Thomas van Schaik

Director of International Technology | Wind Blade Innovation | Aerospace Composites Expert | Bridging Western Engineering & Chinese Manufacturing

Chongqing, China

About

I am an engineering leader with over 25 years of experience in composite structural design and manufacturing, spanning aerospace and wind energy. Currently, I serve as Director of International Technology at CFWindPower, one of China’s top three independent wind blade manufacturers, where I focus on bringing advanced blade technology to global markets. My career began at KLM Engineering & Maintenance, where I specialized in aircraft composite repairs and served as a member of the Commercial Aircraft Composite Repair Committee (CACRC). In that role, I worked alongside Boeing, Airbus, FAA, and EASA to develop global standards for composite design, materials, and repair. This deep background in certification and multidisciplinary problem-solving now informs my work in the wind sector. At CFWindPower, I have played a fundamental role for over a decade, leading the development of in-house design tools—AIRFOILTOOL and BLADETOOL—and pioneering pre-fabrication manufacturing techniques that reduce production time and improve quality. I lead the company’s technology team into the international arena, bridging cross-cultural technology exchanges with a unique Chinese-Western perspective in the rapidly evolving wind power industry. My expertise spans the full blade lifecycle: aerodynamic design, structural analysis, materials engineering, manufacturing, testing, and service. I am passionate about translating technical innovation into reliable, scalable manufacturing solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.

Experience

  • Director of International Technology at CFWindPower (Chongqing Chengfei New Materials Co., Ltd.)
    Jul 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 1 mo

    Lead international technology strategy, focusing on export market development and cross-border technical partnerships. Spearheaded development of in-house blade design software: AIRFOILTOOL (airfoil analysis) and BLADETOOL (blade optimization), enhancing R&D efficiency and IP protection. Pioneered pre-fabrication manufacturing techniques (root, spar cap, trailing edge UD, shear web), reducing production cycles while achieving zero customer complaints in 2025. Provide expert technical support for international customer engagements, bridging Western engineering standards with Chinese manufacturing excellence. Collaborate with European design houses (We4Ce, WINDNovation), material suppliers (TMT, 重庆风渡), and research institutions to accelerate technology deployment.

  • Project Manager – Lead Engineer at Cygnus Human Powered Vehicle
    Jan 2010 - Nov 2015 · 5 yrs 11 mos

    ed design and construction of a streamlined, composite human-powered vehicle; competed at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge, Battle Mountain, Nevada. Received Design & Innovation Award 2011 for best innovation in streamlined bicycle design.

  • Senior Composite Repair Engineer / SME at KLM Engineering & Maintenance
    Sep 2001 - Jun 2015 · 13 yrs 10 mos

    Designed structural repairs for aircraft structures beyond manual limits (B747, B767, B777, A330, MD-11, DC-10). Served as Subject Matter Expert in composites, scribe lines, and aerodynamic loads on aircraft structures. Member of the Commercial Aircraft Composite Repair Committee (CACRC), working with Boeing, Airbus, FAA, and EASA to develop global composite design, material, and repair standards. Provided line and base maintenance support, evaluated OEM documents (SB, SL, MOM), and incorporated changes into approved maintenance programs.