Dr. Whelan is Vice President and Chief Technologist for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. David has responsibility to create, seek out and explore new technology, understand current Engineering challenges and help Business Units shape new business growth vectors for the Boeing’s Defense, Space and Security. Boeing's technology and systems span a wide range of government missions ranging from space and airborne navigation and surveillance systems to ground systems to undersea system to Cyber Security and Energy Security. David vision and strategy for manned and unmanned systems has been instrumental in helping Boeing develop solutions for Boeing’s customer challenges. Leveraging his in-depth knowledge of science, technology, systems and future customer requirements David enables Boeing to find new solutions to world’s most challenging problems.
David earned his Ph.D. (‘83) and MS ('78) in physics from UCLA; He received his B.A. ('77) from UCSD. He has numerous publications on electromagnetic radiation, laser plasma phenomena and Defense systems. He holds over 35 patents on navigation systems, radar systems, antenna, and low-observable technology.
He is currently a member of the National Academy of Engineering and serves as the Vice Chair of the Naval Studies Board and member of the Air Force Studies Board of the National Research Council. He is Fellow of the American Physical Society and Senor Member of the IEEE, and Fellow of the AIAA. Dr. Whelan was honored for his government service and received Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Civil Service in 2001, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Out-standing Public Service in 1998 and the Department of the Air Force Medal for Exemplary Civilian Service in 2008.