Defense technology
Engineering professionals in Defense technology
These ten engineering professionals lead or have led engineering work at defense companies, in roles such as chief engineer, director of engineering and engineering vice president. A reader can learn how defense programs move from development to production and which technical constraints shape delivery, reliability and cost.
Professionals to explore
01—10Catherine Linsmeier
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Defense Engineering · Oshkosh Defense
Vice President Defense Engineering at Oshkosh Defense since 2024. The highlight describes supervising an electrical controls group covering software, electrical and electronic design, with 36 employees. Other listed roles include Director of Specialty Engineering at Oshkosh Defense (2024), Director of Software Engineering at Oshkosh Corporation (2020–2024), Sr. Project Engineer at Oshkosh Corporation (2007–2009) and Chief Engineer Corporate Electronics at Oshkosh Corporation (2000–2023).
Douglas Austin
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director of Engineering · Spectra Defense Technologies
Sr. Director of Engineering at Spectra Defense Technologies since 2024. The highlight describes a systems design background with a focus on engineering and product development. Other listed roles include Technical Director at EaglePicher Technologies (2018–2024), Director at EaglePicher Technologies (2020–2023), Systems Engineering Manager at EnerSys (2017–2018) and Engineering Manager at GE (2014–2017).
George Kastrinakis
LinkedInExperience: Director Senior Engineering Manager-Flight & Security NC3 Systems Engineering · General Dynamics Mission Systems
Director Senior Engineering Manager-Flight & Security NC3 Systems Engineering at General Dynamics Mission Systems since 2023. The highlight describes an engineering executive focused on turning underperforming departments into high-impact teams. Also Director-Strategic Communication and Deterrent Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems since 2021 and Senior Manager, Surface Ship Systems Engineering at General Dynamics Mission Systems since 2016. Other listed roles include VP Product Management and Product Development at Wave Systems Corp. (1999–2015).
Joseph Preiss
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Engineering, Raytheon Chief Engineer · Raytheon
Vice President Engineering, Raytheon Chief Engineer at Raytheon since 2026. The highlight describes leading enterprise-wide technical strategy and developing technical talent across large, complex defense organizations. Other listed roles include Vice President Engineering, Air and Space Defense Systems at Raytheon (2025–2026), Executive Director, Red Program Chief Engineer at Raytheon (2023–2025) and Senior Director, Strategic Missile Defense Technical Director at Raytheon Missiles & Defense (2020–2023).
Kyle McFarland
LinkedInExperience: Executive Director Engineering · General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
Executive Director Engineering at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems since 2021. The highlight describes leading 60 program managers and engineers across five product lines and managing a $65M development portfolio. Other listed roles include Independent Consultant at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (2019–2020), Director Of Business Development at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (2020–2021), Operations Officer, 418th Contract Support Brigade at US Army (2018–2019) and Product Manager Large Caliber Ammunition at US Army (2015–2018).
Philip Warner
LinkedInExperience: Senior Technical Director and Chief Engineer, MQ-9B India · General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Senior Technical Director and Chief Engineer, MQ-9B India at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems since 2024. The highlight describes leading India MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian technical development and program engineering efforts. Other listed roles include Director of Project Engineering - Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (2020–2024) and Senior Manager - Quick Reaction Capability Project Engineering at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (2015–2020).
Scott Rowland
LinkedInExperience: Director of Engineering, Air Force & Space Force Programs Chief Engineer · Northrop Grumman
Director of Engineering, Air Force & Space Force Programs Chief Engineer at Northrop Grumman since 2021. The highlight lists aerospace and defense leadership, digital transformation and space systems, and a career spanning over two decades. Other listed roles include Engineering Program Manager at Northrop Grumman (2020–2021), Senior Mechanical Engineering Manager at Northrop Grumman (2020), Mechanical Engineering Manager at Northrop Grumman (2017–2020) and Lead Mechanical Engineer at Northrop Grumman (2013–2017).
Shane Arnott
LinkedInExperience: Senior Vice President Programs & Engineering · Anduril Industries
Senior Vice President Programs & Engineering at Anduril Industries since 2022. The highlight describes a technology executive focused on turning new ideas into products and services. Other listed roles include Chief Engineer at Anduril Industries (2021–2022), Program Director - Airpower Teaming System - Autonomous Systems at Boeing (2019–2021), Senior Technical Fellow at Boeing (2012–2021) and Director - Phantom Works - International at Boeing (2013–2019).
Steve Hsieh
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of SMS Engineering · L3Harris Technologies
Vice President of SMS Engineering at L3Harris Technologies since 2026. The highlight describes serving as Vice President of Engineering for the Space & Mission Systems segment at L3Harris, working with 12,000 engineers on solutions across air, space, maritime, intel and cyber domains. Other listed roles include Vice President - Engineering Technology & AI at L3Harris Technologies (2026), Vice President - IMS Functional Engineering at L3Harris Technologies (2025–2026) and Director, C4ISR Chief Enginner at Lockheed Martin (2021–2025).
Will Schwartz
LinkedInExperience: Senior Staff Chief Engineer Defense Systems Technical Fellow · Northrop Grumman
Senior Staff Chief Engineer Defense Systems Technical Fellow at Northrop Grumman since 2026. The highlight describes over a decade leading the development, strategy and execution of complex defense technologies from early concept through production and international deployment. Also Staff Chief Engineer Guided Projectiles Defense Systems Technical Fellow at Northrop Grumman since 2024. Other listed roles include Senior Principal Chief Engineer at Northrop Grumman (2020–2024) and Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer at Northrop Grumman (2019–2020).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's program area, such as aircraft, missiles or communications systems, to the decision you face, and check whether their relevant role is current or past. Ask them for one technical trade-off on a defense program and how it affected schedule or cost.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01Which technical requirement on a defense program drove the most cost or schedule risk, and how did you manage it?
- 02How do you balance reliability and qualification testing against delivery deadlines on a defense contract?
- 03What changes when a defense system moves from prototype to full-rate production, and where do programs usually stumble?
Reaching engineering professionals in Defense technology
How can I contact one of these engineering professionals in Defense technology?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 9 companies, including Oshkosh Defense, Spectra Defense Technologies and General Dynamics Mission Systems, based on profile data retrieved on October 1, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach engineering professionals in Defense technology?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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