Erik Kocher Email and Phone Number

Currently working in System Safety at the Boeing Company in Ridley Park, PA

Test Pilot & Engineering & Quality Management & Safety

Retired as of September 30, 2018.

I advanced through key roles involving engineering project management, quality management, marketing, training & instruction, and test pilot activities. This included managing high-profile engineering projects for military and commercial customers from the US, UK, Europe, South America, and other areas. I functioned as the SME and technical advisor from proposal through flight testing, test data and performance reporting, and final acceptance. To ensure alignment with performance standards, I selected and scheduled the best-qualified staff for critical testing. As a core quality management team member, I completed the final QA prior to handover to customer and reviewed reports for accuracy. Additionally, I assisted in performing FMECA for various aircraft systems.Key Contributions:♦ Ensured multibillion-dollar aircraft &avionic/electronic systems met requirements for functionality, performance, and structural integrity by planning and executing test flights.♦ Liaised between design engineers & customers to define requirements, plans, procedures, and techniques; collaborated on resolving problems to certify/quality aircraft and systems.♦ Slashed acceptance flights from seven to 3.5 per aircraft and cut costs by analyzing production metrics to identify improvement.♦ Developed & evaluated handling qualities & systems for simulators; worked with foreign customers to design unique simulators.♦ Leveraged modeling, Six Sigma, and Lean Thinking applications and methodologies to apply quality systems principles to assessment of organizational achievements.♦ Used performance-based management systems, best practices, value stream mapping, and systems approach to drive strategic planning.♦ Led classroom and flight training of US Army and foreign national pilots.♦ Excelled in ancillary roles supporting multiengine aircraft for passenger & VIP transport as well as providing chase-photographic support for V22 and other test programs.

Division Officer, Special Weapons Officer, Vertical Replenishment Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot