James “Luke” McHale

Senior Manager, Manufacturing Technology
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

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James “Luke” McHale joined Lockheed Martin Corporation shortly after receiving his bachelor of ccience degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton in 1980. He is currently the senior manager of the Manufacturing Technology Organization and is responsible for the development and production integration of technologies, equipment, and processes associated with the fabrication and assembly of military aircraft including the F-16, F/A-22, C-5, C-130, P-3 and F-35.

Since joining Lockheed Martin, he has held several technical and managerial positions dealing with the innovation of various technologies for applications of robotics, machining, composites, coatings and assembly. Mr. McHale has also served as lead for the Composite Affordability Initiative program where he was responsible for all activities from the “design for manufacturing” concepts through final assembly and functional testing of two full-scale “all-composite” components for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. His current focus deals with a myriad of F-35 manufacturing-related affordability initiatives targeted for implementation at the three Lockheed Martin facilities as well as the supply base.