Robotics Engineering

I was recently selected to establish a new robotics engineering department to focus exclusively on identifying and implementing robotic technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and cost of future manufacturing.

In this position, I am creating a roadmap for the new robotics initiative, researching technology developments and applications, exploring industry engagement opportunities, and communicating the vision company-wide to organize and integrate existing and future robotic efforts.

Proposal Development

As a core member of the proposal development team, I acted as the material lead for a project to identify all new VIRGINIA Class submarine construction material requirements, forecast anticipated costs, and track procurement in support of next major contract, estimated at $20 billion. In this role I was the main liaison between management, planning, finance, and the engineering technical community.

Along with identifying new material and components included in the ship technical baseline, I prepared input on government owned material, shipyard fixture requirements, and design changes that could affect ship performance. I also designed the official logo to be used on the proposal, presentations, and recognition jackets handed out to the development team.

Capability Enhancement

I worked with the group responsible for managing schedule, work scope, and integration efforts for mid-ship insertion of a payload module into VIRGINIA Class submarines. My role included assessing ship impacts and initiating design changes related to future undersea capabilities, as well as facilitating the integration of next-generation engineered components and systems into the payload module. 

I developed a cost reduction strategy and issued a phased supplier and material expenditure plan. I also assessed the impact on manufacturing capacity and the resulting facility plan required to meet rising production demand.

Cost Reduction

I managed technical and programmatic efforts for a major cost reduction program to introduce design changes on VIRGINIA Class submarines while adhering to stringent mission performance and ship safety requirements. This effort involved collaboration with engineering, finance, planning, and operations team members to proceed from idea generation through approval and implementation. Throughout the program, my team evaluated over 800 cost reduction ideas for inclusion in the ship technical baseline, resulting in a savings of $120 million per ship (exceeding financial and performance goals). 

I have presented cost reduction, technology development, and the impact on future capability to industry and government at various conferences, including the Composites Consortium, General Dynamics Engineering and Technology Council, and multiple Submarine Technology Symposia.

Human Augmentation in Manufacturing

I initiated and led a study to adapt and incorporate human augmentation, or exoskeletons, for use in manufacturing applications. This technology has the potential to enhance lifting and handling operations and reduce the occurrence of strain- and sprain-related injuries. Potential applications include shipboard and shipyard overhead maintenance tasks, equipment loading, and rescue operations.

I was awarded and managed an $87,000 contract to develop a business case analysis and implementation plan for using exoskeletons to modernize lifting and handling methods. The project included coordination of on-site technology demonstrations with manufacturing operations users, human augmentation system developers, and United States Navy technical and programmatic organizations. As the resident subject matter expert, I have also participated in a national security research institute workshop on maritime applications of exoskeleton technology. The proceedings were used to generate content for a publication on emerging technologies.

Future Concept Studies

I supported an internal organization responsible for developing future submarine concepts, contributing to a variety of sensitive idea generation projects and classified advanced technology initiatives. High-level topics included unmanned aerial vehicle carriers concept development, payload capacity studies, and analyzing the use of robotics for submarine maintenance and confined space inspection.

I prepared content for and participated in United States Navy-sponsored innovation workshops on future concept development for unmanned systems, working alongside colleagues from government laboratories, academia, and the undersea systems and payloads industries.

Technology Exploration

I was appointed to a team tasked with envisioning concepts that could revolutionize the unmanned underwater vehicle industry. In this role, I identified applications, assessed current research activity, and forecast future development of emergent disruptive technologies.

I led a team to examine the technical background, future developments, and strategic business impacts of advances in smart technology on submerged systems. Development of a corresponding strategic implementation plan required interfacing with academia, industry, and subject matter experts. I also participated on a technology advisory panel to promote inventive thinking throughout General Dynamics Electric Boat for technology, process, and product improvement initiatives.

General Dynamics Electric Boat

Electric Boat, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, is the premier designer and builder of nuclear submarines for the United States Navy. Established in 1899, Electric Boat has spent over two centuries defining standards of excellence in the design, construction, and lifecycle support of submarines. With a total workforce of more than 16,000 employees (including over 3,500 engineers), Electric Boat continues to build upon its esteemed reputation in an industry that is defined by innovation, technical superiority, and the application of rigorous quality standards.