J. Robert Wirthlin

J. Robert Wirthlin, PhD, is the senior technical leader for systems engineering and optimization in the Vehicle Hardware Engineering Systems Group and the Global Systems Engineering POV (Point of View) owner for Ford Motor Company. He has overall responsibility for all aspects of plans, process, training and strategy regarding systems engineering application in Ford’s product development. His team consists of multidisciplinary experts across mechanical, electrica and software engineering dedicated to 21st century systems engineering processes, methodology, tools and practices, including model-based systems engineering, simulation and analysis and automotive product development. His PhD and MS are from MIT in engineering systems and engineering and management, respectively. He holds a BS in engineering sciences from the United States Air Force Academy. Before coming to Ford, Dr. Wirthlin worked for General Motors developing applications and strategy for GM’s systems engineering efforts, including managing their requirements modeling and product line engineering. Earlier, Dr. Wirthlin served 21 years as an officer in the United States Air Force with leadership assignments in systems engineering and program management. He was an assistant professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology teaching systems engineering and research and development management. He is an active member of INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering), SAE, a senior member of AIAA, and is a certified systems engineering professional. He has numerous publications to his credit.