Matthew Smith
Sacramento
Summary
Retiring U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant (E-6) with 20+ years of aircraft maintenance leadership, safety-critical operations, and crew management. FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certified. Proven expertise in high-tempo flight-line environments, quality assurance, training program development, and resource management. Seeking transition into commercial aviation maintenance, CDL truck driving, or logistics/warehouse operations in the greater Sacramento area. Known for calm decision-making under pressure, strong work ethic, and commitment to team safety and mission success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Crew Chief
United States Air Force, USAF
08.2006 - 09.2026
- Supervised day-to-day operations of team, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
- Coordinated training programs for new personnel, enhancing skill development and team performance.
- Implemented process improvements that increased efficiency in aircraft maintenance workflows.
- Conducted inspections to guarantee equipment readiness and adherence to technical specifications.
- Led troubleshooting efforts for complex technical issues, minimizing downtime and operational delays.
- Managed resource allocation effectively, optimizing mission support and operational readiness.
- Performed line maintenance, phase inspections, and heavy maintenance on KC-10A Extender fleet.
- Operated overhead cranes, forklifts, and support equipment daily in high-tempo flight-line environment.
NCOIC, Instructor Element (2A574)
United States Air Force, USAF
02.2020 - 03.2024
- Developed and implemented curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated dynamic classroom discussions to foster critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback to support individual growth.
- Mentored junior instructors, sharing best practices to improve teaching methodologies.
- Developed and delivered technical training curriculum for 200+ Airmen annually, resulting in 98% first-time pass rate on certification exams.
- Oversaw quality assurance program; conducted 300+ inspections with 100% compliance
Flying Crew Chief Manager / Flying Crew Chief
United States Air Force, USAF
01.2007 - 01.2020
- Developed and implemented training programs for junior crew members, enhancing technical skills and performance.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing downtime for aircraft.
- Managed logistics for parts inventory, ensuring timely availability of critical components for repairs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues, improving aircraft reliability and mission success rates.
- Led 12–18-person deployed maintenance teams on global KC-10A missions, routinely completing 100% on-time departures in austere environments.
- Managed simultaneous engine runs, phase inspections, and unscheduled maintenance while maintaining zero safety incidents over 15+ years.
- Trained and certified 50+ junior technicians on engine run, APU, and advanced troubleshooting procedures.
Education
Associate of Science - Some College Credit Hours (CCAF Applicable) –
CCAF
Travis AFB, CA04-2023
No Degree - Military Doctrine
Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA)
Travis AFB, CA07-2015
No Degree -
Airman Leadership School (ALS) – Distinguished Graduate
Travis AFB, CA03-2008
Skills
- Training and mentoring
- Performance improvements
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Crew leadership
- Mission planning
- Strategic planning
- Safety inspection
- Aircraft: KC-10A Extender (full systems knowledge)
- Tools/Equipment: Engine run/taxi qualification, overhead crane, multiple forklift platforms
- Software: IMDS, Microsoft Office Suite
- Safety: OSHA-compliant training, risk management, hazardous material handling
- Soft Skills: Team leadership, training & mentoring, high-pressure decision making,
Certification
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic – Active
- Engine Run Certifier / Engine Run Certifier of Certifiers
- APU Certifier
- ALS & NCOA Leadership Schools (U.S. Air Force)
- Overhead Crane Operator
- Forklift Operator (multiple types)
- Pursuing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) – 2025–2026
Timeline
NCOIC, Instructor Element (2A574)
United States Air Force, USAF
02.2020 - 03.2024
Flying Crew Chief Manager / Flying Crew Chief
United States Air Force, USAF
01.2007 - 01.2020
Crew Chief
United States Air Force, USAF
08.2006 - 09.2026
Associate of Science - Some College Credit Hours (CCAF Applicable) –
CCAF
No Degree - Military Doctrine
Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA)
No Degree -
Airman Leadership School (ALS) – Distinguished Graduate
4 ea. Air and Space Commendation Medal
- Air and Space Commendation Medal - 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Air and Space Achievement Medal