Chris Sharpe

About Chris Sharpe

Christian is an experienced aerospace program manager and systems engineer with nearly three decades of leadership in advanced R&D programs at Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace corporations, designing and manufacturing airplanes, satellites, and defense systems. Based in Huntington Beach, CA, he manages complex technology initiatives and leads multidisciplinary teams across defense and commercial development efforts. His career began in Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineering for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. He then took on systems engineering roles that advanced designs of space vehicles and satellites, and later led proposals and programs in weapons and hypersonic vehicle design. He has developed expertise spanning the full lifecycle of aerospace systems – from proposal development and design through integration, testing, operations, and vehicle retirement. Christian holds both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC).

Experience

1. Program Manager (Aviation)

   Boeing

   Jun 2015 — Present · Huntington Beach, CA, US

   Boeing Technology Innovation (BTI), Huntington Beach, CA (2015 - Present). BTI, the main advanced R&D division of Boeing, delivers innovative technologies to improve aerospace solutions, boost efficiency, and enhance product performance. Christian is an accomplished program manager with extensive experience leading $15M+ R&D programs, from proposal development to program execution. His responsibilities include planning, staffing, assignments, budget management, supplier coordination, and delivering program reports. Additionally, he manages Boeing proposals, advances innovative concepts to support future business growth, and handles the systems engineering playbook for his department.Previously, as Systems Engineering Manager for R&D programs such as Autonomous Systems, Hypersonic Passenger Airplane, and Blended Wing Body Airplane, Christian oversaw trade studies, requirement development, and the creation of the concept of operations (CONOPS). He was also responsible for planning integration and verification events, reviewing test procedures, managing risks, leading proposals for future programs, and supervising the development of a high-fidelity digital twin for the airplane. Christian guided teams through design milestones, managed budgets, schedules, statement of work (SOW) development and staffing, and contributed to long-term strategic planning, including opportunities and pursuits. On special assignment with Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Christian guided 23 teams (270+ engineers) in adopting modern systems engineering practices on the program, resulting in cost savings, productivity gains, and risk reductions. He supported BTI in process optimization and contributed to successful proposals for advanced airplane designs (i.e, NASA collaborations on Blended Wing Body and Truss Braced Wing programs).

Education

• University of Southern California

  Master of Science (MS)

  1997 — 2000

• University of Southern California

  Bachelor of Science (BS)

  1993 — 1997