David Stokes

BS Aerospace Engineering
Masters of Engineering Aerospace Engineering
University of Texas at Arlington
ACTIVE Secret Clearance

An energetic and highly motivated individual, David is driven to do whatever it takes to ensure a successful outcome to your project. He brings insight from both space and aircraft to Speed Aerospace. His project management experience as an IPT stress lead complements his engineering acumen and intuition. He possesses qualities and awareness that balance detail, cost, and schedule. He is well-versed in both computer analysis (FEA) and classical hand analysis of air vehicle structures.

Beginning his career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, David gained valuable engineering experience correlating test data to calibration analysis on the Cassini program (mission to Saturn). At Lockheed Martin, David expanded his aerospace analysis experience to sections of the highly successful F-16 Fighting Falcon program, including analysis of the forward fuselage structure and Common Missile Warning System.

David eventually rose to the status as Captain of the forward fuselage and inlet duct sections. His team was responsible for the substantiation, integration, and producibility of the system. As the design matured from paper to hardware, David worked closely with the manufacturing floor, working ECNs, FARs, and QARs, to ensure that the design was properly integrated into flight status. He also contributed to the F-16 technical repair manual.

David played substantial roles in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) development program. He was involved in the layout phase of the STOVL JSF variant and performed detail stress analysis and sizing for the wingtip fairing and ribs, including natural frequency and sonic fatigue analysis. He performed classical stress analysis on the main landing gear trunnion support, wing carry-through bulkhead, and numerous other JSF components. His airframe OEM experience includes durability and damage tolerance (DDT) analysis on the Boeing 787 commercial aircraft at Vought Aircraft.

David also has significant experience in the design and structural integration of executive and private aircraft interiors and completions. Working closely with the certification offices, David has taken leadership roles on the Boeing 737 Business Jet (BBJ), and performed analysis for the structural substantiation of the Boeing 757 and Airbus A319 airframes outfitted with accoutrements such as bulkheads, closets, galleys, vanities, leading edge body cameras, and equipment racks. He is well versed in the requirements for certification to FAR part 25 and CAR 4b regulations as it applies to aircraft interior modifications.

David is an experienced aerospace stress analyst with a passion for getting the job done right the first time. With David on your team, you can rest assured that the analysis will be thorough, correct, and on time.