Skip to main content
David Delzell

David Delzell

Experienced Defense & Aerospace Program Director

Talent
Heath, RockwallMember since October 21, 2023
·

Hire this person

Send a job offer directly to this candidate

About

I am a proven leader with a 35-year track record for developing people, rallying teams to a vision, developing new product lines and new customers as well as and delivering programs predictably on schedule and on budget. I have also been called upon to rescue troubled programs with great success. I am experienced at winning and leading programs in the petroleum, commercial software, and defense sectors.

In addition, I was both an operational and test fighter instructor with combat flight time, tactical air controller, and DoD certified in program management, test and contracting with a TS/SCI eligible SAP clearance.

Experience

DIRECTOR, Advanced Development Group (ADG)

Conceptual Programs - L3Harris AS&T, Plano, Texas 2021 – Present

P&L business leader for conceptual programs leveraging elemental digital technology for advanced DoD SAP classified programs.

  • Developed an entirely new program area from nothing to multiple programs with a diverse group of customers including DARAPA, AFRL, RCO, AFLCMC, SCO, China Lake; P&L leader for CCA and Autonomy programs
  • Strong customer relationships established in all cases
  • Built a strong culture based on trust, constructive conflict, & commitment
  • Handpicked as program director to win critical $800M Mayhem program
DIRECTOR, Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) 2009 - 2021

L3Harris, Waco & ComCept, Rockwall, Texas

P&L business leader of the USAF Network Centric Collaborative Targeting (NCCT) program and ISR efforts. Led multiple US and FMS captures, executed profitably.

  • In one year turned around USAF Program of Record from threat of cancellation to ACC announcing it was now the foundation of machine-to-machine sensing and multi-service data sharing, sensing grid geo-location, and collaboration
  • Spearheaded transition from stale waterfall development to 7 scrum and 3 Kanban teams using modern scaled Agile and DevSecOps practices
  • Developed an entirely new product line by partnering with Air Tractor to develop advanced Armed Overwatch aircraft, the Longsword or Sky Warden
  • Led CENTCOM’s top anti-terrorism program. Delivered with design, FAA/Mil cert, training, and delivery in less than 16 mo. Multiple awards.
  • Awarded Top Team and overall top Individual Award with Distinction company Tribute to Excellence as well as company TOP STAR award 
  • Handpicked to lead Big Safari EC-130H Compass Call, HH-60U, and special aircraft programs; Delivered multiple mission system innovations
  • Singled out to turn around failing New Zealand C-130 FMS program; Recovered the most advanced 130 upgrade to date, completed $156M effort on budget
  • Spearheaded C-27J FMS pursuits resulting in Australia FMS program win

Education

MS, Computer Information Systems / Comp Science 

Boston University

BS, Engineering/Math, & 

Computer Science; focus on Embedded System Software

United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

Colorado Springs, CO

Dual degree (CSAB/ABET accredited)

Reviews