Overview
James joined National Institute for Aviation Research, (NIAR) in December of 2020 as the Business Director for the Environmental Test Laboratory (ETL). As the Director he is responsible for the overall operations of the laboratory, Quality Management System (QMS), technical, safety, and financial performance. Jim has 45 years of experience in engineering and management positions at Hawker Beechcraft Aircraft Company, National Technical Systems Laboratories, (NTS), and Ingenium Technologies with an emphasis on mechanical systems, system integration and product development through engineering design, analysis, integration, testing, evaluation, and inspection. Extensive experience in aerospace aviation research, development, qualification, and certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Developed two Type Certificated Aircraft Premier 1A and Hawker Horizon, 4000. Mechanical systems are his specialty hydraulics, flight controls, landing gears, environmental controls, anti-icing and other systems. With 8 years in United States Navy working in maintenance on EA-3B aircraft and an instructor for technical aviation schools.
B.S., Industrial Technologies, Southern Illinois University