Caryl Stuart

Accomplished and detail-oriented professional with 17+ years of experience in precision manufacturing, prototype development, and production management across aerospace, defense, marine, and robotics sectors. Recognized for commanding expertise in multi-axis CNC mills, lathes, and advanced CAD/CAM platforms (MasterCam, BobCAD/CAM, Solid Edge) to deliver complex, tight-tolerance components aligned with ISO 9000, AS9100, and ISO 14644-1 Class 7 standards. Adept at spearheading end-to-end machining operations, including programming, setups, tooling, fixture design, preventive maintenance, and process refinement to elevate production accuracy, accelerate cycle times, and sustain zero-defect performance in high-stakes applications.

Proven history of training and mentoring machinists, instilling best practices in safety and quality, and leading continuous improvement efforts to streamline workflows, reduce scrap, and maximize equipment reliability.

Head CNC Machinist/Technician - PRECISION, FABRICATING, AND CLEANING - Cocoa, FL

(2017-07)

Direct a team of machinists and technicians by overseeing production, training, scheduling, and workflow coordination while machining precision components from exotic alloys, stainless steel, and aerospace-grade metals to exacting tolerances in compliance with stringent aerospace and defense standards.

• Executed precision programming and setup of CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machinery to manufacture intricate, tight-tolerance components supporting advanced aerospace and industrial production requirements.
• Performed dimensional verification using advanced metrology instruments, including FARO CMM, while coordinating with welding, cleaning, and testing teams to align deliverables with ISO 9001 and AS9100 compliance requirements.
• Implemented process refinements and streamlined workflows, reducing machining errors, accelerating turnaround on critical projects, and earning recognition for consistently producing zero-defect components in high-stakes aerospace applications.
• Delivered precision-machined components for NASA and SpaceX launch systems and mission-critical assemblies while upholding ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom standards for sensitive part processing.

CNC Machinist/Technician - RAIDER OUTBOARDS - Titusville, FL

(2016-08 - 2017-07)

Programmed and operated Haas CNC mills and lathes to manufacture high-precision components for the marine and defense industries, interpreting complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD/CAM models to define machining strategies, tooling requirements, and setup methods.

• Worked alongside engineers in prototype development and executed thorough dimensional inspections using precision instruments to confirm manufacturability, design integrity, and adherence to strict tolerances.
• Upheld ISO 9000 quality standards through documentation while resolving machining challenges, refining cutting parameters, and selecting advanced tooling to boost cycle times, elevating surface finishes, and uplifting production efficiency.
• Conducted machine maintenance, calibration, and repairs to sustain maximum uptime while developing and modifying CNC programs for prototype and production runs with precise toolpath, feed, and speed adjustments.
• Facilitated production scheduling by prioritizing workloads, meeting stringent deadlines, and coordinating with cross-functional teams while mentoring junior machinists on safety practices and quality control standards.

Prototype CNC Machinist/Technician - NORTH AMERICAN SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS (NASS) - Titusville, FL

(2015-08 - 2016-08)

Executed setup and operation of CNC mills, CNC waterjet, and manual equipment to manufacture prototype aerospace surveillance components with precision tolerances, while interpreting complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to plan machining sequences and ensure design accuracy.

• Engineered machining processes for new prototype parts through strategic tool selection, fixture design, and process development while partnering with teams to resolve manufacturing challenges, elevate part functionality, and support prototype testing cycles.
• Applied CAD/CAM software (MasterCam, BobCAD/CAM, Solid Edge) program, CNC components, and performed inspections with calipers, micrometers, and CMM equipment to validate aerospace and ISO 9000 compliance.
• Recorded process adjustments, tooling requirements, and machining parameters to support prototype-to-production transitions while performing preventive maintenance and sustaining safe CNC operations in a fast-paced, high-precision environment.

Prototype CNC Machinist - KEL-TEC/BREVARD ROBOTICS - Cocoa, FL

(2008-06 - 2015-08)

Fabricated prototype components for firearms and robotics applications from concept through production while partnering with design engineers to refine part designs and machining custom fixtures, molds, and tooling to support prototype and small-batch manufacturing.

• Operated and configured CNC mills and lathes (Haas, Mazak, Bridgeport) to produce complex, tight-tolerance components while interpreting blueprints, CAD models, and engineering drawings to establish machining strategies and define accurate tool paths.
• Carried out precision inspections with micrometers, calipers, and advanced measuring tools to uphold ISO 9000 standards while performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on CNC machines to reduce downtime and sustain peak performance.
• Generated CNC programs using CAD/CAM software (MasterCam, BobCAD/CAM, Solid Edge), improved tooling and setup methods for greater precision, and fabricated prototype assemblies supporting robotics and defense R&D projects.

CNC Machinist - PRECISION SHAPES - Titusville, FL

(2007-03 - 2008-08)

Administered complete machine setups, involving tool selection, fixture installation, offsets, and program verification, while conducting in-process inspections with precision instruments to maintain dimensional accuracy and adhere to strict quality standards.

• Managed CNC mills and lathes to produce aerospace and commercial components with tight tolerances while analyzing complex blueprints and CAD drawings to establish machining sequences, feeds, speeds, and cutting paths in alignment with standards.
• Partnered with engineers and supervisors to troubleshoot machining challenges, implement corrective actions, and refine production workflows while performing preventive maintenance and adjustments on CNC equipment to reduce downtime.
• Guided and mentored new machinists on machine operation, programming fundamentals, and shop safety while contributing to process improvements to reduce scrap, streamline workflows, and elevate overall productivity.

CNC Machinist - Magnus Hitech

CNC Machinist - Northrup Grumman (via S.M.A.R.T. Inc.)

Certificate of Completion (CCC) - Applied Science and Machine Tools - Brevard Community College