Nicholas Matthew
Moray
Summary
I am a resourceful professional with a long and successful career within the advanced composites industry, spanning almost thirty years. I have a strong desire to create with a self taught foundation in Solidworks and Fusion360 CAM, demonstrating exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to lead and build effective teams, fostering collaboration and innovation. I'm committed to practical solutions and continuous improvement, aiming to leverage technical expertise in a dynamic environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Structure manufacturing lead
Orbex
Forres, Moray
10.2024 - Current
- Day to day schedule planning of production tasks, stock control, ordering materials, liaising with vendors.
- Interviewing and hiring of team members.
- Involvement with the design, engineering and implementation of launch vehicle hardware.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Line managing a team on fifteen employees withing the structures composite production facility.
- Long term project planning
- Maintaining a highly functioning advanced composites production facility and it's work stations.
Lead Composite Production Engineer
Orbex
Forres, Moray
12.2022 - 09.2024
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations for workforce well being.
- Managed project timelines, delivered on schedule commitments.
- Sourcing and installation of large scale production equipment.
- Budget management.
- Responsible for building the launch vehicle production team.
- Developed standard operating procedures for consistent output quality.
- Streamlined assembly process to enhance productivity.
- Coordinated with the engineering team to achieved optimal product specifications.
- Optimised resource utilisation for waste reduction regarding carbon fiber materials .
- Ensured safety standards for improved work environment.
Composite Technician
East Midlands Composites
Ilkeston, Derbyshire
03.1999 - 09.2024
- Repaired defects in composites using a variety of tools and machinery.
- Laminate, trim, assemble and inspect composite parts for F1, medical and aerospace industry.
- Read, understood, and executed technical drawings accurately.
Composite Production Engineer
Orbex
Forres, Moray
06.2019 - 11.2022
- Responsible for establishing and growing the composite production facility at Orbex.
- Producing test coupons for advanced material testing
- Integral in the development of sub-scale test articles for cryogenic testing.
- Identifying and building relations with potential suppliers.
- Identifying and purchasing production equipment.
- Writing the initial SOPs which later became the backbone to the production standards.
- Planning and modifying the production facility layout.
Business owner
Osprotech Advanced Composites
Garmouth, Moray
04.2015 - 06.2019
- Development and production of high spec, advanced carbon composite components for the UAV/Lidar industry
- Composite repair work withing the Marine, Motorsport and sports equipment industry.
- Design, prototyping and production of 3D printed parts for the Oil and Gas service sector (ROVs)
- Design, development and production of carbon fiber equestrian equipment.
Composite aircraft technician
Bristow Helicopters
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
02.2006 - 04.2015
- Carry out repairs to rotary wing aircraft to CAA Part 145 specifications, in carbon fiber, glass fiber materials and thermo formed plastics.
- Produce new component for rotary wing aircraft to CAA Part 21 specifications, both in carbon fiber and glass fiber materials.
Production manager and director
LSM advanced composites
Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
05.2002 - 09.2005
- Delegated tasks efficiently to promote team productivity.
- Facilitated training sessions to improve staff skills.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective leadership.
- Interviewing and hiring of staff
- Leading a team of seven employees
- Liaising with customers and suppliers
- Development of new products from conception to production.
- Quality inspection
- Involvement in the implementation of ISO 9000, developing and executing new policies and procedures
- Planning, costing and supervising of projects
Composite technician
LSM Advanced Composites
Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
12.2001 - 05.2002
- Laminating, trimming, fitting and bonding of components in Prepreg composite materials such as carbon, glass and Kevlar for various markets including F1, medical, aviation, aerospace, and sports.
- Autoclave and oven operation and supervision
- Pattern and tool making
- Working with CAD and drawings to high tolerances
- Developing new products
- Developing new manufacturing and production processes.
- Staff training
Education
Master of Arts - Product design
Robert Gordon University
Aberdeen 09.1993 - 09.1998
Skills
- Intimate knowledge of Composite manufacturing technologies, processes and techniques
- Practical problem solving
- Working knowledge of Solidworks and Fusion360 CAM
- Excellent communication skills
- Team building and leadership
- Resourcefulness and 'can do' attitude
- Willingness to learn new skills
Timeline
Structure manufacturing lead
Orbex
10.2024 - Current
Lead Composite Production Engineer
Orbex
12.2022 - 09.2024
Composite Production Engineer
Orbex
06.2019 - 11.2022
Business owner
Osprotech Advanced Composites
04.2015 - 06.2019
Composite aircraft technician
Bristow Helicopters
02.2006 - 04.2015
Production manager and director
LSM advanced composites
05.2002 - 09.2005
Composite technician
LSM Advanced Composites
12.2001 - 05.2002
Composite Technician
East Midlands Composites
03.1999 - 09.2024
Master of Arts - Product design
Robert Gordon University
09.1993 - 09.1998