Richard Perez started at Newton Heat Treating as a graduate of La Puente High School. Starting as a receiver, counting and measuring parts, thirteen years later, he is a quality technician (specializing in pyrometry) and is part of a quality team that holds merit status with Nadcap; Richard has contributed to Newton Heat Treating's Nadcap merit status for three consecutive audits.

His expertise spans a range of areas within the aluminum heat treating industry, including heat treatment processes, inspection, pyrometry, and straightening requirements. He writes processes to prime and industry standard specifications, works with clients on technical issues, and writes up the rework process when needed, and he is in charge of the entire pyrometry department at Newton. Richard has experience hosting audits with leading prime manufacturers including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon.

While his growth in the industry from high school graduate to quality technician is noteworthy in itself, he is also a role model for many at his company. Richard endeavors to listen actively, mentor others, and have a hands-on approach in production processes to ensure his team meets, and sometimes exceeds, client expectations with a quality product and timely deliveries. His dedication to what he does, along with his character, likeability, and attention to detail, further contributes to his strong leadership and work ethic.

A recent accomplishment of Richard’s was his nomination, and subsequent approval, as a voting member of AMEC after he participated in two committee meetings as a liaison.

Richard’s current objective is to complete the YES program offered by MTI and graduate this October, which will provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the aerospace and heat treating industries.