David Wakayama
About David Wakayama
David Wakayama is the Program Director for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Production and Spares at General Atomics, a position he has held since 2021. He has a background in nuclear operations and engineering, having previously served in the US Navy and worked in various engineering roles at General Atomics and GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy.
Current Role at General Atomics
David Wakayama serves as the Program Director for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Production and Spares at General Atomics. He has held this position since 2021, contributing to the development and management of critical aircraft systems. His role involves overseeing production processes and ensuring the availability of necessary spare parts for efficient operations.
Previous Experience at General Atomics
Prior to his current role, David Wakayama worked at General Atomics as a Program Manager for the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) System Development and Demonstration from 2015 to 2021. His responsibilities included managing the development and testing of advanced systems designed for aircraft recovery. Earlier, he served as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Project Manager from 2011 to 2015, focusing on manufacturing processes in San Diego.
Experience in the US Navy
David Wakayama has a background in the US Navy, where he served as a Nuclear Submarine Officer from 2002 to 2008. His duties included managing nuclear operations and ensuring the safety and efficiency of submarine missions. He also worked as a Nuclear Electrical Operator from 1997 to 2002, gaining valuable experience in nuclear systems and operations.
Professional Background at GE
Wakayama worked at GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy from 2008 to 2011 as a Site Manager and Project Manager. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing project execution and managing site operations in Oak Ridge, TN. His experience at GE contributed to his expertise in nuclear energy systems and project management.
Educational Qualifications
David Wakayama earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona, completing his studies from 1999 to 2002. This educational background provided him with foundational knowledge in engineering principles and computer systems, which he has applied throughout his career in various technical and managerial roles.