Assembling / electrical, digital, thermal cycling, vibration, liquid nitrogen testing of electronic rocket components. Production defect (NC) investigations. Work instruction improvement investigations and implementing changes to the work instruction database. Carried out an in depth investigation into battery welding failures and became the SME on resistive battery welding. 5S and safety continuous improvement participant.

Assembling / leak, pressure and liquid nitrogen testing / LOX cleaning and inspections of mechanical rocket parts. Production defect (NC) investigations. Work instruction improvement investigations and implementing changes to the work instruction database. Became the Stage 3 Engine Instrumentation SME. Active 5S and safety continuous improvement participant.

Minestar automation conversions / Minestar Fleet Installations on Caterpillar Haul Trucks, Boom Gate installs, Repeater Trailer builds, Installation testing at FMG (Cloudbreak) and Perth workshop.

Working on land based Oil Rigs installing and testing analogue / digital well monitoring systems. Gas Industry training; redesigned the spooler wiring system; HAZOB of the year; introduced a new hands-free tool; developing new SOP’s.

Working underground; responsible for keeping the automated mining system (Minegem / Command for Underground) up and running for maximum production and installations into new levels; leaky feeder fault-finding and installations into new levels.

Responsible for maintaining one of Ricoh’s (NZ) largest contracts, Auckland University; gained invaluable electro mechanical and customer service skills.

Wedgetail Project, latest technology and the challenge of building new aircraft design.

Learning a new trade in the private building sector.

HMNZS Canterbury, Radar Section Supervisor. Keeping the aging systems running with a lack of spares. Highlight was to decommission the last Leander Class Frigate which was a memorable experience having served on three, and went to sea on the fourth.HMNZS Te Kaha & Te Mana, Internal / External Communications Supervisor. Integrating a communications system into the ships communications network to expand the usable frequency range until a new permanent system could be found. Reducing 300 operational defects down to 10 within a few months during an extended maintenance period. HMNZS Philomel Ship Repair Unit, Administration Petty Officer. Redesigning and building a new maintenance database for the six workshops within SRU.

Took a break from the military. First exposure to civilian working life, customers and procedures.

Jan 1997 - Sep 1999, HMNZS Waikato, Canterbury & Wellington, Leading Radio Fitter. Developing trade and leadership skills in the challenging environment of the navy; maintaining sea-worthiness with a skeleton crew on the aging Waikato.Feb 1993 – Dec 1996, Apprentice Radio Fitter. Completed apprenticeship and naval training. Promoted to Leading Radio Fitter. Participated in the 50th VJ celebrations in Hawaii.