Doug Limbaugh
Phoenix
Summary
Aerospace and defense executive leading operations and strategic growth, recognized for driving revenue from $12M to $28M with 30% YoY growth. Demonstrates expertise in developing AI-driven technologies for military applications while fostering high-performance cultures and shaping DoD program strategies.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Executive Vice President
Kutta Technologies, LLC
Phoenix
01.2015 - Current
- Lead operations, strategic growth, engineering execution, and product innovation for a defense technology organization specializing in command, control and safe autonomy based on innovative application of AI tools supporting U.S. defense customers.
- Direct operational strategy and execution across engineering, product development, manufacturing, customer engagement, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Lead development and deployment of advanced UAS command-and-control technologies (KTAC), AI-enabled tactical systems (Advanced Teaming), and edge computing solutions (KED) supporting military operations.
- Lead capture strategy across DoD organizations, defense primes, integrators, and military operational communities.
- Increased orders from $12M to $28M, achieving 30% YoY growth.
- Expanded customer base from 7 to over 100, significantly enhancing market presence.
- Strategy development and shaping to be selected for three DoD Programs of Record and positioned the company as the main software developer for U.S. Army PM Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PM UAS).
- Develop and execute international sales strategy for UK, Australia, and Five Eyes.
- Led the capture and development of the only FAA DO-178C certified sense and avoid system for unmanned aircraft.
- Drove innovation initiatives focused on reducing Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements for deployed tactical systems.
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kutta Technologies, Inc.
Phoenix
01.2001 - 01.2015
- Co-founded and grew Kutta Technologies into a recognized innovator in FAA certification services, unmanned systems, autonomous technologies, and tactical command-and-control software prior to acquisition by Belcan and SNC.
- Led company growth from startup to two acquisitions by major aerospace and defense contractors (i.e., Belcan and Sierra Nevada Corporation).
- Led team to pioneer supervised usage for US Army PoR, resulting in deployment of 3,750 systems (OSRVT Blk II).
- Pioneered handheld and tactical unmanned aircraft control technologies for military operators, enhancing operational capabilities.
- Led development of advanced AI-assisted mission software and unified UAS control architectures for commercial products.
- Served as Principal Investigator/Chief Engineer on 20+ SBIR programs focused on advanced UAS technologies and autonomy applications.
- Testified before Congress in support of the SBIR program and defense innovation initiatives.
Systems & Software Engineer / Avionics Engineer
Honeywell Aerospace
Phoenix
01.1995 - 01.2001
- Developed FAA-certifiable avionics systems and software for Primus Epic avionics suite, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Designed autopilot and auto-throttle control laws for advanced avionics integration environments, enhancing flight safety and performance.
- Contributed to development of real-time aerospace systems and advanced avionics architectures, facilitating robust system integration.
- Supported DO-178 software assurance and certifiable aerospace system development.
Aerospace / Flight Systems Engineer
Boeing
01.1990 - 01.1995
- Developed real-time mathematical flight models and aircraft simulation systems to enhance simulation accuracy.
- Supported design initiatives for next-generation commercial aircraft to advance technological capabilities.
- Served as primary contact for Boeing 737 simulator operations.
- Participated in aircraft accident investigations and conducted aircraft systems analysis to identify safety improvements.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Keller Graduate School of Management
Phoenix, AZ01-2002
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, IL01-1992
Master of Science - Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL01-1990
Skills
- Project management
- Growth strategy
- Internal investment strategies
- Operational efficiency
- Stakeholder relations
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic growth initiatives
- Engineering execution
- Cost savings and reduction
- Financial management
Core Leadership Expertise
- Executive Leadership (CEO, COO, Chief Engineer)
- Strong understanding of corporate finance and accounting within Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) frameworks
- Negotiation expertise under complex contract structures (FFP, OTA, IDIQ, etc.)
- Defense Growth Strategy & Execution
- DoW Business Development
- Engineering, Manufacturing, & Product Placement Strategy
- Operational Scaling & Integration
- Aviation, Avionics and Aircraft Design Lifecyle
- DO-178 / FAA-Certifiable Systems
- Embedded & Real-Time Systems
- ISR / Tactical Communications
- Open Architecture Defense Systems
- Strategic Domestic and International Partnerships
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Executive Vice President
Kutta Technologies, LLC
01.2015 - Current
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kutta Technologies, Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2015
Systems & Software Engineer / Avionics Engineer
Honeywell Aerospace
01.1995 - 01.2001
Aerospace / Flight Systems Engineer
Boeing
01.1990 - 01.1995
Master of Business Administration -
Keller Graduate School of Management
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Master of Science - Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign