Observations on Engineering Innovative Aircraft Systems
- September 25, 2017
- 4:00 p.m.
- 117A Surge Building,
- Dr. Matthew Hutchison, Vice President, Engineering, Aurora Flight Sciences Corp., Manassas, Virginia
- Faculty Host: Dr. Pradeep Raj
Abstract
Dr. Matt Hutchison, Vice President of Engineering at Aurora Flight Sciences, will present a summary of Aurora’s engineering capabilities and several of the company’s programs. He will talk about the skills mix and personal characteristics that Aurora looks for in successful engineers. Aurora has a long history of working on highly innovative aircraft and systems. The presentation will include some observations on how the mix of great ideas, the right team and the right approach can all come together to make an exciting program—and an exciting place to work.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Hutchison joined Aurora in November 2014 from Rockwell Collins where he led the Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Controls Technologies business. With previous history at Aurora, he was also part of the successful Athena Technologies spinoff, which was ultimately acquired by Rockwell Collins. At Aurora, he is responsible for leading the Engineering team in support of the business in all three of the company’s business sectors. Prior experience includes leading the development of several unmanned aircraft, playing a key role in the development and fielding of the Athena line of navigation and flight-control products, certification efforts in both manned and unmanned systems, and technology integration efforts for application in markets adjacent to aerospace applications. Dr. Hutchison has over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, with a particular focus on unmanned-aircraft-system development, test and operation. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, both from Virginia Tech.