Let's get to work! - L-3 Communications Tinsley Division
Stephanie Spanjian
Tinsley Laboratories / L-3 Communication Richmond, CA 2002–2007
Leader in design and manufacture of precision optical components with versatile industrial applications. Founded in 1926.
Optomechanical Engineer/Project Manager
Acting as lone optomechanical engineer at Tinsley, when it was a single-building operation many years prior to acquisition by L-3, modeled tooling for optical manufacturing, optical testing and shipping in 3D, producing drawings for in-house or external machine shop. Used SolidWorks and GD&T to ensure flawless quality.
Finalized process of grinding beryllium mirrors, a procedure underlying a significant part of Tinsley’s current account roster and the key to winning the contract for the James Webb Space Telescope, the next generation replacement for the Hubble Telescope.
Executed test output analysis and performed computation and data manipulation to produce 2D error maps for polishing optics to sub-nanometer specifications. Computed adherence to specifications both individually and in subassembly via Zemax. Used advanced laser interferometers, phase measuring microscope, atomic force microscope and other tools. Ordered necessary tooling for projects and maintained vendor relations.
Designed all job-specific testing apparatuses for manufacturing in the Space Interferometry Mission, performed tests in conjunction with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and flew to oversee coating with JPL.
Contributed to major revenue infusion with capture of a long-term follow-on contract with JPL.
Enacted project management as direct liaison with external customer, ensuring adherence to timeline and milestones using Microsoft Project. Provided expertise for the development of company’s master schedule. Coordinated internal teams of technicians, engineers, machinists, sales, shipping, and other personnel.
Redeveloped in-house software to increase speed and ease of use for critical business applications, porting their functionality from MS-DOS to Windows-based GUI. Used VB.NET and Visual Studio to implement full-spectrum changes, including upgrades to multiple-page forms with intensive error checking algorithms.
