Micah Blanton

Summary

Detail-oriented support engineer with hands-on experience in fast-paced precision manufacturing and diverse hardware integration across multiple launch and defense projects. Skilled in Mil-Spec harnessing, circuit analysis, and low-tolerance fabrication. After successfully completing several critical contracts with emerging space and technology firms, I am pursuing a long-term position where I can contribute to sustained innovation, hardware reliability, and process optimization.

Highlighted Projects

• Schematic design, wiring diagrams, and Arduino-based test automation (Starcloud – 2026).
• Mil-Spec harnessing, EMS testing to 40 GHz, and pre-launch vulnerability resolution (Starfish Space – 2025).
• Flight-proven LEO deployment from prototype through on-orbit qualification (Starcloud – 2024).
• AWS solutions architecture, network management, and DevOps automation (Experiential Technologies – 2024–25).
• Data center compute and network hardware service (Intel via CompuCom – 2023–24).

Core Competencies

Soldering • Harness & Avionics Fabrication • 3D CAD • Robotics Prototyping • Circuit & Logic Analysis • Microcontroller Systems • Cleanroom Operations • Root Cause Analysis • Electromagnetic Susceptibility (EMS) Testing • Test Scripts • Technical Documentation • Quality Control • Lean Process Engineering

Professional Experience

• Starcloud – Redmond, WA | Support Engineer | Jan. – May 2026 (Contract)
  • Designed schematics and wiring diagrams using Altium and KiCAD, supporting embedded debugging and internal tooling automation.
  • Rapidly prototyped mechanical and electrical hardware using Fusion 360 + additive manufacturing, accelerating production.
  • Built and validated electrical assemblies using IPC standards and MIL-spec components, ensuring reliability throughout launch.
  • Took over wiring ownership from a founder, transitioning critical knowledge into repeatable processes and documentation.
  • Interviewed and trained competitive candidates for support in final-phase fabrication sprints.
  • Developed custom test setups and Arduino-based automation tools to streamline validation and reduce manual test overhead.
  • Coordinated cross-functionally with founders and engineers across software and mechanical systems to align hardware with mission requirements.
  • Helped scale internal processes from ad hoc builds to repeatable manufacturing workflows.
• Starfish Space – Tukwila, WA | Aerospace Technician | Feb. – May 2025 (Contract)
  • Built and integrated Mil-Spec harnesses with precision tooling and detailed assembly protocols.
  • Analyzed termination failures and strain limits, discussing findings with part manufacturers.
  • Manufactured avionics prototypes and ground support equipment from full digital design stacks (Altium, KiCAD, SolidWorks, Confluence).
  • Led electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) testing up to 40 GHz, identifying and resolving two pre-launch vulnerabilities.
  • Developed modular execution plans adopted by three teams, reducing QC error frequency by ~50%.
• Starcloud – Redmond, WA | Soldering Technician | Nov. – Dec. 2024 (Contract)
  • Helped deliver system from early prototype to flight-proven LEO deployment, contributing to record-setting on-orbit performance.
  • Assembled PCBs and D-Sub harness systems based on evolving electrical schematics.
  • Supported thermodynamic calibration and qualification testing for embedded sensor networks.
  • Applied cold-welding and hydraulic assembly methods per NASA and IPC recommendations.
  • Maintained strict electrostatic and mechanical quality standards during organizational transitions.
• Experiential Technologies – Austin, TX | IT Director of Operations | Sep. 2024 – Feb. 2025 (Systems Integration Project)
  • Led solutions architecture and network management across diverse 3rd-party endpoints.
  • Designed service administration plans, coordinated resource allocation, and budgeted AWS cloud resources.
  • Negotiated software development and DevOps routines to improve uptime and automation.
• CompuCom / Intel – Seattle, WA / Hillsboro, OR | Field Service & Network Technician | Jun. 2023 – Sep. 2024
  • Diagnosed and repaired computing systems and network hardware (HDDs, PSUs, motherboards).
  • Supported routing, switching, fiber optic, DNS, and DHCP configurations across data centers.
  • Managed server OS updates and patch control across Windows and Linux environments.
• Williams Signal – Austin, TX | IT & Audio Technician | Jun. 2022 – Jun. 2023 (Contract)
  • Configured computer systems and IoT devices for live events and venue installations.
  • Optimized Ethernet and console audio networks for low-latency performance.
• Atmosphere TV – Austin, TX | Technology Liaison, Content Acquisition | May – Dec. 2021
  • Built relationships with content partners and streamlined acquisition workflows.
  • Redesigned database structures, automating repetitive tasks to reduce hiring demands.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Communications — The University of Texas at Austin (May 2023)

Certifications

Honors & Awards

• 🪐 Salutatorian
• 🪐 (ISC)² Distinguished Service Award
• 🪐 Phi Theta Kappa Honors
• 🪐 National Honors
• 🪐 Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors
• 🪐 Moody Foundation, Guide Right Foundation, Big Tex, and Wofford Denius Awarded Scholar
• 🪐 Moody Dean’s List

Activities

• 🪐 Amazon Leo (Project Kuiper) — Propulsion Lab Tech III
• 🪐 (ISC)² Distinguished Director
• 🪐 Microsoft BlueHat
• 🪐 UW Electrical & Computer Engineering (Non-Matriculated)
• 🪐 NW Etch Defense Quality Analyst
• 🪐 YWCA IT Manager
• 🪐 Boys & Girls Club Volunteer

Additional Information

U.S. Citizen · U.S. Person (per ITAR) · Passport Available · Clearance Eligible

Seeking opportunities near Nashville, TN; Smyrna, TN; and La Vergne, TN.