Ken Hix is the R&D Manager @ GE Aviation
Research & Development Manager at GE Aviation
Dayton, Ohio Area Research
Previous;
Morris Technologies,
Eastman Kodak
Summary
I am experienced in leading advanced engineering and development teams through many aspects of the technology development and product life-cycle engineering processes. This includes direct involvement in disruptive and emerging technologies where the manufacturing process, end-product design, and market are being concurrently developed. These responsibilities also include managing technical activities with domestic and international partners acting as research and development collaborators, third-party OEM equipment suppliers, contract manufacturers, and customers.
I am experienced in environments spanning government research laboratories, privately held small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. My technical expertise includes advanced laser-material processing, materials characterization, high power radiant drying systems, heat management, digital imaging, industrial inkjet printing, and direct-digital manufacturing (additive manufacturing / 3D printing). I am an advocate of leveraging Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) tools and practices including Critical to Quality (CTQ) driven Phase/Gate development processes, formal methods of Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE), and Design for Excellence (DfX) in product and process development.
My core leadership style emphasizes excellence in organizational alignment through strong communication, honesty, trust, accountability, and thorough planning to ensure accomplishment of organizational initiatives. My decision making style emphasizes intuitiveness, versatility, and being deliberate while managing risk intelligently in goal attainment. Successful personnel management is critical to any organization’s success, and I am experienced at managing scientists, engineers, and technicians functioning as direct employees, contractors, and managed services. My leadership philosophy emphasizes empowerment and accountability, continued improvement and personal growth, significance, inclusiveness, mentoring, and diversity.
