Russell Kirkman

About Russell Kirkman

Currently manages Materials Qualification Programs and projects to support product development, sales opportunities, budgeting, scheduling and realize economic benefits for new materials, new markets, and new applications. Analyzes and characterizes composite materials supporting new product Research and Development. Reporting composite material results and project metrics in compliance with ASTM/SACMA/FAA/CMH-17/MIL testing, processing, and documentation standards with truth and accuracy.Extensive Project Management experience including budget oversight and scheduling across multiple sites. Establishes resource requirements to meet project objectives. Works with cross-functional interdepartmental teams to understand clear objectives and expectations for development projects.• Innovator in thin films, nanomaterials, and high-temperature composites by creating new materials and processes• Utilizes Design of Experiment (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to improve products and processes• Experienced with composite and equipment industry standards/principles for testing, processing, and documentation guidelines• Implements R&D and production plans, integrating PFMEA/DFMEA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma Concepts• Effective leader of cross-disciplinary teams, adept at simplifying concepts and distilling important technical aspects• Foresees trends regarding industry evolution and finds innovative solutions to challenging problems• Customer-centric development philosophy focused on Voice of Customer (VOC) analysis• Solves complex problems swiftly, convinces key stakeholders of technical and business benefits of solutionsMaterials & Applications• Reactive Metal Films & Bonding, Ceramic & Metal Interfaces• Carbon Fiber Composites (CFRP), Glass Fiber Composites, Kevlar/Dyneema/Spectra Composites, Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)• Anodize, Passivation, Tempering, Cold-Rolling, Carburizing Instrumentation• SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, Microtome, Sample Prep• Evaporator, Sputtering, Etch• Charpy Impact, Instron, 4-point Bend & Hardness

Experience

1. Project Engineering Manager

   Toray Advanced Composites

   Jan 2024 — Present · Morgan Hill, CA, US

   Manages team of engineers responsible for material qualifications as well as technical and applications support.Responsible for reporting project status to management and resources allocation levelling.Training and mentoring engineers and technicians. Team building and project management. Project Management including budget oversight and scheduling across multiple sites. Establishes resource requirements to meet project objectives. Works with cross-functional interdepartmental teams to understand clear objectives and expectations for development projects.Evaluates methods and materials that will allow customers to maximize their performance when using Toray thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg/adhesives.Utilizes data analysis and statistical methods to prove equivalency and substantiate change/improvements.Lab equipment commissioning and troubleshooting. Mechanical test frames, NDI and microscopy equipment, autoclaves and ovens. Development of test methods, work instructions and quality assurance support. FMEA, DOE, MRB support for production.Material characterization and application development. New Product introduction. Applications support consisting of part manufacturing technologies, equipment, and material suitability as part of material product development projects (i.e, part producibility).

Education

• San José State University

  B.S. Materials Engineering, Reactive Metals and Nano-scale Alloy Interface Analysis,

  2012 — 2015

• Foothill College

  Materials Science Engineering

  2010 — 2012

Skills

• Microscopy
• Alloys
• Specifications
• Atomic Spectroscopy
• Metallurgy
• Design of Experiments
• Manufacturing
• Process Engineering
• Tem
• Afm
• Lean Manufacturing
• Microsoft Office
• Continuous Improvement
• Materials Science
• Failure Analysis
• Sputter Deposition
• Engineering
• Aerospace
• Supplier Quality Management
• Iso 9001
• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Composites
• Management
• Nanomaterials
• Hazardous Materials Training
• Characterization
• Spectroscopy
• Product Development
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• X-Ray Diffraction Analysis
• Metallography
• Project Management
• Sem
• Thermodynamics
• Semiconductor Process Technology
• Thin Films
• Spc
• Nanotechnology
• Materials
• Statistical Process Control