Russell Sudweeks

About Russell Sudweeks

I’m a mission-driven operations, quality, and maintenance leader with 25+ years of experience building reliable systems, disciplined teams, and predictable results in high-stakes environments. My career spans aerospace, defense, medical devices, and technology manufacturing, grounded by 19 years in the U.S. Marine Corps leading large aviation maintenance organizations responsible for people, safety, and hundreds of millions in assets. I specialize in fixing what’s broken; processes, quality systems, and execution, without drama or excuses.Today, I operate at the intersection of mission assurance, quality, and operational excellence, with deep hands-on expertise in AS9100/ISO systems, MRB, RCCA, risk management, and Lean Six Sigma. I’ve led cross-functional teams through complex investigations, driven meaningful cost and scrap reductions, strengthened supplier and production quality, and supported critical programs where failure is not an option. I’m known for calm leadership under pressure, clear decision making, and developing teams that take ownership and deliver.I’m currently expanding my strategic and business toolkit through USC’s Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program, sharpening my ability to connect operational execution with enterprise level outcomes. I’m motivated by work that demands integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement and by organizations that value leaders who tell the truth, build trust, and leave systems better than they found them.

Experience

1. Sr Principal Engineer - Mission Assurance

   Northrop Grumman

   Jan 2026 — Present

   Serving on the F-35 CNI Quality and Mission Excellence team at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, responsible for ensuring mission readiness through quality engineering, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.• Apply RCCA methodologies (Ishikawa, FMEA, 5-Why) to identify and eliminate systemic defects across program workflows.• Drive AS9102, FAI (First Article Inspection) and MRB (Material Review Board) compliance with suppliers and production teams.• Champion ISO 9001/AS9100 quality management system standards across mission-critical defense systems.• Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste, increase predictability, and deliver sustainable value.• Build trusted partner relationships across internal teams, suppliers, and customer stakeholders on a high-visibility defense program.

Education

• USC Marshall School of Business

  Masters in Business for Veterans ? MBA/V, Business Administration and Management, General

• Mira Costa Technical Career Institute

  Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Certificate, Manufacturing | Leadership

  2017 — 2018

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Professional Aeronautics, Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Lean Thinking
• Program Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Microsoft Outlook
• Leadership
• Quality Assurance
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Supervisory Skills
• Military Operations
• Oracle Database
• Problem Solving
• Operations Management
• Public Speaking
• Defense
• Microsoft Office
• Management
• Team Building
• Aircraft Management
• Military
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Higher Education
• Project Management
• Helicopters
• Dod
• Salesforce
• Training
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• 5s
• Lean Processes
• Military Aviation
• Force Protection
• U.s. Department of Defense
• Operational Planning
• Continuous Improvement
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Military Logistics
• Division Leader
• Strategic Planning