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ETHAN KUNZ

Engineering Leader | Embedded Systems | R&D Prototyping

Engineering leader with a decade of experience developing complex hardware, firmware, and integrated systems in support of the nation's nuclear deterrent — proliferation deterrence, supply chain assurance, and responsiveness to global threats — plus industrial manufacturing and ruggedized field applications. Proven record delivering mission-critical programs, leading accelerated QRC efforts, and driving full lifecycle execution—from architecture and PCB design to embedded software, verification, and production readiness. Combines hands-on technical depth with program leadership to ensure compliant, on-time, and technically rigorous delivery across multidisciplinary environments.

Professional Experience

Honeywell FM&T / Kansas City National Security Campus Kansas City, MO
Senior Electrical Engineer (EE II → EE III → Sr. EE) May 2020 – Present
Technical & Program Leadership (45–50 hrs/week)
  • Direct $1.4M+ project portfolio serving core sponsors, overseeing 6 concurrent high-priority projects with full budget allocation, resource optimization, and risk mitigation.
  • Managed 10+ projects from concept to production, navigating all design gates (DCR to AR) and delivering 5 new Global Security products with 100% on-time delivery.
  • Served as primary technical lead for Special Projects, coordinating engineering activities across mechanical, firmware, high-voltage, and test disciplines.
QRC Program Execution (70–90 hrs/week during QRC periods)
  • Directed accelerated Quick React Contract (QRC) builds, coordinating cross-functional teams through 11-hour days to deliver 30 full-scale systems meeting urgent warfighter needs while maintaining full compliance.
  • Executed a two-week rapid software validation campaign, identifying and resolving critical defects and preserving over 50% of the contract deliverables.
R&D & Prototyping
  • Assumed electrical leadership for a six-figure R&D initiative, delivering three alternative functional prototypes and driving cross-disciplinary collaboration with Micro-Electronics.
  • Led R&D efforts across five advanced technology projects, resulting in two patent disclosures in Li-Fi communication systems.
System Modernization
  • Directed design, test, and documentation modernization for three legacy NNSA components. Advanced nine milestone gates past FDR and delivered manufacturing-ready technical data packages.
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Honeywell FM&T (continued) Kansas City, MO
Training & Workforce Development
  • Technical lead for a significant six-figure bi-annual training program, coordinating 50+ internal personnel and executive sponsors.
  • Successfully cross-trained 7 teammates for critical roles by developing curriculum and justifying budget allocations to sponsors.
Process & Infrastructure Improvement
  • Architected a security-compliant local network setup for a CMM room, saving an estimated thousands of labor hours ($1M+ value) by streamlining data transfer workflows.

Additional Experience

Nucor Corporation Longview, TX & Blytheville, AR
Electrical Projects Lead / Industrial Tech (48–60 hrs/week) May 2018 – Apr 2020
  • Directed electrical modernization projects across three departments (200 personnel) at a massive 100,000 ton/year plate steel facility.
  • Key Projects: Integration of a new steel Quench process, full redesign of the power feed system for 9 heavy industrial furnaces, and implementation of a modern ABB drive system to replace aging infrastructure.
  • Worked grueling 12-hour rotating shifts as the sole electrical technician responsible for the rolling mill and finishing departments, maintaining uptime in extreme environmental conditions.
Global Rescue Systems Columbia, MO
Electrical Design Engineer Aug 2017 – Mar 2018
  • Operated as a non-profit consultant designing ruggedized life-saving devices and developing prototypes for field systems used in disaster relief scenarios.

Military Service

US Army Reserves MO & Honduras
Biomedical Equipment Technician / Platoon Sergeant (E5) May 2011 – Jun 2021
  • Served 10 years (including active duty) in critical leadership roles: 1st Platoon Sergeant (leading 22 soldiers) and NCOIC of Biomedical Section (managing 8 technicians).
  • Deployment Impact: Completed a 9-month deployment to Honduras supporting JTF-B. Served as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the U.S. Embassy and drafted CAD layouts for a hospital expansion project.
  • Logistics Optimization: Acquired and organized 100+ technical manuals to streamline maintenance operations, earning the Army Achievement Medal.
  • Innovation: Redesigned duct ports during "Operation Appalachia Care," saving the unit tens of thousands of dollars. Designed and fabricated an optical phoropter counterbalance that significantly increased patient throughput (Army Commendation Medal).
  • Expert Marksmanship: Recognized by SGM for outstanding marksmanship performance.
Co-Ops & Internships
  • Nucor-Yamato Steel (2016): Electrical Engineering Intern.
  • Nucor Steel Texas (2015): Electrical Engineering Intern.