Rick Spence Email & Phone Number

Lemont, Illinois, United States

Currently working at the Advanced Photon Source as part of the Time-Resolved Research group after working with the Structural Sciences group until 2019 - responsibilities include: mechanical design of various mounts, adapters and fixtures; technical support assisting Beamline Scientists as well as visiting users, managing mechanical laboratory, documenting shipping and hazardous waste for both groups; coordinating user storage along with performing electrical inspections. Assisted with beam… Show more Currently working at the Advanced Photon Source as part of the Time-Resolved Research group after working with the Structural Sciences group until 2019 - responsibilities include: mechanical design of various mounts, adapters and fixtures; technical support assisting Beamline Scientists as well as visiting users, managing mechanical laboratory, documenting shipping and hazardous waste for both groups; coordinating user storage along with performing electrical inspections. Assisted with beam line start-up activities at Sector 8-BM including mechanical design support, wiring/install/testing of motorized systems, beam line components and alignment of beam line optics. Show less

Supported the operation and upgrade of the x-ray detector and equipment pools; coordinated APS user storage facility; provided technical and mechanical support to Detector Pool personnel; managed the WBS-LDN documentation within the X-ray Science Division Beamline Technical Support group; assisted beam line personnel with special projects involving mechanical support as needed.

Assisted the APS user community by providing operational support; safety oversight during operations, construction & installation activities; and primary APS representation for beam line administrative controls.

Contract labor for 5 different clients in a variety of technical areas including, but not limited to: field service work for railroad simulators including equipment modifications and repairs; personnel training in various areas including software, equipment and simulator procedures; UV/VIS/IR lasers, fiber and conventional optical systems; extensive experience in hard wiring of electronics, circuitry, and building various devices; freelance & technical writing.

Senior Experimentalist, 1983 – 1997. Diverse experience in a wide range of technical disciplines including: electronics, test and measurement; lasers (UV, VIS & IR), optics, NDT, thermal imaging; personnel training; simulation and database work; optical thin film deposition, optical and physical characterization methods; field service support including equipment installation, calibration and repair; machine shop experience; technical writing and documentation.

Education record

Associate'S Degrees