Mark Ward
Aviation Engineering Leader
Milford,CT
Summary
Accomplished Aviation Engineering Leader Chief Pilot and with more than 6,000 flight hours in fixed wing and rotorcraft type aircraft. Exceptional leadership, planning and program management skills developed over 20 years of experience in industry. Responsible for organization and leadership of 20 professional test pilots. Direct and meaningful interaction with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Ground Flight Representative and all aspects of the 8210.1C. Highly regarded for an ability to forge strong professional relationships with diverse organizations such as a union represented workforce, military representatives, engineering and company program management.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief Pilot
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Stratford, CT
01.2014 - Current
- Trained Government Flight Representative (GFR) with experience in all aspects of DCMA 8210.1C regulations pertaining to government contracts.
- Lead team of 20 highly skilled production and experimental test pilots. This team consists of previous members from all 5 armed services.
- Responsible for oversight of all government and commercial flight activity at Sikorsky's headquarters, Stratford CT and one outlying experimental test site in Bridgeport, CT. Position includes daily interactions with union represented workforce.
- Responsible authority for all operations procedures at both of these sights and original creator/author of the later.
- Voting member of company level Quality Assurance Board, contributing member on company level Model Development Safety Committee. FAA DAR (test pilot) training on commercial programs.
- Interviewed, hired and trained test pilots.
Lead Engineer
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Stratford, CT
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Managed cross functional team of engineers for design and production of military aircraft platform.
- Assessed scope and requirements to assist with project design determinations.
- Coordinated with systems partners to finalize designs and confirm requirements.
Military Officer
United States Coast Guard
01.1998 - 12.2008
- Led 210 Coast Guard mechanics and airmen in maintenance and operation of 10 HH-65C aircraft
- Solved problems in real-time within stringent operational constraints.
- Search and Rescue Pilot responsible for prosecuting lifesaving operations requiring independent action and 100% autonomy for safe execution.
- Stations include Boston MA, Washington D.C., Pensacola FL, San Diego CA, Elizabeth City NC, West Lafayette IN, Atlantic City NJ, Stratford CT.
Education
Master of Science - Aeronautical Engineering
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 01.2001 - 07.2003
Masters of Science - Quality Systems Management
National Graduate School
09.2003 - 01.2004
Government Flight Representative School - GFR Trained
Certificate
Richmond, VA 01.2014 - 01.2014
Test Pilot School, TB-2 -
National Test Pilot School
01.2010 - 10.2010
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science Engineering
Norwich University
09.1983 - 07.1987
Skills
MATLAB , MathCad, FEA with ANSYS, UNIX / LINUX, Microsoft Products, Visual C, C, FORTRAN, Pascal, Ada
FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), S-92 and S-70 Type ratings, 8210 Test Pilot
Ground Flight Risk Clause (GFRC) experience
Aircraft Types include: S-70A/L/B, S-76A/B/C, S-92, S-61, S-55, UH-1, UH-60, H-3, TH-57, T-34, PA-28, C-150, PA-34
Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal Coast Guard Commendation Medal Coast Guard Achievement Medal (4) Naval Helicopter Association, Tidewater Region, Aircrew of the Year for 2000 Naval Helicopter Association, National Award, Aircrew of the Year for 2000 Commodore’s List for Academic and Flight Distinction, Naval Pilot Training, Whiting Field, FL
Security Clearance Maintained Level available upon request
Timeline
Government Flight Representative School - GFR Trained
Certificate
01.2014 - 01.2014
Chief Pilot
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
01.2014 - Current
Test Pilot School, TB-2 -
National Test Pilot School
01.2010 - 10.2010
Lead Engineer
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2010
Masters of Science - Quality Systems Management
National Graduate School
09.2003 - 01.2004
Master of Science - Aeronautical Engineering
Purdue University
01.2001 - 07.2003
Military Officer
United States Coast Guard
01.1998 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science Engineering
Norwich University
09.1983 - 07.1987