to ensure compliance with purchase order requirements as well as to ensure the timely acceptance of part orders and payment of invoices. Austin functions as the primary WAWF liaison between the LG-CSCI Team and DCMA to resolve complex issues. Austin has a BS in Business Administration from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.
Jordy Williamson
Post Award Processing
Jordy supports the post award activity of suppliers on the LG-CSCI program. Jordy ensures that the appropriate documentation, inspections, and approvals meet the contract requirements. She works closely with ES3 production staff and production suppliers to provide ad hoc support as needed to keep orders progressing. Jordy has a BS in General Studies with an emphasis in Business Administration from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama.
Jacob Wiser
Post Award Processing
Jacob assists in the post award processing and monitoring of orders for the LG-CSCI project. Along with other ES3 staff, Jacob monitors order status for appropriate collection and submission of data for on-schedule delivery. Jacob supports ES3 suppliers to enable acceptance of deliveries and payment of invoices. Jacob is working towards a BS in Business Management with an emphasis on Operations at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.