Crystal Hayes
Chelmsford
Summary
Marine Corps Veteran pursuing an M.S. in Human Factors with experience supporting human-machine interaction, systems safety, technical documentation, and aerospace manufacturing within defense and aerospace environments. Background includes avionics troubleshooting, specification-driven production, root cause analysis, and evaluation of human performance and operational risk in high-consequence settings. Proven ability to support multidisciplinary engineering efforts through disciplined analysis, technical coordination, and clear documentation, with emphasis on Human Systems Integration, requirements support, and design considerations for mission-critical systems.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Human Factors Graduate Student
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Worldwide
05.2025 - Current
- Conducted graduate-level research on Boeing 737 MAX MCAS failures, evaluating human-automation interaction and identifying cognitive demands, system design limitations, and training gaps that affect pilot performance and operational safety.
- Applying HFIT and 5M frameworks to analyze aerospace and defense-related system failures, human-machine interaction issues, and operational risk factors.
- Synthesizing technical findings into structured safety recommendations focused on verification, procedural reliability, and error reduction.
- Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while completing graduate coursework in cognitive engineering, system safety, and human-systems integration.
Electrical Systems Technician
DSC Corp
Littleton
02.2022 - 04.2023
- Supported production and R&D engineering efforts by assembling, testing, and verifying cable and electrical box assemblies, ensuring compliance with technical specifications.
- Collaborated with engineering and design teams to resolve design and production issues impacting functionality, manufacturability, and technical quality
- Interpreted technical drawings to diagnose, inspect, and repair MIL-SPEC cable assemblies, conduct root cause analysis, and verify corrective actions on returned hardware.
• Redesigned documentation workflows to improve record retrieval and productivity by 26%, strengthening traceability and technical support across engineering and manufacturing functions.
Lead Cable Assembler
Cobham Integrated Electronic Solutions
Exeter
12.2018 - 06.2020
- Completed precision cable assembly from engineering drawings and manufacturing procedures, ensuring adherence to technical specifications.
- Facilitated fabrication and manufacturing of Orion 2 components through precision cable assembly and accurate interpretation of engineering drawings and manufacturing procedures, contributing to overall project quality.
- Upheld rigorous production standards in regulated aerospace environment, ensuring documentation control and enhancing hardware reliability.
- Collaborated with quality engineers to document and resolve nonconformities affecting aerospace hardware and production quality.
Assistant Project Manager
Crown Technical System
Fontana
04.2013 - 07.2014
- Supported manufacturing efforts for 50+ solar inverter skid projects and 10 modular inverter builds by interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
- Coordinated materials shipments and client communications to facilitate timely project execution and delivery.
- Verified builds against specifications, maintained redline documentation, and monitored production and quality issues for configuration control.
- Assisted testing, inspection reporting, and production activities by translating technical requirements into actionable steps for engineering and manufacturing teams.
- Developed weekly project reports to inform management on status, production progress, and critical issues.
Avionics Electrician Technician
United States Marine Corps
Camp Pendleton South
05.2008 - 04.2010
- Diagnosed and validated integrated communication, navigation, and defense systems on multi-role helicopter platforms, ensuring operational effectiveness in high-demand environments.
- Troubleshot complex avionics discrepancies by isolating faults, verifying system performance, and supporting corrective actions to restore mission-capable status.
- Interpreted electrical schematics, performed preventive maintenance, and completed technical inspections to uphold airworthiness and readiness standards.
- Operated within specification-driven, safety-critical military environments, ensuring procedural compliance and documentation accuracy to maintain operational reliability.
- Supported cross-functional maintenance and readiness efforts by communicating technical findings, documenting system issues, and contributing to efficient turnaround of aircraft systems.
Education
Master of Science - Human Factors
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL05-2024
Skills
- Human factors engineering
- User experience design
- User interface design
- Human-machine interaction
- Human systems integration
- Cognitive engineering
- Task analysis methods
- Research documentation
- Engineering collaboration
- Traceability support
- Project management fundamentals
Certification
Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification - CSSC - 2019
Timeline
Human Factors Graduate Student
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
05.2025 - Current
Electrical Systems Technician
DSC Corp
02.2022 - 04.2023
Lead Cable Assembler
Cobham Integrated Electronic Solutions
12.2018 - 06.2020
Assistant Project Manager
Crown Technical System
04.2013 - 07.2014
Avionics Electrician Technician
United States Marine Corps
05.2008 - 04.2010
Master of Science - Human Factors
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University