With a career leading some of the Air Force’s most advanced research and development initiatives, Darrell Phillipson brings more than three decades of proven leadership in science, technology, and innovation to his new role as Vice President of the Midwest Research and Development Center and Deputy for the Intelligence & Sensing Division at CFD Research. His extensive background spans program management, facilities oversight, security operations, and cross-sector collaboration across government, industry, and academia. Most recently, he served as Director of the Materials & Manufacturing Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), managing a $230M+ budget and leading a team of more than 1,100 staff.
“I’m honored to join CFD Research and contribute to a mission-driven organization with such a strong reputation for innovation and technical excellence,” said Phillipson. “I look forward to working with our teams in Dayton and Huntsville to expand capabilities and deliver solutions that make an impact for our customers.”
Darrell holds a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy. In his role, he will oversee operations, guide P&L strategy, foster employee growth, and strengthen community engagement in support of the division’s continued success.
