David Arenson Vice President and Chief Engineer Lockheed Martin Space

David Arenson assumed the role as LM Hypersonic Chief Engineer in October 2021.   In this role he concentrating first in the Hypersonic Strike team in being successful with several demos planned in the near future.  He is actively involved in making sure there is cross BA support, cross BA lesson Learned and assisting in reviews and supporting FRBs. Previously David was theChief Engineer for Lockheed Martin Space from December 2018 to October 2021.  In this role he lead an energized, technical team focused on ensuring innovative technical baselines for our Space missions.  He provided a keen focus across the Engineering & Technology organization on program performance, owning what the customer values and driving commonality across the enterprise.  He was key to driving the Space strategy through technical roadmaps, short and long term investments and technology insertions into new and franchise programs.  David is committed to developing and evolving the chief engineer talent at Lockheed Martin Space, devoting significant time to pipeline activities and mentoring. 

David began his 30+ year career as a satellite digital box designer for RCA Astro Space.  He supported GPS IIR from phase B study through the design of the Telemetry Information Unit (TIU).  David then became one of the original designers for the Commercial Space A2100 satellite.  He transitioned to lead electrical system engineer and played a key role in testing and launching the first three satellites.  David then transitioned to then M&DS where he joined the P470 staff as the lead HWCI engineer.  He accomplished transitioning the design to operations and through various roles was then the Chief Infrastructure Architect, driving changes to the architecture and recapitalization of the hardware while minimizing downtime.  

In 2006, David was selected to be a Lockheed Martin Fellow.  In this esteemed technical role, he supported across the enterprise, including a focus on the Program Surveillance mission area.   In 2011, David moved back to Space Systems in the role of SNS Chief Engineer, David supported GPS in several Avionics areas to get through the first builds and supported the trouble shooting at Excellis on the Mission Data Unit (MDU).   

In December 2012, David became the A2100 Chief Engineer positon. As the A2100 Chief Engineer, he provided overall technical leadership for the A2100 IRAD project Technical Refresh (TR).  David played a key role in architecting and driving the TR implementation onto SBIRS 5/6.   In May 2015, David became the Milspace Chief Engineer, supporting across the LOB including the successful MUOS and SBIRS GEO4 launches, transition of SBIRS 5/6 to the TR baseline, and support to the space protection programs.   In April 2017 he transitioned to the Design Assurance role in Mission success.  He ran IRTs and chaired a variety of programs.   During this time David continued to be called upon to help with major issues including spending time on FBM.

David has a degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Delaware.  In addition to his appointment to Lockheed Martin Fellow, he has received numerous top recognitions including 3 NOVA awards and one high NTK customer award. 

When he is not contributing to the Lockheed Martin Space missions, he enjoys spending time with his very supportive wife and 2 wonderful children.