Rick Firebaugh
About Rick Firebaugh
Rick Firebaugh is a Deployment Personnel Manager and Test Pilot at Composite Engineering Inc./Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, where he has worked since 2012. He serves as an instructor for aerial targeting and has been the Lead Test Pilot for the XQ-58A Valkyrie since 2018.
Work at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Rick Firebaugh has been employed at Composite Engineering Inc., a subsidiary of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, since 2012. He holds the position of Deployment Personnel Manager and Test Pilot, contributing to the development and testing of advanced defense technologies. His role involves overseeing deployment operations and conducting test flights for various unmanned aircraft systems. Firebaugh's work is primarily based in the engineering offices located in Roseville, California, and he also operates in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he focuses on unmanned target and tactical aircraft.
Education and Expertise
Rick Firebaugh has a diverse educational background in design and engineering. He studied at the University of Phoenix from 2001 to 2004, focusing on foundational engineering principles. He furthered his education at Mccomb College in Warren, Michigan, where he studied Design Engineering from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, he attended Saint Louis Community College, where he pursued studies in both Design Engineering and Engineering from 2006 to 2009. This extensive education has equipped him with the technical skills necessary for his roles in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Background
Rick Firebaugh has built a career in the aerospace and defense industries, with a strong emphasis on unmanned aircraft systems. His experience spans over a decade at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, where he has taken on significant responsibilities in testing and deployment. Firebaugh serves as an instructor for aerial targeting and tactical aircraft, sharing his expertise with others in the field. His role as Lead Test Pilot for the XQ-58A Valkyrie since March 2018 highlights his leadership in the development of innovative unmanned systems.
Achievements
As Lead Test Pilot for the XQ-58A Valkyrie, Rick Firebaugh has played a critical role in the testing and evaluation of this advanced unmanned aircraft. His contributions since March 2018 have been instrumental in the aircraft's development, showcasing his skills in piloting and operational testing. Firebaugh's work as an instructor for aerial targeting and tactical aircraft further emphasizes his commitment to advancing knowledge and capabilities within the defense sector.