Aero-Tech Engineering LeadershipA Foundation of Knowledge and Experience
At Aero-Tech Engineering, Inc., we know that our nearly 30-year success as a company would not be possible without our team of highly qualified professionals, including the leadership, who are seasoned professionals with years of industry experience. We invite you to meet and learn more about our executives and managers, including the founding principal/president who established Aero-Tech Engineering in 1994.
Meet Our Leadership
Thomas Simon
Founding Principal/President and CEO
“I love coming to work every day, seeing the faces of all our employees and getting involved in some of the day-to-day grind. The best part about my position is that I can be a problem solver at any level because here, there's not one position that's not important— our employees are key at every level.”
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Serving Since
1994 (Founded the Company)
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Education
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Biography
Thomas Simon founded Aero-Tech Engineering in 1994 and serves as the president and CEO today. His role includes establishing a strategy for growth and diversification, as well as creating value for all of our employees. On a day-to-day basis, Tom ensures customer satisfaction through program success and evaluating customer orders to ensure shipping on time and under budget. He works closely with company leaders in various endeavors.
Tom has been in the aerospace industry for more than 30 years and the manufacturing industry for close to 40 years. Prior to founding Aero-Tech, he had various manufacturing, programming and engineering positions that provided well-rounded experience. He also has a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Tom supports the community through charitable contributions. He and his wife have three children and three grandchildren. In his spare time, Tom enjoys cooking, playing golf and traveling, particularly to places that support his love of food and wine.
James Prior
Founding Principal/Vice President and COOJames Prior
Founding Principal/Vice President and COO
“On a daily basis, I like being involved with problem-solving, building a very successful workforce (most fulfilling part of the job) and learning alongside them. Planning the future of the company and watching it materialize is very rewarding. I enjoy when we accomplish something we were unable to do in the past, and I like to show visitors the wide variety of work we do.”
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Serving Since
1995
Biography
James Prior is a vice president and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Aero-Tech Engineering. In his role, he is responsible for assisting in planning the future of the company, hiring and advising managers, serving as a liaison between all departments and overseeing all manufacturing operations. James also initiates and schedules the entire statement of work that Aero-Tech Engineering produces. He has years of industry experience, starting out decades ago programming CNC equipment, tool designing, supervising, planning and estimating.
Rick Yaussi, CPA
Chief Financial OfficerRick Yaussi, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
“Unlike most machine shops in Wichita, Aero-Tech Engineering is owned by the same two individuals who started the company in the 1990s. With the ownership very involved, the company is able to make decisions and roll out changes as needed. Employees have an open door to the ownership in the decisions on the shop floor.”
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Serving Since
2018
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Education
- Master of Accountancy, Emporia State University
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Wichita State University
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Credentials
- Certified Professional Accountant
- Airframe and Power Plant License, Kansas State Salina
Biography
Rick Yaussi is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Aero-Tech Engineering. His role includes oversight of accounting, Human Resources (HR), shipping, receiving and inventory control. Rick has a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business/accounting. He is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and has previously served as a CFO and controller for other local companies and organizations.
Rick has been involved in the community through the sponsorship of youth and amateur rodeo. He, his wife and their four children enjoy spending time together, including tending to their horses and being involved in the sport of rodeo.
Jim Barr
Director of Engineering and OperationsJim Barr
Director of Engineering and Operations
“I truly enjoy working for two gentlemen who have put their lives and souls into creating a great company that people enjoy working for. Plus, it’s a joy being a part of growing Aero-Tech Engineering into something even bigger and more special.”
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Serving Since
2016
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Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Northrup University
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Credentials
- Certified Catia Instructor
- 6 Sigma Green Belt
Biography
Jim Barr is the Director of Engineering and Operations at Aero-Tech Engineering. Within his role, he oversees the engineering and operations staff to ensure goals and objectives are met. Jim also consults with top leadership to create long-range operating and manufacturing goals specific to the goals of the company.
Jim has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and more than 30 years of industry experience. He has previously worked for NASA, Northrop, Boeing, Cessna, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in various capacities, from thermal protection engineering on the space shuttle to a lead design engineer on the 747-8 program for Boeing.
Jim and his wife are actively involved in their church. They have been married for more than 30 years and have a daughter, son and grandchildren. In their spare time, they enjoy golfing and traveling with friends.
Jerry Bolack
Director of Information Technology and Enterprise Resource Planning SolutionsJerry Bolack
Director of Information Technology and Enterprise Resource Planning Solutions
“Aero-Tech Engineering is full of really good people who love what they do. I couldn't ask for a better team to be a part of.”
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Serving Since
2018
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Education
- Master of Operations Management, Executive Analytics and Data Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management
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Credentials
Certified Health Informatics Manager
Biography
Jerry Bolack is the director of Information Technology (IT) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions at Aero-Tech Engineering. Within his role, he is responsible for all touchpoints of technology, system security and ERP. Jerry also enjoys bringing new technologies to the company and ensuring the ERP system is healthy and well-utilized.
Jerry has a master’s degree in operations management, executive analytics and data management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business management. He is a certified health informatics manager, an adjunct instructor within the Motorcycle Safety Training program at Cowley College and a martial arts instructor in Wichita and Derby.
Skip Steely
Director of Quality Assurance and Environment, Health and SafetySkip Steely
Director of Quality Assurance and Environment, Health and Safety
“In the industry for nearly 50 years and manufacturing even longer, I have worked for and with a large variety of individuals and management styles. Aero-Tech Engineering's leadership truly ‘walks the talk.’ They say what they do, express their expectations and follow up to ensure we meet the customers' needs. Their integrity is the best I have ever experienced. It is truly a pleasure to work at Aero-Tech Engineering.”
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Serving Since
2021
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Credentials
- AS9100 Certified Aerospace Auditor
- ISO 9001 Certified Auditor
Biography
Skip Steely is the director of Quality Assurance (QA) and Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) at Aero-Tech Engineering. He has nearly 50 years of experience in the aerospace industry, with even longer experience in manufacturing. Within his role, Skip oversees product quality, which involves our AS9100 certification, employee training and supplier and customer communication, as well as EHS. He is an AS9100 Certified Aerospace Auditor and an ISO 9001 Certified Auditor.
Skip is married with five children and eight grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and golfing.
As a successful, locally owned business since 1994, Aero-Tech Engineering is often hiring for multiple positions. Find out why many have chosen to join our team, and review available positions!
Join Our Team