Steve Kane started his career in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AMS) maintaining Grumman EA-6B Prowler aircraft. Upon discharge he earned his FAA Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) license and began working in the regional airline industry. Over the course of eight years he worked for four airlines, progressing initially from base maintenance mechanic to Director of Quality Assurance as his last airline assignment.
Presented with an opportunity to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program, Steve relocated his family to Florida, initially working as a Quality Control Inspector, then to Quality Engineer, Quality Assurance Management and finally Technical Operations Specialist.
Following the last flight of the Space Shuttle program in late 2011, Steve joined SpaceTEC as Program Manager and in 2014 assumed the roles of Managing Director and PI of the SpaceTEC National Resource Center for Aerospace Technical Education and Executive Director of non-profit SpaceTEC Partners, Inc. In his current role he manages the day-to-day operations of SPI’s performance-based certification divisions, workforce development initiatives, a national consortium of colleges, military, government, and industry partners; and serves as fiscal agent for the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program. He also serves as PI for MakerTEC, a four-year Coordination Network (CN) grant through Wichita State University College of Applied Sciences and Technology.
A proponent of professional development and performance-based credentialing, along with his A&P license, Steve has earned AS, BS and MS degrees in Quality Technology, Professional Aeronautics (minor in Aviation Safety) and Technical Management; an NDT Level III; Lean6 Sigma Black Belt, SpaceTEC Certified Aerospace Technician, CertTEC Composites and CertTEC Aircraft Structures certifications.
In addition to SpaceTEC, Steve teaches Aerospace Metal and Composite Fabrication, Nondestructive Testing and Precision Measurements in the Aerospace Technology program at Eastern Florida State College; serves on the advisory board of the Brevard County, FL Public Schools Adult Education Pre-Apprentice Advisory Board and the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program (SCCAP) Executive Council.
Steve also enjoys quality time with his wife Linda and their three grandchildren. His hobbies include cross-country motorcycling and researching, collecting and restoring antiques, including classic car restoration. Steve’s volunteer work includes serving as a court-appointed guardian, overseeing the personal and financial needs of a local disabled veteran.
