Mr. Sharples has nearly 40 years experience in the aerospace industry. He currently consults for a range of clients in the aerospace industry based on his seasoned insight into the management of large space programs. He completed initial management assignments at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory (LRL) and is well respected for his contributions to a number of successful programs at TRW during a long, successful career.

While at TRW, his assignments included the following: Program Manager-ROCSAT-1: Acquired and managed the development of the first spacecraft for the Republic of China (Taiwan). This joint design and development program involved working with a team of TRW and Taiwanese engineers in TRW's Redondo Beach facility. The original contract expanded to nine contracts worth more than $70 million. ROCSAT-1 spacecraft delivery will occur in May 1997. Systems Engineering and Integration Manager, Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) Program: Management of the systems engineering and integration activities on a $1.4 billions spacecraft prime development contract. Emphasis was on the definition of requirements, assessment of compliance of designs to requirements, and oversight of verification and demonstration of finished hardware. AXAF is to be launched in spring 1998. Deputy Project Manager, Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO): Project involved manufacture, integration and test of the largest unmanned spacecraft ever built. responsible for the startup of mechanical & electrical assembly of the spacecraft as the number two person on a 400+ person team. supported GRO project manager in all aspects of the project, with emphasis on systems engineering, productivity, software and project management. GRO was placed in orbit in 1991, and has successfully operated ever since. TRW Site Manager- Kwajalein- Marshall Islands: Responsibilities included technical, schedule, cost performance of TRW team of 25 professionals working on a very demanding classified project. His responsibilities also included administrative jurisdiction over more than 60 people (TRW employees and dependents) including legal matters, medical and recreational travel, and all interfaces between TRW personnel and the military, corporate and native populations.

Teaching:

1. Organized and lead the instruction of 27 Taiwanese engineers at TRW in all aspects of spacecraft design and development.
2. Taught physics at Cal State University at Long Beach as an adjunct professor.
3. Taught astronomy for the University of Hawaii branch on Kwajalein.