Ralph Morton

About Ralph Morton

U.S. Navy Veteran with 36 years of experience in industrial maintenance across the Education, Defense, Logistics, Mining, Manufacturing, and Refinery sectors. Proven ability to provide site leadership in managing maintenance operations, ensuring equipment reliability, and driving system and process optimization. Skilled in developing and implementing technical solutions to resolve complex maintenance challenges, while leading cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency. Extensive knowledge of maintenance management practices, including troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and the application of predictive maintenance tools. Accomplished in managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and managing KPIs to ensure that performance goals are met. Experienced in root cause analysis (RCCA) and applying corrective actions to resolve failures, as well as driving continuous improvements across maintenance functions.

Experience

1. Maintenance Manager

   Ascent Aerospace

   Dec 2025 — Present · Palmdale, CA, US

   Maintenance Manager – F-35 Manufacturing LineAscent AerospaceDecember 2025 – PresentLead site maintenance operations supporting the Northrop Grumman F-35 manufacturing line, with full responsibility for equipment reliability, preventive and corrective maintenance, and compliance across mission-critical production systems. Provide day-to-day leadership to maintenance and administrative staff while serving as the primary customer focal point for all maintenance activities.Drive system uptime and operational efficiency through structured preventive and predictive maintenance programs, effective spare-parts management, and disciplined troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and lubrication systems. Develop and implement technical solutions to complex equipment and process challenges, applying root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methodologies to eliminate repeat failures and improve long-term reliability.Manage vendor and contractor relationships, coordinate required inspections, and ensure compliance with AS9100, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Lead performance discussions with site and program leadership, tracking KPIs, identifying risks, escalating critical issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives aligned with production and customer objectives.

Education

• Penn Foster Group

  Industrial Plant Mechanic, Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology

  2001 — 2002

• Victor Valley College

  Associates Degree, Math & Science

  1999 — 2002

• University of Phoenix

  Bachelors of Science, Business Management

  2003 — 2005

• Navel Training Center

  Electrician "A" School, Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology

  1987 — 1988

Skills

• Plc
• Manufacturing
• Minerals
• Training Program Development
• Preventive Maintenance
• Root Cause Analysis
• Maintenance & Repair
• Machinery
• Purchasing
• Process Improvement
• Heavy Equipment
• Contract Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Pumps
• Human Resources
• Predictive Maintenance
• Factory
• Supervisory Skills
• Operations Management
• Rcm
• Industrial Maintenance
• Six Sigma
• Project Management
• Employee Training
• Mechanics
• Engineering
• Preventive Maintenance Techniques
• Msha and Osha Regulations
• Management
• Team Building
• Boilers
• Interviews
• Electricians
• Training
• Change Management
• Safety Management Systems
• Occupational Health
• Facilities Management
• Process Scheduler
• Gold