Don A. Kinard, PhD

Don A. Kinard, PhD
Sr Fellow, Production Operations
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Presentation Title:  The Future of the Digital Thread

Abstract:

The digital thread, defined as the creation, use, and reuse of engineering data by downstream functions has allowed for dramatically improved initial engineering and manufacturing quality, factory automation, consumption of the 3D models directly by the mechanics, and direct as-built to as-designed validation through the use of non-contact metrology.  Digital technology is now expanding into the data realm where large IT system integration, data automation, and analytics have initiated the next industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, the revolution of data.

Biography:

Dr. Don Kinard is a Senior Fellow for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Production Operations and has been with LM for 34 years.  Prior to his current assignment he was Director of F-35 Production Engineering responsible for Joint Strike Fighter Tooling, Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, and Aircraft Systems Testing.  Before joining F-35 in 2004 Dr. Kinard held various positions in both Engineering and Manufacturing during his 18 years on the F-22

Don is also the lead for the LM Corporate Fellow’s Manufacturing Team whose objective is to develop and share engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment technologies throughout all of the LM business units.   His technical interests include materials and structures, digital thread integration, Industry 4.0, manufacturing technology, manufacturing system design, and production management.  In 2018 Dr. Kinard was named as one of the Smart Industries 50 leaders in digital transformation honoring individuals across industry who are making a difference in their organizations’ pursuit and embrace of digital transformation.

Dr. Kinard earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX  and a PhD in Physical (Polymer) Chemistry from Texas A&M University.