Expertise
Airframe Subject Matter Expert, Engineering Operations, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Production Engineering
Profile
Mark Sutherland is a senior industry leader with over 30 years of engineering and management experience providing product development, design and support for military aircraft, weapon systems and automated testers. He is a mechanical engineering and structures subject matter expert with specialized expertise in F-16 airframe design, manufacturing and tooling. Well versed in risk and configuration management; earned value management (EVM); and process management, measurement and improvement, Mr. Sutherland is known for transforming troubled projects into mission success with proven experience leading engineering operations and developing new business. He routinely connects solution offerings with customer needs.
Significant Career Accomplishments
Oversaw F-16 Block 30 Wing Overhaul Program for the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and successfully completed unprecedented overhaul for “proof of concept” wings, resulting in follow on orders from the IAF and additional foreign air forces.
Responsible for integrating build-to-package processes, requirements, risk management, design verification and proposal management across worldwide F-35 airframe team.
Oversaw engineering functions and technical operations for Big Safari (special ops) programs; led design recovery and orchestrated re-baseline of flight test plans for troubled Commando Solo program, creating turning point for predictable program execution.
F-16 airframe team leader responsible for airframe design, structural integrity, manufacturing engineering, production planning and tool design for multi-billion dollar F-16 development, production, and sustainment programs.
Key Positions
Headquarters Engineering Operations Director, Elbit Systems of America
System Integration and Test Director, Elbit Systems of America
F-35 Airframe Integration IPT Leader, Lockheed Martin
F-16 Airframe IPT Leader, Lockheed Martin
Big Safari Chief Engineer, Lockheed Martin
Technical Consultant, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies
Education
BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky
Configuration Management Principles & Implementation Certification (CMPIC), University of Houston
