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Board of Advisors Member profile

David Hunn, Ph.D., P.E. – Protection by Design

Dr. David Hunn is currently the chief scientist and director of the technical staff at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC), a designer and manufacturer of defense and space systems, including rocket and missile technology, guidance and control systems, laser applications, simulation systems, advanced materials, sensors and electro-optical systems.

“One of the really enjoyable aspects my career is the diverse nature of the programs and vastly different challenges that demand solutions,” he said. “I firmly believe that as diversity grows in an organization, innovation dramatically increases. Value and new products often hide in the ‘grey space’ between disciplines and exploiting this grey space is thrilling.”

Dr. Hunn completed an academic hat trick at UT Arlington, earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1978, an M.S., also in mechanical, in 1980 and a doctorate in materials science and engineering in 1992. Because of his wide knowledge and background, he was once responsible for all mechanical engineering activities at LMMFC.

As chief scientist and director of the technical staff, Dr. Hunn is in charge of technical excellence, the development and improvement of critical technologies, and the transfer of technical knowledge to other Lockheed Martin units. He also has responsibility for the Group Technical Staff, the recognized technical experts in critical technologies at all LMMFC sites.

“The business model of this industry is fundamentally changing in the way new ideas are invented, chased, captured and executed,” Dr. Hunn stated. “Time is critical and execution is paramount, which leads to more of an entrepreneurial, decentralized approach for many new products. This demands talent with strong technical skills coupled with leadership and business acumen. At UT Arlington, I participated in Dr. Woods’ mini-Baja and Formula SAE programs that allowed early exposure and practice in developing the valuable mix of skills I’ve used throughout my career.”

Dr. Hunn has extensive experience in material synthesis, mechanical behavior and design for advanced aerospace applications. It was for one of his most recent discoveries that he was named LMMFC’s “Inventor of the Year” for 2009. Dr. Hunn invented a novel lightweight, low-cost, composite armor. His breakthrough, which involves unique combinations of ceramic, composite, metallic and polymer chemistries, will help protect personnel in harm’s way against a variety of threats, including bullets and bomb and rocket fragments. This armor can be utilized in a variety of ground, sea and air vehicles.

“Receiving this award was a huge honor and, frankly, quite a surprise because I work with a great team of scientists and engineers who do amazing things every day,” he said. “Over the past several years my passion has been to develop a solution to the very troubling problem of the risks our military personnel face from snipers and improvised explosive devices. Developing and implementing advanced armor technology is one way to help mitigate these risks. UT Arlington provided a strong foundation for me in science and engineering, and this foundation is aptly summarized by a quote from Herbert Hoover, ‘…to the engineer falls the job of clothing the bare bones of science with life, comfort, and hope.’”

The “Inventor of the Year” award was not his first time for recognition; Dr. Hunn was named Engineer of the Year by the West Texas Chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2001. He is a member of the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, ASM International, the Society of Automotive Engineers, Tau Beta Pi (the Engineering Honor Society) and Pi Tau Sigma (the Mechanical Engineering Honor Society). He has been awarded eight U.S. patents and has seven more pending and is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas.

In addition to his accomplishments at LMMFC, Dr. Hunn serves on various technical advisory boards at universities across Texas. He is an adjunct professor at UT Arlington and the University of North Texas. Dr. Hunn is also chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the city of Kennedale and is founder and board member of a non-profit, 7-12 grade school in Arlington that focuses on excellence in science, math, engineering and fine arts.

“I couldn’t have done all this without the great foundation UT Arlington established for me,” Dr. Hunn proclaimed. “And now my son is taking dual credit (high school/college) courses this summer at UT Arlington because my wife (a UTA alumna) and I rave about it all the time. I guess that officially makes him a third generation Maverick: My dad attended in the mid-fifties!”