Professional Title and Role
Dr. Philip Perconti serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Leonardo DRS. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading the corporate research and development strategy across multiple technology domains, with a primary focus on accelerating technology innovation to support Leonardo DRS’s business objectives.
Industry and Company Context
Leonardo DRS is a defense technology company engaged in advanced systems and solutions for military applications, including sensing, electronic warfare, radar, and autonomous systems. Dr. Perconti’s leadership role in research and development aligns with Leonardo DRS’s strategic emphasis on technology advancement within the defense sector.
Career Background and Expertise
Dr. Perconti brings over 30 years of extensive experience in research, development, and leadership of science and technology programs, predominantly within the U.S. Army. His professional tenure includes:
- Director of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), the Army’s corporate laboratory, where he led six technical business units focused on foundational and applied research.
- Leader of the Army’s Sensors & Electron Devices Directorate, responsible for managing and transitioning primary basic and applied research efforts in sensors, electronics, and related technologies.
- Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology and Army Chief Scientist (appointed November 2019), overseeing broad Army science and technology portfolios and advising senior leadership on research priorities.
This military research leadership experience provides Dr. Perconti with deep insight into defense technology landscapes, research-to-acquisition transition processes, and collaboration with government, industry, and academic partners.
Educational Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from George Mason University.
- Master of Science degree (field unspecified).
- Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in electrical engineering, specifically noted with extensive publications in military sensing, machine learning, and counter-improvised explosive device (IED) technologies.
These credentials underscore his technical expertise and scholarly contributions to electrical engineering and defense technology research.
Research and Publication Contributions
Dr. Perconti has an extensive publication record with over 90 technical papers and has served as co-author and primary editor of more than ten books. His published topics prominently include:
- Military sensing technologies
- Machine learning applications for defense
- Countermine and counter-IED systems
His academic and technical contributions highlight a focus on cutting-edge sensing and signal processing technologies critical to modern defense capabilities.
Notable Achievements and Leadership Highlights
- Directed the Army Research Laboratory’s integration of new technologies with the operational needs of the warfighter, emphasizing intimate involvement of end users, industry, and academia.
- Successfully led major initiatives in advanced manufacturing, materials science, and processes, exemplified by inaugurating new research facilities dedicated to these technologies.
- Recognized for developing three major software systems pivotal to military sensing and electronic systems, underlying his combined leadership in software and hardware innovation.
- Played a key role in advancing additive manufacturing technologies with the Army’s front-line research efforts, aiming to position the military at the forefront of this technological advancement.
- Managed transition of technologies from laboratory research to field deployment, reinforcing his capabilities in technology maturation and defense acquisition systems.
Strategic and Technical Focus Areas
Dr. Perconti leads corporate R&D strategy at Leonardo DRS with a vision informed by his prior government service, concentrating on:
- Advanced sensing and signal processing technologies for defense applications
- Autonomous and artificially intelligent systems capable of withstanding electronic warfare conditions
- Long-term technology forecasting and innovation to address military needs over 20-30 year horizons
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration among government labs, academia, and industry partners to accelerate innovation and transition
Professional Network and Industry Influence
- Active member of the Senior Executive Service in the U.S. Army, highlighting his senior leadership stature in government research management.
- Regular speaker and participant in defense technology forums, including events hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association and technical symposia centered on sensors and electronic devices.
- Contributor to government advisory boards such as the Army Science Board, providing strategic input on emerging technologies and defense research priorities.
Summary
Dr. Philip Perconti combines high-level executive leadership in defense technology with deep technical expertise and extensive experience managing large-scale military research organizations. His transition to Leonardo DRS as CTO capitalizes on his proven ability to steer corporate R&D strategies aligned with defense innovation imperatives. His background in advanced sensing, machine learning, counter-IED technology, and additive manufacturing positions him as a pivotal figure in driving Leonardo DRS’s technology development pipeline and maintaining technological relevance in a competitive defense sector.
LinkedIn: [https://linkedin.com/in/philip-perconti](https://linkedin.com/in/philip-perconti)
Company Profile: [Leonardo DRS Leadership - Dr. Philip Perconti](https://www.leonardodrs.com/who-we-are/our-leadership/dr-philip-perconti/)
