Eric Hilliard
About Eric Hilliard
Eric Hilliard serves as the President of Extant Aerospace, a position he has held since 2021. He has a diverse background in aerospace and operations management, with previous roles at AeroControlex, BFGoodrich Aerospace, and Energy Focus, Inc.
Current Role at Extant Aerospace
Eric Hilliard serves as the President of Extant Aerospace, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he oversees the company's strategic direction and operations, contributing to its growth and development in the aerospace sector. His leadership is informed by extensive experience in various managerial and operational roles within the aerospace industry.
Education and Professional Development
Eric Hilliard has a diverse educational background. He studied at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Safety Sciences from 1991 to 1994. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Case Western Reserve University, completing his studies from 2000 to 2003. Additionally, he served in the United States Navy from 1985 to 1989, achieving the rank of Operations Specialist.
Previous Experience in Aerospace Management
Prior to his current role, Eric Hilliard held several significant positions in the aerospace industry. He worked as a Plant Manager at UTC Aerospace Systems from 1996 to 2002 and later served as Business Manager for Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics from 2002 to 2006. He also held the position of General Manager for Saint-Gobain's aerospace composite/flight structures business before becoming President of Energy Focus from 2007 to 2016.
Military Service and Operations
Eric Hilliard's military service in the United States Navy included participation in Operation Praying Mantis while deployed with the USS Coronado. He served onboard during its reassignment to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and was involved in operations under the Commander Third Fleet. His service earned him various recognitions and medals, reflecting his commitment and contributions during his enlistment.
Career Progression and Roles
Eric Hilliard's career includes a variety of roles that demonstrate his expertise in operations and management. He began as a compliance engineer for HJ Heinz Company, later transitioning to positions such as Safety Engineer and Business Unit Manager at AeroControlex. He also served as Director of Operations at AeroControlex for a period in 2018, showcasing his ability to adapt and lead in different capacities within the aerospace field.