RESUME
  
Christopher B. Watkins
AIAA Associate Fellow
Systems Architect - Systems Engineer - Research Engineer - Program Manager
View Resume in PDF format

ABSTRACT


Career Background:
Mr. Watkins is a highly motivated Systems Architect with over 13 years of well-rounded engineering and management experience in fields of avionics architecture, new business development, civil aircraft certification, research & development and flight-test engineering. Most recent work concentration is devoted to architecting avionics solutions for new business pursuits. He is a recognized industry expert in the field of Aircraft Computing Systems and Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA). He has experience developing multi-national teams across the US, Europe and China. Experienced at working under pressure with demanding financial and time requirements. Program management experience with responsibilities focused on meeting program requirements and managing customer expectations.

Experience:
As the technical lead of the COMAC C919 Avionics pursuit, Chris Watkins led a winning avionics technical pursuit and proposal in China. This included the development of a Chinese Joint Venture (JV) company.

As a systems engineer he has architected systems, engaged in systems integration within a systems-of-systems architecture, developed innovative civil aircraft certification strategies, invented new opto-mechanical remote sensing systems and completed flight test demonstrations.

As a systems architect and certification focal, Mr. Watkins has helped to innovate the Boeing 787 Common Core System (CCS) avionics computing platform.

As a Flight Test Director, Mr. Watkins has successfully completed a challenging flight test program that pressed the limits of the aircraft test bed and crew. While he served as the MOADS program manager, Mr. Watkins dedicated his time to an aircraft avionics research and development project in order to develop a new air data system technology, namely an optical air data system for both military and commercial aircraft.


Recent Programs

  • COMAC C919 Avionics Systems (China)
  • Common Core System (CCS) computing platform [Integrated Modular Avionics]
    (Built for the Boeing 787 Commerical Airliner: "Dreamliner")
  • Molecular Optical Air Data System (MOADS) Airborne LIDAR
  • Joint Optical Air Data System (JOADS) Airborne LIDAR
  • Molecular and Aerosol Detector for Clear Air Turbulence (MADCAT)
  • Reusable Launch Vehicle Air Data System (RLVADS)
  • GroundWinds atmospheric direct detection LIDAR
  • Robotics: Automated Wafer Cartridge System (AWCS). Technology demonstration for space-grown thin film semiconductor material in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Alternative Energy: Advanced Metal To Energy Conversion (AMTEC)
  • Dimango: radio transmitter radiation pattern optimization for mass-produced household remote-controlled power switches

Publications:

Relevant Certifications and Professional Affiliations::

  • American Institue of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Associate Fellow, 2005-present
  • AIAA Digital Avionics Technical Committee, served as Publications Chair, Outreach Subcommitee Chair, 2007-present
  • AIAA/IEEE Digital Avionics Systems Conference, General Conference Chair (2011), Technical Chair (2009, 2010)
  • International society for optical engineering (SPIE) member, 2001-2005
  • Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) member, 2002-present
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Licensed Private Pilot
  • Licensed Amateur Radio Operator (Technician + Class)
  • Professional Engineer Certification Part 1 (Fundamentals of Engineering)

Employment:

  • General Electric (GE) Aviation, Grand Rapids, MI
    GE Aquired Smiths Aerospace in 2007
    Systems Architect, Platform Computing Systems, 2007-present

  • Smiths Aerospace (Smiths Group PLC), Grand Rapids, MI
    Boeing 787 CCS Systems Certification Focal, 2006-2007
    Boeing 787 CCS Systems Engineer, 2004-2006

  • Michigan Aerospace Corporation, Ann Arbor, MI
    Program Manager, Research Engineer, 1997 - 2004
    Founding Employee. Member of original team.

  • Ann Arbor Aviation Center, Ann Arbor, MI
    Software Engineering Consultant, 2002 - 2008

  • AutoBULLET Automotive News Publication, Dallas, TX
    Technical Director, 2002-2003

  • Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS), Ann Arbor, MI
    Engineering Tech, 1996-1998

  • Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM), Ann Arbor, MI
    Engineering Tech, 1996-1997

  • Dimango Products, Brighton, MI
    Electrical Technician, 1994-1995

Education:

  • M.S. Systems Engineering, 2011 (expected)
    Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla), Rolla, Missouri

  • B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1999
    Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering & Management Institute), Flint, Michigan

Co-curricular activities:

  • General Aviation (Private Pilot)
  • Amateur Radio operator (Technician-Plus Class)
  • Photography
  • Small business owner & manager: Watkins Imaging (www.WatkinsImaging.com)

Copyright © 2002-2009 Chris Watkins. All rights reserved.
Send any questions or comments to webmaster@chris.watkins.name