Issue 31 Archives - Northwest Aerospace News https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/category/issue-31/ Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:34:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-Untitled-design-39-32x32.png Issue 31 Archives - Northwest Aerospace News https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/category/issue-31/ 32 32 PNAA ADVANCE | 2023 Conference Guide https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2023/01/17/pnaa-advance-2023-conference-guide/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:56:58 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14835 22nd Annual Aerospace Conference  | […]

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22nd Annual Aerospace Conference  | February 6th-9th 2023

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Who’s Hiring Guide — 6 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2023/01/17/whos-hiring-guide-6/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:54:31 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14837 The post Who’s Hiring Guide — 6 appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

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Telling the Aerospace Story:  https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/12/29/telling-the-aerospace-story/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 22:13:25 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14832   Isaac Alexander :  Northwest […]

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  Isaac Alexander :  Northwest Readers Share a Story

I was born in Tacoma, Washington. In 1974 my dad was hired to be a police officer for the Port of Seattle — which has jurisdiction over both the Seattle port and SeaTac airport. Our family moved to a home on the southwest side of the airport. We had a 75 percent view of both runways and all of the terminals from our house. I grew up watching planes transit there from the mid 1970s to the late 1990s. 

My earliest aviation memory is of my first airplane ride on an Alaska Air 727-200 in 1979 to Anchorage, Alaska. My second aviation memory was visiting the Boeing Renton factory in 1984 to see the delivery of the last 727-200 to FedEx and my third memory, which was VERY memorable, was in November of 1984. A British Airways Supersonic Concorde departed for the first time from SeaTac airport on its roundtrip “Flight to Nowhere” – cruising with a planeload of VIP passengers to experience Mach 2, flying at 50,000 feet. There were hundreds of people along the street of the hill my house was on, photographing the departure. It was amazing (and LOUD)! 

My first job working in aviation was in the U.S. Navy, where I served from 2004-2010. I went into the service undesignated and then later chose to be an aviation machinist mate. That title meant I would work on aircraft engines. My first four years of Naval service, I was with VFA-136 Knighthawks out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We operated both F/A 18 Hornets and Super Hornets. I did two multi-month cruises on the USS Enterprise in 2006 and 2007 during my time with the squadron. I visited places such as Lisbon, Portugal; Split, Croatia; Cannes, France; Dubai, U.A.E.; Hong Kong and Singapore. The last two years in the Navy I worked at the base engine shop overhauling GE F404 engines. 

After I left the U.S. Navy, I knew I wanted to stay involved in aviation, but didn’t yet know what specifically. I started my aerospace freelance writing career under the brand Jet City Star back in October of 2010, after attending the second annual Aviation Geek Fest held at the Future of Flight. I started a Twitter account and mainly used that to spotlight aerospace news. This also led to doing some professional writing for various aerospace publications.  After doing that for over a decade, I wanted to actually start a new business that would be an aerospace news aggregator, pointing out top aviation defense and space news daily from across the globe. Luckily, as fortune would have it, I wasn’t the only person on Earth that had the same idea. 

I discovered Robin Koenig out of the Bay Area who built and designed a website called HypeAviation.com. I immediately reached out to Robin back in November of 2021 to find out what his vision was for his website. We chose to join forces and start operating the Hype Aviation together, with me in charge of the news content (Chief Content Officer) and events calendar and Robin being the CEO/Designer/Programmer for the site. We’ve been operating the site in beta since January of 2022. We then came out of beta and launched version 2.0 of the website in Los Angeles during an event operated by NYC Aviation. 

For me, I’ve found my dream job and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been fortunate to attend various aerospace events in the Pacific Northwest as well as beyond. I’ll next be attending the two largest space events in the USA — the upcoming Satellite 2023 show in Washington D.C. and Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I’m also VERY much looking forward to attending AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the second time. There’s nothing like seeing 10,000 aircraft and being around 600,000-plus people with a passion for aviation. The first time I attended it back in 2018, I came away physically exhausted but mentally/spiritually charged up from being around so much positive energy for aviation. This is one event I cannot recommend enough for people to attend! 

The only universal rule I know is to follow where your passion takes you. It’s been a long road for me to find mine but I wouldn’t trade it now for anything. If you love your job, then it’s not work, it’s just something you do. 

Find me online at either Hype Aviation or Jet City Star to see what’s going on in the world of aviation, defense and space around us. 

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“All Systems Go” at the Upcoming Conference https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/12/29/all-systems-go-at-the-upcoming-conference/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 22:10:24 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14829 The annual I-90 Aerospace Corridor […]

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The annual I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo is the one to attend in 2023. 

The Coeur d’Alene Resort in Idaho is an easy sell for annual conference attendees. The grounds are beautiful, the hotel unique, and the conference center robust. Conference dates of May 30 and 31 mean good weather and a chance to be outside.

And yet, the location is only a bonus to the must-attend I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo. With a theme of “All Systems Go,” the 2023 event will bring together participants from Montana, Idaho, and all corners of Washington. Manufacturing companies and other stakeholders in aviation, aerospace, space and advanced manufacturing will find value in both the price and time invested.

The 2022 conference was sold out for both attendees and exhibitors — the first year after the pandemic inspired people to get out and attend a spring conference. They did so in droves. Over 275 people attended in 2022, 25 percent over the goal. Organizers expect more than 60 exhibitors in 2023. New this year will be a “Demonstration Zone” where participants can see firsthand some of the latest tools in manufacturing automation.

The conference’s value is multitudinous — it is in the connections made through the open-networking format and the participation of exhibitors sharing their products and services, along with use cases demonstrating best practices throughout the industry. Attendees also gain valuable insights through the educated and experienced speakers who bring their industry successes and recommendations to the stage. The focus on actionable information enables participants to return to their business with new tools for improving the way they do business.

One highly engaged company from Liberty Lake, Washington is Altek, Inc. A founding member of the Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC), Mike Marzetta approached several other business owners promoting the idea of the conference. Originally a half-day symposium, the event grew when INWAC joined the Idaho Aerospace Alliance (now Idaho Manufacturing Association). Marzetta has remained an ardent supporter as the combined I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo enters its seventh year.

Kelly Maloney, vice president of communications at Altek, Inc., said, “The I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference is one of the most anticipated conferences for aerospace manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest. Year after year, the conference delivers the type of information manufacturers seek, from industry forecasts to industry trends and everything in between. As the pandemic becomes a distant memory, this year’s ‘All Systems Go’ theme is on target!”

The 2023 event falls right after Memorial Day. Day one welcomes attendees and exhibitors to register and set up before a kick-off networking event in the evening. This year, while plans are still in the works, there is talk of a social on one of the resorts’ scenic lake cruises. The cruises are known for big windows, great cocktails, and beautiful views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Additionally, an opportunity for area students, parents, and educators to interact with manufacturers and workforce training organizations will be offered. Employers engaging directly with the workforce of the future, always provides an energizing and highly regarded feature of the event.

Day two’s full-day conference lineup will include top-notch industry speakers from diverse backgrounds. Topics include industry trends, supply chain opportunities in emerging sectors, ideas for improving operational efficiencies, and diversification strategies. 

Who should attend?

You should register if you are an aerospace and advanced manufacturing company leader or business development and marketing representative — also, those supporting the industry, like banking, consultants, marketing, and manufacturing support services, will want to be there.

What’s on tap? 

Top company speakers in commercial aerospace, space, aviation, drones/UAV, engineering, and more will lead mainstage and breakout sessions. The supplier expo will feature more than 60 exhibitors providing solutions and services to advanced manufacturers. B2B networking opportunities will abound, including during a post-conference golf outing on June 1. 

Come to the conference and connect with other regional manufacturers, service providers, and prospective customers across the Northwest I-90 aerospace corridor and beyond. By attending, you will be part of building an even more robust, more integrated supply chain that can service OEMs, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers regionally around the globe.

Register early for “All Systems Go” at the Coeur d’Alene Resort because the event is expected to sell out again this year.

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Join the 2023 Event 

  • Registration is now open! www.i90aerospacecorridor.org
  • On the website, sign up for sponsorships, exhibition space, and register. 
  • For questions, contact Staci Nelson at 509-342-8197

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Event Schedule

May 30 – Coeur d’Alene Resort Conference Center

  • Attendee Registration and Exhibitor Set Up
  • Workforce of the Future Event
  • Evening Kickoff Networking Event

May 31 – Coeur d’Alene Resort Conference Center

  • Full Day of Presentations and Breakout Sessions
  • Expo with Automation Demonstration Zone
  • B2B Networking

June 1 – Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course

  • Golf

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Space for Commerce https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/12/29/space-for-commerce/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 22:06:36 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14826 Washington State may be best […]

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Washington State may be best known for commercial and defense aircraft that fly our beautiful blue skies and for the information technology companies that create new solutions for “the cloud.” However, there are even more spectacular innovations that extend beyond Earth and into the vast frontier of space. For more than six decades and counting, Washington-based space companies have contributed significantly to this sector, which is now morphing from an institutional sector into a commercial sector.

In 2021, a Space Foundation report highlighted the space economy achieved a record $469 billion in global annual spending. According to a 2022 report, the space sector in Washington State alone generated an estimated $4.6 billion in economic activity. In fact, NASA contract awards to space companies and organizations in Washington State totaled more than $830 million from 2017 to 2021. With an ecosystem featuring major players such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Aerojet Rocketdyne, more than 100 companies provide parts, assemblies and systems to travel into or through outer space. 

Some of the biggest announcements have come from smaller companies that call Washington home. Wave Motion Launch, a startup headquartered in Everett, Washington, received a $1.35 million contract from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in 2022. This space and defense company is developing the jet-gun, a non-rocket launch technology which has current applications in defense and could eventually deliver cargo and supplies into space at a fraction of the current cost.

(Picture below: Wave Motion team standing next to a jet-gun prototype. Left to right, CFO Casey Dunn, CEO Finn van Donkelaar, COO James Penna)

Another space startup, Starfish Space, recently revealed their plan for satellite docking.  Starfish Space’s Otter Pup is launching in June 2023 and is going to dock with another satellite on-orbit. The xenon-fueled electric propulsion craft will hitch a ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, going up with Launcher’s Space Orbiter OTV.  Once it is launched from the Orbiter, the Otter Pup will use Starfish Space’s proprietary satellite docking technologies to perform the first-ever satellite docking with electric propulsion.

“Bringing two objects gently together while in orbit is incredibly difficult!” said Starfish Space Co-Founder Austin Link. “With the Otter Pup docking, we prove technologies that pave the way for satellite life extension, space debris removal, and eventually on-orbit upgrades, assembly, manufacturing, and more.”

(Dean – Insert photo below or the one that Austin mentions from Alan Boyle’s article)

Otter_Pup_01.png

Rocket Propulsion Systems, another member of our space startup community, has completed its first “Centurion” rocket engine prototype for small satellite space launch vehicles. The engine is designed to operate on clean burning liquid oxygen and liquid methane propellants, producing 3,300 pounds of thrust. The engine features a fuel-rich staged combustion cycle giving it the ability to perform at high specific impulse, reliability, reusability and scalability to future higher thrust levels. RPS partners with NSF, AFRL Edwards, USSF Threat Reduction Agency, NASA Marshall, NASA Stennis, Reaction Dynamics, Purdue and other distinguished space industry experts.

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6ef156fd679309cd3881bb/1666116861758-JTDW9B6LHYDIZVIAXS0C/IMG_2986+%282%29.JPG?format=2500w

Max Ismailov, Founder and CEO of Rocket Propulsion Systems, is joined by Michael Preudhomme – Propulsion Engineer [left] and Macey ??? – COO [right]

The state is also fortunate to have leaders in the space community that are convening and sharing information about how Washington can continue to be an important hub for space exploration.  James Burk leads Space Northwest, an organization with a mission to connect, educate and inspire individuals, corporations and communities in the Pacific Northwest and beyond to foster space innovation and exploration for the benefit of life on Earth and our future in space.  

James says, “Washington State has a huge opportunity now to become a globally-leading center for space. Our region already has a deep history with aviation technology and we are the current leader in satellite manufacturing. We need to attract future space companies to be located here so they can take advantage of a growing and diverse talent pool and getting the full support from the region’s business, governmental, and academic communities.”

There is also support for space startups and entrepreneurs.  Space Entrepreneurs, now part of Space Northwest, is dedicated to promoting, fostering, and enabling innovation at the crossroads of space and business. With events like Startup Weekend Space and the Space Entrepreneurs event series, they aim to provide people with pathways to build and grow their businesses, networks, and careers around space.  

Founded in February of 2014 by Sean McClinton, their first event was just three people in a virtual setting.  It grew rapidly with 100 in-person attendees at the next event, indicating there was strong demand for space entrepreneurship in the Greater Seattle area. Space Entrepreneurs now has over 1,000 members. 

With the recent Harvard Business Review article “Every Company Needs a Space Strategy. Now.” — now is the time to think about space companies and space startups outside of the traditional space industry. Traditional “non-space” companies can now utilize and access space in ways that were previously unavailable thanks to falling launch costs, commercial off-the-shelf technology, and greater consumer availability. The opportunity for space entrepreneurs is greater than it has ever been. Sean added, “Our region has all of the tools to support and facilitate this shift with strong aviation, IT/software/cloud, e-commerce, and space sectors, plus an entrepreneurial support backbone.”

Washington companies see much of the spotlight, but it’s not just industry leading the charge. The state’s success is driven by our youngest citizens who are not just gazing into space, but hoping to travel there as well.  They are advocating for a better, healthier world, with significant change starting in our classrooms and labs. 

Washington State is home to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, one of ten national laboratories in the U.S., and a leading center for scientific discovery in chemistry, data analytics, Earth science and technological innovation in sustainable energy and national security. In addition to six public universities, which include the University of Washington and Washington State University, the state has 27 private colleges and universities, 34 com­munity and technical colleges (13 of which offer four-year degrees) and workforce training programs tailored to high-growth industry sectors. These institutions develop the talent and courage needed to drive innovation into the far reaches of space.

University of Washington (UW) is a major driver of the state’s hub of space research, industry, and education. The UW contributes to and benefits from a unique intersection of aerospace, manufacturing, clean energy, data science and information technology. They have extensive experience attracting state and federal grants for space and have a demonstrated track record in technology transfer from basic research to startups.

The space sector is changing rapidly with exponential growth of commercial-led activities focused on off-planet science and eventual human habitation, in a complex field of international players and rivals. We are also seeing the rapid evolution of traditional activities with the on-orbit servicing of satellites and systems as well as manufacturing and assembly in space. In addition, demand for data delivery and security and safety critical autonomy applications continues to rise.

While the UW is strong is space technology (structures/materials, robotics, GNC, space systems) and supporting capabilities (next generation propulsion, robotics, bioastronautics), they are currently hiring to fill critical gaps through cluster hires in the College of Engineering that will leverage existing capabilities and create a more impactful UW space ecosystem.

These cluster hires will provide a key driver to providing both new capabilities and catalyzing new partnerships among current faculty and existing centers including the Washington Space Grant Consortium, UW Space Policy and Research Center (SPARC), the Astrobiology program, the Clean Energy Institute (CEI), and the Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation (JCATI). With these stronger connections, we will foster more project-based interdisciplinary activities for students connecting across engineering disciplines and beyond.

Washington State’s rich legacy of aerospace and the integration of new aviation and aircraft technologies will launch humanity into the future.  Opportunities are endless for the next generation of Washingtonians who will lead future explorations that will define new possibilities of living and working in space.

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Rocket Fuel for Business  https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/12/29/rocket-fuel-for-business/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 21:54:48 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14823 The PNDC Has the Right […]

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The PNDC Has the Right Stuff for Those Looking to Do Business in the Defense and Security Industries.

Since 2005, The Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition has worked to create, grow and diversify opportunities for Pacific Northwest companies that are looking to do business in the defense and security industries. 

“Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are uniquely positioned to support the defense industry because we have such a rich ecosystem of innovators, both in aerospace manufacturing and in other industries,” said Denise Ryser, executive director for the PNDC. “But doing business with the DoD presents some unique challenges that most manufacturers are not prepared to deal with. We help them through that process with training, one-on-one counseling, business-to-business networking, and advocacy.” 

“Two of our newest members, LifePort, LLC and Pendleton UAS Range are great examples of how small businesses with huge value can navigate the complexities, stay on top of changes to industry regulations and make the right connections with OEMs they want to do business with.”

LifePort, LLC

LifePort LLC, is a Woodland, Washington-based equipment manufacturer of custom interior solutions for a wide range of aircraft for government and commercial sectors. For over 30 years, they have designed, qualified, manufactured and integrated commercial air medical, military MEDEVAC, VIP interior cabinetry, seating, galleys, and lightweight composites and ballistic protection systems. 

With such an impressive range of products, LifePort continues to broaden their reach and expand their customer base. “PNDC has access to a vast network of contacts and defense personnel connections, and shares that network with its members,” said Kelsey Arnold, business development manager with LifePort. “This is undeniably a great resource to expand our government customer portfolio.” 

LifePort is AS9100, ISO9001, and ISO13485 certified, ITAR compliant, and a self-certified small business. “We take great pride in the quality of every product we manufacture,” said Arnold. “We focus on design, manufacturing, and certification of highly differentiated aerospace products. These products allow our customers to achieve unique operational capabilities.”

According to Arnold, “The PNDC has helped LifePort extend our reach and make the right connections that lead to more business — through shared booths at trade shows, visits to our facility and brown-bag pitch opportunities with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).” DIU is the only Department of Defense organization focused on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology at speed and scale.  

Pendleton UAS Range (PUR)

There are good reasons that a drone isn’t proven until it’s Proven in Pendleton. PUR joined the PNDC this year, and with 14,000 square miles of range space approved for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations from surface to 15,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) and 30,000 square feet of new hangar space, it’s no wonder they average 3,000 test operations per month — the largest number in the Northwest. 

Pendleton is the fastest, most affordable, and most turnkey path to developing and testing new UAS platforms and payloads. PUR is truly a one-stop shop where drone developers can perform flight test operations, fabricate new or replacement parts and train users. They have a full machine shop, 3D printing lab and an electronics lab.   

“Our goal is to do business with companies that do business with the government,” said Steve Chrisman, economic development and airport director with PUR. “SIGMADESIGN, which operates our on-site machine shop, recommended PNDC. Since we joined, PNDC has helped us connect to the right companies and to government officials who can recommend our UAS range to those trying to do business with the government.” 

Recently, PUR hosted a Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center (PNW MAC) Innovation Luncheon, and through networking with defense industry insiders they have made new contacts on both the government side and the supplier side. 

“I literally saw business development benefits to membership within 30 days of joining,” said Chrisman. “I can’t say that about most organizations we belong to.”  

You can get more information on the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition at pndc.us. 

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Countdown to Liftoff https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/12/29/countdown-to-liftoff/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 21:51:35 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14820 Space Northwest aims to build […]

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Space Northwest aims to build a space infrastructure to bring space opportunities to the region.

The kids who went to sleep at night staring at fluorescent constellations on their ceilings may finally see their dreams as reality. The space dreamers, the ones fascinated by rockets, moon landings, and proposed visits to Mars, will recognize these dreams in their lifetimes as adults. Count in the founders of Space Northwest, Kelly Maloney, Sean McClinton, Michael Doyle, and James Burk, who make up the board of directors. All four have laser-focused business strategies that will be a reality in the short term — a cosmic mind-meld for the space industry. Come explore with us the vision of Space Northwest, who it will impact, and the results they aim to achieve. 

Some have had a vision of space in their reality for many years. James Burk, Space Northwest director, is also the current executive director for the Mars Society, a national member-based organization advocating for human Mars exploration and settlement (www.marssociety.org). The organization began in 1998, and Burk started as a founding member. In 2021, he became the first full-time executive director, after a long career with Microsoft. 

“As someone who has been trying to get people excited about space and Mars my whole life, we are getting closer as the years go on,” Burk said. Interestingly, he commented, the book and movie “The Martian” helped move things along in popular culture. The Mars Society operates a research station in Utah. It sponsors high school engineering competitions, and they work in Utah and the Arctic to replicate an early Martian settlement, including how to live and work on Mars. 

Michael Doyle and Sean McClinton, both board directors, have also been moving along both commercial and academic space-related engagement in the Seattle area. Doyle has a background in finance technology and has been interested in volunteering for the space industry for years. He said his interest in space studies runs deep, “I was born this way; I went to college to pursue physics and had Carl Sagan as a professor.” He thought at one point of going into science-related broadcasting but then had a career with Goldman Sachs, an American financial institution. 

McClinton was raised in the Seattle area and is passionate about the crossroads of space and entrepreneurship. He has held a variety of business roles, from startup founder to working at Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft and Paccar. He transitioned to the business of space via luxury travel, including space, and the founding of Space Entrepreneurs. The desire to catalyze the growth of the commercial space industry led him to meet Mike and James and to founding Space Northwest.

Kelly Maloney is a board member for Space Northwest, with deep roots in the commercial aerospace system in the region. She most notably and publicly led the Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA), a trade organization in Seattle. Maloney also ran the Washington State Space Coalition and co-authored the Washington State Space Strategy. She has deep experience in marketing. She said, “Space Northwest is the platform for us to move the region’s space industry forward.” 

Space Northwest incorporated in July 2022. Some of their big projects at launch include continuing to run programs they’ve been conducting for years — under the new Space Northwest banner — such as the NASA International Space Apps Challenge hackathon, Techstars Startup Weekend – Space, and entrepreneurially-focused monthly meetings through their Space Entrepreneurs group. 

The organization has the four board members mentioned above, plus an advisor, Stan Shull. Stan’s history includes work with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and market and business development consulting for space and software companies. He has a keen interest in space commercialization and actively promotes the space ecosystem in Washington State.

Their goals are lofty, as pioneers in creating a non-profit space trade organization like Space Northwest. But they have the depth of experience and the contacts to take flight. 

Broad Goals for Space Northwest 

Their primary goal is to strengthen and grow the space economy in the Pacific Northwest. They will do so through a variety of activities: 

  • Economic development 
  • Branding and marketing
  • Sharing the economic impact of space in the region
  • Conducting media outreach and public relations
  • Applying for grants and funding to support their efforts on behalf of the industry and space entrepreneurs
  • Workforce development 

According to the website www.spacenorthwest.org, “Space Northwest connects, educates and inspires individuals, corporations, and communities in the Pacific Northwest and beyond to foster space innovation and exploration for the benefit of life on Earth and our future in space.” 

The Mission “The space economy in Washington State is strong and growing. It is the foundation for a regional space economy in the Pacific Northwest. For the region to thrive as it is destined to thrive, we are developing the ideas, technologies and workforce needed to bolster space commercialization for the benefit of all.”

Geographically, Space Northwest is getting its start in Washington State, but the goal is to flow into Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska over time. They are hoping to establish a national and global reach through their efforts. 

CThe Crew Michael Doyle, president, and board chairmanKelly Maloney, directorSean McClinton, directorJames Burk, director Stan Shull, advisor 

At this time, Space Northwest has applied for a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. There are 16 commercial and non-profit collaborators on board with them for the “NSF Regional Innovation Engine Type-1” grant. 

Collaborators include: 

  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
  • Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition
  • The Mars Society
  • UW William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics 
  • AJAC
  • Washington Space Grant Consortium 
  • Gonzaga University
  • Equity Space Alliance (ESA)
  • City of Kent Washington 
  • Washington Department of Commerce
  • Nova Space
  • Altek, Inc.
  • OLI Global 
  • Washington Space Consortium 
  • Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA)
  • Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) 
About the NSF Regional Innovation Engine program: Type-1 awards are development awards that provide seed funding to enable awardees to lay the groundwork for establishing a new NSF Engine for catalyzing an innovation ecosystem for a specific topic area. Type-1 awards allow teams to prepare for successful Type-2 proposal submissions. The duration of a Type-1 award is up to 24 months, with a maximum proposed budget of $1 million. Find more at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nl8XGYbTvkJjIsKOgOHjfKL36YFpuHoi/view?usp=drivesdk 

In addition to grant applications and the organization of events, Space Northwest exists to solve a problem. They believe, “The bones of a powerful innovation engine exist today in our region in a disconnected fashion, with good talent, expertise, and resources, but they tend to exist in silos. Our purpose is to provide programs that build the connective tissue and muscle that will enable the community to reach its fullest potential.” (www.spacenorthwest.com/about). 

Space Northwest will work to cover gaps within and between the space community, associations, and technology companies. They also hope to facilitate the development of the STEM workforce, including manufacturing technicians, AI researchers, and space entrepreneurs. Another goal for the group is to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) by representing these groups in STEM careers. 

Maloney reflected that their ecosystem mantra is “Space is for everyone.” She said that DEIA “has to be foundational, building our system from the ground up; we will have the diverse, most connected workforce for all pieces of the ecosystem.” Doyle added, “This is the future of humanity; we all need to contribute to a part of that future.” 

Finally, they intend to tell the story of the region’s space economy. Maloney stated that history is being made now, with innovations and technologies on the horizon. She added that a big part of telling the story is establishing the brand of the space economy in the Pacific Northwest. Maloney asked, “What is our brand as a region with an expanding space economy, and how do we communicate that?” She observed that from there, Space Northwest would define messaging and key audiences and implement a marketing strategy to spread the word about the region’s space economy and opportunities. 

In Summary

The Space Northwest board of directors has deep experience and well-defined goals. They plan to work with many of the region’s aerospace and manufacturing companies to define a new space future for the Pacific Northwest. Are you one of the space dreamers who will join them in reaching for the stars? 

Contact

Michael Doyle, info@spacenorthwest.org

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Exclusive News From Boeing https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/12/29/exclusive-news-from-boeing-10/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 21:47:40 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14816 Advancing Women in Manufacturing Monzelle […]

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Advancing Women in Manufacturing

Monzelle McWilliams has reasons both personal and professional driving his passion for encouraging more women to join Boeing’s manufacturing workforce.

As Manufacturing Hiring Manager with Commercial Airplanes in Everett, Washington, McWilliams is part of a recruiting team that constantly looks to uncover underutilized or hidden pools of talent in the workforce to help Boeing deliver on quality. One of those categories is talented women.

“I don’t have to look far to know women can excel in these roles,” McWilliams said. His wife, Shana, was a Boeing mechanic and electrician for 25 years. “She did all the hands-on work — removing struts, structure work, drilling through titanium, you name it,” he said.

Now retired, Shana McWilliams believes there is still work to do to change perceptions in society about women in manufacturing. 

“There is still bias and resistance that women can be mechanics,” she said. “Giving them opportunities can drive this issue forward. It is just about trusting the process and demonstrating they are as capable as anyone.”

In 2021, women comprised 14.7 percent of Boeing’s production and maintenance workforce in the U.S., an increase from 12.8 percent in 2020. But the statistics show huge opportunities for growth as Boeing continues to recruit talent in critical skill areas, including mechanics and other production employees.

Khaytlen Hahn, a fabrication manufacturing manager for Commercial Airplanes in Auburn, Washington, is committed to helping more women join Boeing’s manufacturing team. She regularly joins hiring panels for mechanic roles and participates in recruiting events in the Puget Sound area — where she often collaborates with McWilliams.

“Boeing understands the importance of having a diverse interview panel and candidate slate,” Hahn said. 

This year, Boeing added a performance metric to the 2022 Boeing annual incentive approach that is designed to reward open and equitable talent selections. The company set enterprise-wide targets to ensure at least 90 percent of its manager and executive interview slates are diverse, and that it reduces the percentage of direct placements for all manager and executive jobs.

“Often we think we know who the best candidate is, until we interview others,” Hahn said. “Traits like determination and growth mindset don’t come through on a resume, but are so important to being a successful manager.”  

Similarly, Hahn said, having women and minority teammates represent Boeing at recruiting events and greeting candidates has been successful. “I’ve observed how it has brought people in, and made to feel a sense of hope that they can transition into this company, by seeing someone that looks like them,” she said.

To further support the increase of women joining production teams, Boeing has joined the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) organization. Chapters are being set up across Boeing production sites, said Erica Witthaus, fulfillment senior leader for Commercial Airplanes Fabrication in Auburn, Washington, who is leading the effort.

Boeing is also working to empower women once they have joined the company.

Boeing Women Inspiring Leadership (BWIL) is the largest of the company’s employee-led business resource groups, with 33 chapters worldwide. The organization helps position women to lead Boeing into its next century, and supports employees in strengthening gender partnerships and breaking down gender role stereotypes that hamper progress.

The company also established a return-ship program for experienced female engineering talent who have taken a career break — a result of the company’s engagement with the Society of Women Engineers Re-entry Task Force.

In addition, Boeing is improving the candidate experience and expediting the hiring process, and posting executive positions to create transparency and opportunity. As a result, Boeing has seen year-over-year improvements in the diversity of its internal executive hiring — with women making up 37 percent of the executives hired last year and underrepresented minorities 28 percent.

For McWilliams, promoting women into leadership roles again strikes a chord with him on a deeply personal level.

“I wouldn’t be here, were it not for women in leadership roles at Boeing,” he said. “They indicated some talent within me and pulled me up. It’s necessary, and we can’t move forward if this isn’t changed.”

Byline(s): Ivan Gale

Photos/Art

Caption: Nikki Then inspects a wire bundle on the 767 Tanker. (Photo Marian Lockhart)

Caption

Monzelle McWiliams, manufacturing hiring manager with Commercial Airplanes in Everett, Wash, describes himself on his LinkedIn account as an “advocate for women in aviation.”(Emazing Photo)

Caption: Erica Witthaus (left), fulfillment senior leader for commercial airplanes fabrication in Auburn, Washington, led the effort for Boeing to join the Women in Manufacturing organization. Here she is pictured at a Hispanic Heritage event at the Auburn site. (Khaytlen Hahn photo)

Caption: Khaytlen Hahn (second from left),a fabrication manufacturing manager for Commercial Airplanes in Auburn, Washington, regularly joins hiring panels for mechanic roles and participates in recruiting events in the Puget Sound area. She recently attended a Women in Manufacturing Summit in Atlanta, Georgia with teammates (from left) Thi Anh Ngo, Linda Sok, Lavelle Rogers and Jessica Gonzales.

About the author: 

Ivan Gale is a member of the Boeing communications team supporting the company’s manufacturing operations. He is based in Arlington, Virginia.

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Making it Big Time https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/index.php/2022/12/29/making-it-big-time/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 21:45:22 +0000 https://www.northwestaerospacenews.com/?p=14813 Scott Young named SYTECH after […]

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Scott Young named SYTECH after himself and worked hard to build it while learning along the way. 

There are two business adages — one says that if you name your business after yourself, it can promote your values and make you more credible. The other says, always to use a dog in your marketing because people with dogs are more trustworthy. In the case of SYTECH Precision, the company is named after owner and founder Scott Young (SY). He’s been in business for over 26 years, and the company has succeeded. As far as using a dog in his marketing, his LinkedIn page shows a photo of him holding a big fish; maybe that communicates a different message! But Young’s story of SYTECH Precision of Spokane is a memorable study in business investment, lean principles, and long-term employees. 

Trevor Hemingway, vice president of SYTECH Precision, grew up in manufacturing. His grandfather owned a Spokane business called Nott-Atwater, initially founded in 1905. The company was passed to his father. Trevor started in the industry while in high school at age 16. “In high school, it was my after-school job.” He said he worked full time during summer break and then, after high school, took some college classes. But he learned, “I could make a living without a college degree.” He noted that many people aren’t aware of the many available manufacturing jobs, but for him, it was a great fit. After he worked for the family business, he came to SYTECH 15 years ago. 

Hemingway said the origin of SYTECH was that Scott Young had worked at other local sheet metal companies and wanted to start his own business. “He decided he could do it better. He opened a shop, took out loans — an exorbitant amount of money — and started with a dream.” He said that despite hard times in getting started, Scott “persisted, never gave up, starved, and never saw his family.” But now, at 62, Young has made his business a success. 

Looking back 25 years, Young impacted a co-worker of his as well. Debbie Estey was working with Young at another regional manufacturer as a scheduler. When Young decided to go on his own, Estey left after 14 years with that company to join Young in his dream. 

Now, a career later working with SYTECH, Estey said she’s glad she came to work for Young. She said he was a family man and embraced a flexible workforce, even before it was popular. She said that she was a mother of three kids at the time. “Scott is a family guy, works around schedules, and helps with family time off and obligations with children.” 

During the time that she has worked there, she’s proud to have raised and educated all three children because of her job at SYTECH. “I believed in Scott, stuck with him, and it all worked out.” 

She also mentioned that Young went out on a limb to start this business. “In the early years, you must build your name; companies must trust you. Next, you must ensure correct quoting so that you will make money. Finally, you must hire good employees,” Estey reflected. 

She liked the work but stayed because of Young’s commitment to family. 

For the company’s future, both Young and Hemingway realized that reinvesting in the business would be a key to growth. Part of that reinvestment, said Hemingway, was in equipment purchases. Another was in lean process consulting; lastly, they invested in robots and cobots to improve performance. 

Since the company works with metal and plastic, they must be able to cut and bend metal as a start. They have invested heavily in automation and laser equipment. Buying newer equipment, he said, saves time. “The processing can go on through the night and weekend; no one must watch it. Sometimes there are problems, but a manager will get an email from the machine to tell them something needs to be fixed. The main benefit was realized through a reduction in machine setup. Compared with old equipment — which can take 30 minutes to run a setup — new machines take only minutes, increasing overall throughput by eight hours per shift.”

Because they have improved machinery, they have also invested in lean processing using the Toyota Kata method. They have worked with Impact Washington and consultant Paul Hamacher for about five years on this process. 

Hamacher said that implementing lean processes can take time. He indicated that they work for a while, take a few months’ break as they go through the changes, and then re-engage when they are at the next stage. He said, “They are successful because of management engagement.” Hamacher said that this management style is top-down, through the supervisory roles in the company. 

It includes “daily Kaizen,” working on small bits daily in the department. It is a strategic process that looks at each department and process, “striving toward challenges by making minor improvements.” He added that at SYTECH, supervisors coach each level of employee. “The supervisor or lead is the learner, and the manager is the coach.” 

Ideally, they can remove roadblocks for people, adding value to the company. They organize the flow of processes and inventory. For instance, scheduler Estey said she could go to any computer in the plant and find what she was looking for. 

Hamacher added that “The greatest improvement, if you do lean right, is that you are focusing on bringing people to another level. As they take on more knowledge, they take on significant challenges.” Hemingway said, “When you are busy, you are surrounded by all this inventory. When you can make an area clean and open, you feel less stressed out, with a smile on your face.  When things are busy but not chaotic, the employees work hard for the company. If they follow the procedures, we will succeed, and they will succeed as well.”

In recent years, they have also taken on the implementation of robots and cobots in manufacturing. Hemingway is a fan of cobots. “We aren’t looking to replace humans; we want to pay humans more to run a cobot so they can do more for the company.” He said that cobots work with employees on repetitive jobs that can ultimately hurt people. He added that the cobots are a “sizeable” investment, but he did say that the benefits outweigh the costs, “Cobots create the same product every single time.” 

Hemingway said, “Overall, the lean mentality changed the culture in the last eight years.”

Repeatability is essential to them. Their website, www.sytechprecision.com, affirms, “In sheet metal manufacturing, repeatable precision is everything.” They substantiate their statement by noting that they have daily meetings about it and continually refine processes. They “test our equipment stringently and expose each lot to multi-level inspections from start to finish.” 

Finally, they say, “We offer single-source sheet metal manufacturing products and services: design support, machining, tooling fabrication, welding, powder coating, silk screening, and mechanical assembly from concept to delivery.”

In Summary

SYTECH is in lean process manufacturing with repeatable processes through modern technology. But their people, including founder Scott Young, are committed to each other and follow a family-oriented work environment. They may not have a dog in their marketing, but Young has caught a big fish with the success of SYTECH. 

Contact

SYTECH

Telephone (Toll-Free): 1-800-241-6001

Telephone (Local): (509) 924-7797

Fax: (509) 924-9471

3900 E. Main, Spokane, WA 99202

Email: info@sytechprecision.com

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