Seth Vance
Colorado Springs
Summary
Results-oriented mechanic with extensive experience at General Dynamics Land Systems, specializing in vehicle diagnostics and technical training. Expertise in hydraulic systems and strong problem-solving abilities lead to improved operational readiness and vehicle performance. Dedicated to high-quality service delivery and fostering teamwork while maintaining robust customer relationships.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Designer/Mechanic
Hefty Fabworks
09.2024 - Current
- Designed armor with SOLIDWORKS for 4X4 vehicles, enhancing protection and durability.
- Installed suspension components to optimize vehicle performance and handling.
- Performed maintenance on vehicles to maintain optimal functionality and safety.
- Resolved complex issues related to vehicle modifications and enhancements.
Stryker Mechanic
General Dynamics Land Systems / HRU Contracting
Ft Carson
10.2020 - 11.2021
- Executed annual, semiannual, and biannual service inspections on vehicles.
- Instructed soldiers on troubleshooting and repair techniques for vehicle maintenance.
- Downloaded software updates on more than 30 vehicles to enhance functionality.
- Conducted comprehensive inspections on over 40 vehicles to ensure operational readiness.
ATV Technician / Boat Rigger
Bass Pro Shop
Colorado Springs
06.2019 - 07.2020
- Prepared vehicles for sale, ensuring readiness and compliance with standards.
- Diagnosed and repaired vehicle issues to restore optimal functionality.
- Performed regular maintenance, including oil changes, inspections, belt replacements, and tune-ups.
- Installed GPS systems, fish finders, and trolling motors on boats per customer specifications.
- Troubleshot wiring issues, engine malfunctions, and trailer wiring for comprehensive service.
- Maintained professional relationships with customers, ensuring transparency regarding vehicle needs.
- Advised customers against unnecessary purchases to promote trust and satisfaction.
Fabricator and Welder
Auto Truck Group
Colorado Springs
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Fabricated brackets and components for snow removal vehicles and service trucks.
- Constructed stainless steel dump beds to enhance durability.
- Welded tool holders, lighting mounts, and custom parts per customer specifications.
- Created heavy steel mounts and brackets to support plows, dump beds, and toolboxes.
- Developed hydraulic systems for dump beds, plows, sand spreaders, and mini cranes.
- Wired essential components including strobe lights, backup alarms, and toolbox lighting.
Hail Repair Technician
Professional PDR
Colorado Springs
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Executed repairs on hail damage for various vehicles, including small compacts and large vans.
- Prepared vehicles for repair by removing interiors such as headliners and door panels.
- Removed headlights, taillights, and bumpers to facilitate thorough repairs.
- Conducted plastic bumper repairs, addressing dents caused by impact damage.
Mechanic
Firestone Complete Autocare
Columbia
06.2011 - 08.2012
- Serviced foreign and domestic vehicles by changing oil and filters, performing flushes, and aligning wheels.
- Executed full brake replacements, tune-ups, and suspension component replacements.
- Conducted diagnostics to identify faults and implemented repairs to restore vehicle functionality.
Installer/Service Technician
Comtech Mobile Data Corp
German Town
02.2007 - 11.2011
- Executed troubleshooting procedures on classified equipment and installed systems in military vehicles nationwide.
- Mounted brackets to support computer and transceiver units.
- Completed installations on hundreds of vehicles within established timelines.
- Installed and maintained tracking equipment to ensure operational reliability.
- Routed power wires and data cables to activate tracking systems.
- Contracted in Iraq to assist soldiers and civilians, ensuring optimal equipment functionality.
- Replaced damaged hard drives and adjusted settings to resolve equipment issues.
Vehicle Painter / Mechanic
Lear Siegler Inc
Fort Carson
09.2003 - 01.2007
- Achieved 10/20 standard for HMMVs, restoring vehicles to like-new condition.
- Replaced engines, engine components, transmissions, and transfer cases to enhance performance.
- Executed basic maintenance tasks to ensure optimal vehicle functionality.
- Repaired damaged body parts and replaced wiring harnesses for improved safety.
- Initiated tenure as mechanic's assistant, gaining experience with HMMVs, FMTVs, and Hemets.
- Prepared vehicles for painting processes to ensure high-quality finishes.
- Painted approximately three hundred vehicles and storage equipment in desert and camouflage styles.
US Army Mechanic / NCO
307th Engineers
Fort Bragg
04.2002 - 06.2003
- Oversaw ten soldiers, ensuring timely and proper maintenance and repairs.
- Conducted training sessions to enhance soldiers' skills and build confidence.
- Managed a six-member funeral detail for military honors.
- Executed over twenty ceremonies, dedicating several hours weekly for flawless performance.
- Received recognition for outstanding efforts from Families of the Fallen.
US Army Mechanic
725 Bravo Company Maintenance Support Battalion
Schofield Barracks
03.1999 - 04.2002
- Troubleshot and repaired over 100 vehicles and trailers efficiently.
- Executed vehicle recovery operations without incidents to vehicles or personnel.
- Completed Primary Leadership Development Course, enhancing leadership skills for timely task execution.
- Earned promotion to Sergeant E-5 following successful completion of NCO Academy.
US Army Mechanic
21Chemicl Company
Fort Bragg
09.1996 - 03.1999
- Completed Basic Training, AIT, and Airborne School before assignment to 21st Chem Co.
- Executed routine maintenance and repairs on over 40 vehicles and trailers.
- Achieved role as hazmat supervisor, ensuring adequate lubricant supply for operations.
- Attended Vehicle Recovery Course, demonstrating proficiency in recovery procedures.
- Conducted multiple recoveries without incidents affecting equipment or personnel.
- Managed tool room valued over $100,000, maintaining accountability for all tools.
- Received Army Commendation Medal for exemplary performance and dedication.
- Participated in Airborne Operations, establishing maintenance area for field equipment.
Education
Pikes Peak State Collage - Mechanical CAD
Pikes Peak State Collage
Colorado Springs, COs05.2025
High School Diploma -
Richland Northeast High School
Columbia, SC01.1996
Collage/Trade School - Paintless Dent repair
PARS
Colorado SpringsPikes Peak Community Collage - Welding Mig and Tig One
Pikes Peak Community Collage
Colorado SpringsSkills
- Brake repair and automotive maintenance
- Hydraulic systems
- Oil change and vehicle servicing
- Suspension systems
- Mechanical expertise
- Fabrication and welding
- Problem solving and diagnostics
- Engine diagnostics
- Technical training and development
- Attention to detail
- Customer service and support
- Dependability and punctuality
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creative thinking and design
- CAD and SolidWorks design
- Team collaboration and teamwork
- Organizational skills
Certification
- United States Army Wheeled Vehicle Recovery Course, 10/01/98, 88 Hour Course. Learned to recover vehicle in many different scenarios. Learned to use an Oxy/Acetylene Cutting Torch.
- US Army Primary Leadership Course, 05/01/01 to 07/31/01, Learned what it means and what it takes to be a leader. Taught to give soldiers purpose, direction, and motivation.
- 82nd Airborne Leaders Course, 10/01/02, NCOs are held to a higher standard in the 82nd because we jump out of perfectly good aircraft. 40 Hour course preparing us for our role as NCOs in the 82nd.
Military Service
United States Army, United States, E-5, 09/01/96, 06/30/03, Army Commendation Medal 1, Army Achievement Medal 5, Good Conduct Medal 2, Airborne Wing
Personal Information
Authorized To Work: Yes
Affiliations
- I love fishing
- Camping
- off roading
- Gardening
Accomplishments
- 5 Army Achievement Medal
- 1 Army Commendation Medal
- 2 Goodconduct Medals
- Deans List Multiple times
Timeline
Designer/Mechanic
Hefty Fabworks
09.2024 - Current
Stryker Mechanic
General Dynamics Land Systems / HRU Contracting
10.2020 - 11.2021
ATV Technician / Boat Rigger
Bass Pro Shop
06.2019 - 07.2020
Fabricator and Welder
Auto Truck Group
01.2018 - 01.2019
Hail Repair Technician
Professional PDR
01.2013 - 01.2018
Mechanic
Firestone Complete Autocare
06.2011 - 08.2012
Installer/Service Technician
Comtech Mobile Data Corp
02.2007 - 11.2011
Vehicle Painter / Mechanic
Lear Siegler Inc
09.2003 - 01.2007
US Army Mechanic / NCO
307th Engineers
04.2002 - 06.2003
US Army Mechanic
725 Bravo Company Maintenance Support Battalion
03.1999 - 04.2002
US Army Mechanic
21Chemicl Company
09.1996 - 03.1999
Pikes Peak State Collage - Mechanical CAD
Pikes Peak State Collage
High School Diploma -
Richland Northeast High School
Collage/Trade School - Paintless Dent repair
PARS
Pikes Peak Community Collage - Welding Mig and Tig One
Pikes Peak Community Collage
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