Speakers

Dr. John F. Matlik is a digital transformation leader in aerospace and defense, currently serving as a Fellow for Digital Transformation Strategy at Northrop Grumman. Prior to this role, he was the Chief of Capability – Digital Engineering for Rolls-Royce Defense, where he led enterprise-wide digital engineering initiatives aimed at transforming product development, accelerating innovation, and improving lifecycle performance across global defense programs.

Over a nearly two-decade tenure at Rolls-Royce, Dr. Matlik spearheaded the integration of digital engineering and manufacturing technologies across engineering, supply chain, and service operations. His work supported next-generation propulsion systems and enhanced U.S. national security through improved industrial competitiveness. A recognized industry voice, he has collaborated with U.S. federal and state governments and professional societies on national initiatives to modernize defense manufacturing and engineering ecosystems.

Dr. Matlik began his career in aerospace research, contributing to U.S. Air Force–sponsored studies at Purdue University on structural integrity and high-cycle fatigue in advanced aerospace materials. A three-time Purdue alum, he earned his Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and is a National Science Foundation and IGERT Fellow. He is also an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), reflecting his ongoing leadership in digital capability advancement for the aerospace sector.