TRENT WILLIAM SMART
Wheatridge
Summary
Senior aerospace composites specialist with over 25 years of expertise in advanced composite manufacturing and aerospace structures. Currently engaged in materials technology at Lockheed Martin Space, focusing on engineering drawing interpretation and manufacturing process development. Demonstrated leadership in supporting aircraft, satellite, and deep-space exploration initiatives, recognized for driving innovation and efficiency improvements. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and production teams to solve complex shop-floor challenges.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Level 4 Engineering Aid Senior Specialist
Lockheed Martin Space
Littleton
06.2008 - Current
- Lead technician on multiple aerospace programs including Juno Structure & Magnetometer Boom, Orion Heatshield, Back Shell Panels, Forward Bay Covers, and Launch Abort System strut tubes.
- Installed PICA (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablative) tiles on the Mars Science Laboratory heatshield.
- Participated in GRAIL Structure and Assembly Test Launch Operations (ATLO).
- Lead technician for TR A2100 composite panels and cylinder assemblies.
- Lead technician on JABIRU Antenna Tower program.
- Extensive experience in aerospace testing including mechanisms testing (common actuators, star trackers, solar array hinge lines), thermal testing, and mechanical sample testing.
- Develop and improve manufacturing work instructions and procedures.
- Troubleshoot shop-floor process issues and support engineering teams in resolving drawing and production discrepancies.
- Technical Expertise: Operation of autoclaves, ovens, laser projection systems, ply cutters, and high-speed mixers.
- Composite layups, bonding operations, painting applications, and hardware assembly.
- Mechanical sample testing (metals, composites, foams).
- Shop planning and materials processing.
- Software & Systems: VE-Cams, EPDM, Automation Framework, MAP, MPI, SAP, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe
Materials & Process Engineering Technician
Adam Aircraft Industries
Centennial
11.2001 - 02.2008
- Supported research and development projects involving advanced composite aircraft structures.
- Performed composite tooling fabrication, hand layup, vacuum bagging, oven programming, trim and drill operations.
- Conducted structural secondary bonding, closeouts, and structural repairs.
- Painted aircraft (primer and topcoat) and completed body finishing work.
- Performed mechanical testing in accordance with ASTM standards.
- Composite Materials Experience: Prepreg systems, film adhesives, surface films, foam and paste adhesives, aluminum, Nomex honeycomb core, wet layup resin systems.
- Mechanical Testing & Machining: ASTM testing methods: tension, compression, interlaminate shear, lap shear, short beam shear, flatwise tension, dynamic mechanical analysis, resin flow, v-notch.
- Machining: milling, lathe, surface grinder, and saw operations.
- Precision measurement tools: calipers, height gauge, micrometers, optical comparator, torque wrench.
- Training: Aerodynamics 101, Solid Edge Design, Type III Composite Training, Heatcon Composite Repair, PPG Fleet Training
Bonding Technician
Cirrus Design
Grand Forks
10.2000 - 08.2001
- Performed surface preparation and secondary bonding of composite aircraft structures.
- Completed structural closeouts and composite repairs using wet layup systems.
- Worked extensively with prepreg materials, film adhesives, surface films, and bonding adhesives.
Education
Airframe & Power Plant (A&P) -
Thief River Falls Community College
Thief River Falls05.2001
High School Diploma -
East Grand Forks High School
East Grand Forks05.1998
Skills
- Advanced Composite Manufacturing
- Aerospace Structural Assembly
- Engineering Drawing Interpretation
- Work Instruction & Procedure Development
- Autoclave & Oven Operations
- Structural Bonding & Repairs
- Mechanical & Thermal Testing
- Process Improvement & Troubleshooting
- Project Leadership
- Shop Planning & Production Support
Timeline
Level 4 Engineering Aid Senior Specialist
Lockheed Martin Space
06.2008 - Current
Materials & Process Engineering Technician
Adam Aircraft Industries
11.2001 - 02.2008
Bonding Technician
Cirrus Design
10.2000 - 08.2001
Airframe & Power Plant (A&P) -
Thief River Falls Community College
High School Diploma -
East Grand Forks High School