Mr. Wilhelm serves as Science and Technology Lead for Unmanned Maritime Systems at NAVSEA.
An engineer, technology manager, human performance specialist and retired Naval Officer, Mr. Wilhelm served as Technical Project Manager for the Rapid Prototyping and Fabrication Division of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport Washington from 2012 to 2015. He oversaw the research, development, fabrication and implementation of numerous engineering projects in support of a wide variety of US and Allied requirements, including ships, submarines, aircraft, wheeled vehicles, and autonomous systems.
Mr. Wilhelm served on active duty following his Commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1984, until his retirement 20 years later. A Naval Flight Officer, he flew in the A-6E Intruder from 1986 – 1992, and the EP-3E thereafter. He made multiple overseas deployments, including those in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Provide Promise, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, earning the Air Medal and Meritorious Service Medal as a result.
Mr. Wilhelm got his start as an engineering technology manager while on active duty, serving as EP-3E Prototypes Department Head during two separate tours, and as the Electronic Warfare Technology Transfer Officer and Airborne Research Mission Commander at the Naval Research Lab. While still serving in operational commands, he earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2001, and completed Joint Programs Management Education from the US Naval War College in 1997.
Following retirement from the Navy, until his assignment to NUWC Keyport, Mr. Wilhelm worked as a human performance expert, becoming the Commander, Naval Air Forces Air Combat Training Continuum Operations Manager. In this capacity, he advised the Commander on Aviation Mission Commander training requirements and policy, as well as serving as the lead Systems Engineer for the Naval Aviation Learning Management System, known as the Air Combat Training System. He also earned a certificate in Instructional Design (Online) from Florida State University during this period.
Mr. Wilhelm resides in Hawaii with his wife Lizabeth. They have a daughter who is a graphic designer in Portland, Oregon.