Joseph Labra Email & Phone Number

Houston, Tx

Managed and maintained the schedule for the Assent Abort 2 test flight.Integrated the schedules from three NASA centers into an integrated master schedule.Developed presentations and metrics on scheduled activities and status for management.

Houston, Texas Area

Managed the Hydraulic, Electronic and Fiber Optic Surface Control and Data Acquisition Systems development design team and projects from initial proposal phase through delivery of the hardware/software system.Managed multiple (5+) projects simultaneously.Supervised teams ranging in size from 2 to 15+ members.Devised project work breakdown structure, schedules and budgets.Compiled and distributed regular project status reports.Reviewed and approved engineering drawings, bills of materials, assembly and test procedures and hardware specifications.Developed systems for both safe area and explosive atmosphere environments.Prepared proposals for Product Line in response to customer inquiries.Worked with Product Line to maintain continuity and obtain feedback on the performance of our products.Key Accomplishments: Successfully managed the Surface Control and Data Acquisition Systems Surface Control Unit Computer Panel project for the Conoco-Phillips Ekofisk field. The hardware, software and all required documentation were delivered on-time and within 5% of the expected cost target.

Houston, Texas Area

Managed complex human rated pressure vessel/mechanism projects using proven project management methodologies and established strong customer and team relationships.Co-managed a $84M project to design, develop manufacture, test and certify the new iLIDS space station to commercial launch vehicle docking mechanism.Led a $45M project to design, develop, manufacture and test the ATLAS crew transfer tunnel. Supervised teams ranging in size from 25 to 110 members.Devised project work breakdown structure, schedules and budgets.Documented, controlled and mitigated risks to projects.Managed the customer relationship to maintain continuity and obtain insightful performance feedback. Headed special sub-projects to mitigate risks on technical areas of concern.Prepared proposals in response to change in scope issues and requests.Compiled and presented regular project status reports using earned value metrics.Key Accomplishments: Managed the ATLAS crew transfer tunnel project to a “preliminary design review level“ within cost and on schedule. Co-managed the iLIDS space station to visiting vehicle project thru the critical design phase within cost and on schedule. Received performance scores of 93+ out of 100 from the customer on these projects while managing numerous customer change requests.

Houston, Texas Area

Held positions of increasing responsibility while supporting multiple projects. Performed project management on new hardware and modification projects. Managed customer and supplier relationships and developed fundamental approaches for requirements, implementation, and project management. Performed root cause analysis and formulated solution options for on-orbit and ground processing problems related to the thermal control system (digitally controlled pump, controller, valves and quick disconnects). Maintained a high level of project performance by working closely with NASA customers, US and international partners, subcontractors, and suppliers to resolve issues and exchange technical data. Compiled and managed space station program change requests and accompanying schedules and cost estimates. Developed, improved and maintained processes and procedures necessary for ISO 9000 certification.Initiated and led training for both quality engineers and inspectors. Reviewed, modified and approved manufacturing orders, nonconformance reports and mechanical and electrical drawings. Compiled acceptance data packages for hardware delivery and certification.Devised solutions for packaging issues on thermal control system hardware (pump, tanks, heat exchangers, cold plates). Initiated layouts and change documentation and revised engineering drawings.Drafted design changes to tooling fixtures to insure parts and assemblies met drawing requirements.Developed and released critical lift procedures.Engineering interface with manufacturing, quality assurance and procurement during entire product life cycle.Key Accomplishments: Completed the packaging re-design of the ammonia thermal control system components to allow manufacturing to meet the qualification hardware delivery schedule.Managed and completed the $400K thermal control system ammonia pump by-pass device project on schedule and under budget.

Houston, Texas Area

Managed fleet-wide issues while also supporting daily flight operations and heavy maintenance.Managed the structural repair and modification programs on DC-9 and MD-80 fleets including Aging Aircraft Programs.Prioritized and scheduled implementation of manufacturer Service Bulletins to repair, improve, modify, or meet Airworthiness Directives by initiating detailed written procedures for use by maintenance and quality assurance.Designed and analyzed specific repair schemes to return damaged aircraft structures to an airworthy condition.Coordinated with and obtained manufacturer and FAA approval for major repairs.Significant contributor to the development of the MD80 Supplemental Structural Inspection Document. Key Accomplishments: Determined and reported to management that Continental’s DC9 fleet was not in compliance with the FAA mandated window belt inspection which resulted in temporarily grounding of the fleet until the proper inspections were completed.

Houston, Texas Area

Directed a team of 7 mechanical design engineers.Developed schedule and budget for various projects on Space Shuttle and Space Station.Delegated and oversaw the design, development and certification tasks for secondary structures, tools, and soft goods.Reviewed and approved detail and assembly drawings for machined, sheet metal and fabric parts and assemblies.Initiated, approved and released detailed repair processes and procedures for manufacturing and quality assurance personnel.Key Accomplishments: Led and completed the design of the space shuttle crew cabin stowage modifications required after relocation of the airlock from inside the crew compartment to the payload bay on time and within budget. Led and completed the 20G crew seat modification design project on schedule and under budget.