Chris Knepper Email & Phone Number

Livermore, Ca, Us

Direct the Institutional Assessment Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), overseeing audits across the laboratory and ensuring regulatory compliance within high-risk areas. Manage and train a team of seasoned auditors, including onboarding new hires and fostering collaboration within the team to enhance audit effectiveness. Cultivate strong relationships across departments to mitigate apprehension and facilitate seamless audit processes.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Collaborated with the Operations Community of Practice (OCoP) to establish audit plans per Department of Energy (DOE) and ISO 9001 requirements, maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence.• Transitioned to LLNL after a decade-long pursuit, securing the role through educational advancement and experience at Skydio and Xwing.• Spearheaded audits for an institution significantly larger than previous roles, applying expertise to handle a comprehensive audit program for a national laboratory.• Guided and mentored a team of professionals with 20+ years of experience, earning praise from leadership for creating a positive and productive environment during audits.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

Headed the development of a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) from the ground up, complying with FAA requirements for aircraft parts. Oversaw export compliance for parts manufactured in Sweden and Germany, managing customs regulations and guaranteeing adherence to international standards. Designed and implemented an inventory tracking system to certify all aircraft parts, maintaining FAA-mandated certifications.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Managed Technical Control Plans (TCPs) for non-U.S. personnel, facilitating controlled access to sensitive military-grade radar system data.• Handled key duties from the departing Director of Finance and Director of Operations, including leasing hangar facilities, coordinating TCPs, and overseeing relocation payments to maintain operational continuity during financial challenges.• Promoted to Senior Director of Quality, expanding responsibilities to include integrating Safety Management Systems (SMS) with Quality Management Systems (QMS).• Led site selection and lease negotiations for new facilities, securing a hangar and coordinating employee relocations to a new workspace in San Francisco.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

Served as the quality liaison, facilitating effective collaboration between internal teams, suppliers, and certifying authorities, including the FAA, to uphold alignment with quality standards and regulations.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Cooperated with external legal counsel to develop and manage Technical Control Plans (TCPs) for non-US personnel, safeguarding compliance and operational integrity.• Led the oversight of company adherence to EAR Regulations, implementing and monitoring physical and electronic controls.

San Mateo, California, Us

Designed and developed a robust quality program focusing on regulatory compliance, optimizing Skydio’s overall quality management efforts. Confirmed all quality processes adhered to ISO 9001 and AS 9100 standards, significantly elevating the quality assurance protocols at Skydio. Created and implemented programs and conducted thorough inspections of commercial and military-grade drones to raise product integrity.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Analyzed defect reports and utilized the nonconformance system to formulate corrective actions, efficiently preventing reoccurrence of issues and uplifting quality assurance by 15%.• Developed comprehensive customer guides for inspecting delivered parts, verifying all components met quality standards, and mitigating the risk of damage during shipping.• Reviewed engineering project documentation to verify compliance with necessary standards, further strengthening the company’s quality assurance processes.• Collaborated with the U.S. Army on a reconnaissance drone program, providing insights that prepared Skydio for stringent evaluations and compliance assessments.

Moffett Field, California, Us

Guided a team of four auditors at NASA Ames Research Center, driving compliance with ISO standards, specifically AS 9100 in aerospace. Adapted quality assurance processes across diverse programs, including biologics and rocket construction, confirming alignment with distinct project requirements. Advanced NASA Ames’ quality system by working with executive leadership to articulate and clarify quality processes for better communication during assessments.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Supported an annual review of the quality system, achieving significantly improved results compared to prior assessments and attaining recognition from NASA headquarters.• Awarded the Ames Honor Award for contributions to solidifying understanding and compliance with the quality system, reflecting brilliant performance and dedication.• Conducted risk-focused data analysis as an assessor, prioritizing assessments in high-risk areas to elevate efficiency and effectiveness in quality assurance efforts.• Verified effectiveness of corrective actions during subsequent assessments, exemplifying commitment to maintaining high standards of quality assurance.

Davidson, North Carolina, Us

Transitioned into the Division Quality Control Manager role at Curtiss-Wright, serving as the primary contact for quality issues after US Falcon's contract bid loss. Managed FAA compliance for an FAA-rated repair facility, holding ultimate accountability for quality assurance and customer satisfaction in components processed from aircraft, steam engines, and nuclear reactors.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Oversaw advanced laser shot-peening process technology, enhancing metal components' internal structures to improve resistance to stress, corrosion, and fatigue, effectively extending product lifespans.• Implemented rigorous quality inspection processes, verifying all employees uniquely identified their work, thereby fostering accountability and precision within the quality control framework.• Secured top-secret security clearance to steer quality programs related to laser systems at Hill Air Force Base.• Negotiated quality terms with suppliers and collaborated closely with customers to tailor solutions, driving quality improvements and reinforcing customer relationships.

Cary, Nc, Us

Moved into experimental aircraft maintenance through a referral from a NASA associate, gaining a position with a contract involving the U.S. Army and NASA Ames Research Center. Maintained fly-by-wire UH-60 helicopters, a semi-autonomous aircraft designed for remote piloting, boosting operational capabilities and pilot safety. Oversaw one of the Army's first experimental fly-by-wire helicopters, specifically engineered to navigate challenging landing conditions, such as brownouts and whiteouts.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• Implemented a LADAR system on helicopters to raise visibility during landings by penetrating obscured environments, enabling safe identification of landing zones.• Supervised specialized equipment on experimental helicopters, sustaining aircraft readiness for daily missions and adhering to rigorous safety and maintenance standards.• Conducted routine maintenance tasks, including fueling and cleaning while checking flight traffic patterns and making system adjustments to uplift operational accuracy.• Participated in test flights at Yuma Proving Grounds, gaining valuable hands-on experience and contributing to the success of critical flight trials.

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

Arlington, Virginia, Us

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Technical Communication - Minor In Organizational Leadership

A&P Certification, Aviation Maintenance