Paper: Best ‘Next’ Practices
Abstract: While aerospace and defense are best known for the innovations that support space exploration, autonomous systems and connectivity at anytime from anywhere, these “firsts” rely on innovation in processes. This session will cover all-new approaches and processes that allow technology to flourish and programs to succeed.
Biography: Wade Knudson is the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer Program Area Director at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. Mr. Knudson’s program responsibility includes the delivery of the ship’s Combat System comprised of: the ship’s computing environment, ship and engineering control, missile launcher system, sonar, dual band radar, external communications, identification friend or foe, electro optical and infrared system and command and control.
Mr. Knudson’s prior Raytheon program experience makes him an ideal DDG 1000 leader. Knudson joined Raytheon in 2011 as a member of Raytheon’s engineering team, eventually moving into an engineering role on the Advanced Technology team within Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business area. In these roles he provided strategic direction, leadership, and integration of engineering & technology into program execution, strategy, and business development organizations.
Prior to joining Raytheon, Knudson completed a 27-year Navy career where he held a wide range of leadership positions. He served as military assistant to the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, and subsequently as the executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. Earlier assignments include Program Director of the F-35 Lightning II Program, director of Programs at the Naval Air Warfare Center’s Weapons Test Division, and Commanding Officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-30.
Mr. Knudson has over 3100 flight hours in 74 different aircraft. His decorations include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Knudson graduated with merit from the U.S. Navy Academy. He performed graduate work at the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School where he earned a master’s degree in astronautical engineering and an Engineer’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. He also attended Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the ESADE School of Business, Barcelona, Spain where he earned his global executive master’s degree in Business Administration.
