James Lanning
Woodstock,CT
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable leader with extensive experience in customer and fleet support, skilled in identifying and resolving issues while fostering team collaboration. A proven track record of 25 years at Pratt & Whitney, complemented by a total of 29 years in the aviation industry, underscores a strong foundation for driving operational excellence. Eager to leverage a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision to contribute to a growing leadership role. Committed to enhancing team performance and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction through innovative solutions.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager FJ700 Development Program- Advanced Military Engines Programs
Pratt & Whitney
06.2025 - Current
- Responsible and accountable for organizing, planning, directing and controlling the internally funded FJ700 engine development program. This includes people, assets, scope, schedule, budget and suppliers. The FJ700 is a rapid development prototype demonstrator heavily utilizing the Agile construct, additive technologies and RTX vertical integration to address a P&W portfolio gap in the 500-2000lb thrust class. This project is considered the first RTX synergy offering since the Raytheon merger.
WSC Integration Lead- Special Technologies Programs
Pratt & Whitney
08.2021 - 06.2025
- Primary interface for ME Military Development Programs with The Boeing Company to align technology development to meet end customer requirements (Classified and Unclassified programs)
- Coordinate and facilitate P&W Military Engines Senior Leadership Team executive engagements with Boeing leadership to align strategies and technology development plans
- Managed ~10 integration efforts/programs across 3 major Boeing business units with focus on 6th Gen, Family of Systems, Hybrid electric applications and missile systems
F135 Sustainment Fleet Management Associate Director
Pratt & Whitney
01.2015 - 08.2021
- Lead ~32 employees across 4 distinct teams and 3 states
- Fleet Readiness: Daily tactical and strategic fleet issue identification and resolution. Develop and implement Fleet Management Plans associated with standard engineering change process and critical fleet safety campaigns. Evaluate both near term discrete and long term (Life Cycle Cost) forecasts to ensure availability of resources for fleet support. Perform engine and module asset management and allocation decisions for F-35 fleet. Manage and implement modification campaigns. Deploy Contractor Field Teams (CFT) as required for fleet maintenance services
- Global Operations Center (Lockheed Martin, FTW Texas): Lead a team responsible for driving resolution of field Action Requests (AR’s) for all F-35 customers within contracted timelines. Manage a team imbedded within Lockheed Martin’s Product Support Integration Center (PSIC) for the F-35 weapons system
- Performance Based Logistics Metrics Analyst Team: Lead the team that adjudicates all F-35 Non-Mission Capable (NMC) data as charged to the F135 propulsion system. Track and trend propulsion system degraders and communicate to internal teams for review and corrective action of systemic issues
- Low Observable Fleet Supportability: Lead individual responsible for the supportability and survivability of F135 LO coatings. Ensure management of LO hardware at the unit and depot levels as well as Lockheed Martin production site issues and concerns.
F135 Field Service Engineer- FTW, TX
Pratt & Whitney
12.2012 - 01.2015
- Manage daily F-35 operations in the high visibility, team-oriented environment of the Lockheed Martin flight line, Production and Radar Cross Section test facilities
F135 Site Activation Manager
Pratt & Whitney
04.2010 - 12.2012
- Managed the Site Activation process from initial site survey visit through First Aircraft Arrival (FAA) for USAF, USMC, USN, and 11 partner countries. Performed earned value management (EVMS) duties as a control account manager (CAM) for multiple contracts for site activation activities
F119 Customer Support Engineer- Nozzle Module
Pratt & Whitney
05.2007 - 04.2010
Cell Leader - Military Engine Development
Pratt & Whitney
05.2005 - 05.2007
Engine Mechanic/Assembler- Military Engines
Pratt & Whitney
08.2001 - 05.2005
Crew Chief - F-16 & C-5
United States Air Force
07.1997 - 07.2001
Education
Bachelors - Professional Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
FAA Airframe and Powerplant License - undefined
Skills
- Customer Focus & relationships (internal & external)
- Adaptability to evolving requirements
- Execution in VUCA environments
- Communication
- Project Management
- Problem-solving
- Cross functional team builder
- Team Leadership
- Presentation Skills
Certification
Active Security Clearance
Timeline
Program Manager FJ700 Development Program- Advanced Military Engines Programs
Pratt & Whitney
06.2025 - Current
WSC Integration Lead- Special Technologies Programs
Pratt & Whitney
08.2021 - 06.2025
F135 Sustainment Fleet Management Associate Director
Pratt & Whitney
01.2015 - 08.2021
F135 Field Service Engineer- FTW, TX
Pratt & Whitney
12.2012 - 01.2015
F135 Site Activation Manager
Pratt & Whitney
04.2010 - 12.2012
F119 Customer Support Engineer- Nozzle Module
Pratt & Whitney
05.2007 - 04.2010
Cell Leader - Military Engine Development
Pratt & Whitney
05.2005 - 05.2007
Engine Mechanic/Assembler- Military Engines
Pratt & Whitney
08.2001 - 05.2005
Crew Chief - F-16 & C-5
United States Air Force
07.1997 - 07.2001
FAA Airframe and Powerplant License - undefined
Bachelors - Professional Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University