James T Ryder
James T. Ryder | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Residence | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois |
| Known for | Advanced Technology Center; structural durability and damage-tolerance analysis |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Applied mechanics, materials science, space technology |
| Institutions | Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company |
James T. Ryder is an American engineer and applied scientist who served as Vice President of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company and head of its Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Palo Alto, California, until his retirement in 2011.
Biography
Ryder earned a Bachelor of Science in theoretical and applied mechanics, a Master of Science in engineering mechanics, and a Ph.D. in theoretical and applied mechanics, all from the University of Illinois. He spent approximately 38 years at the Lockheed Corporation and its successor, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, holding a range of management and technical positions including scientist/engineer, principal investigator, program manager, manager, director, and vice president.
Work
Over the course of his career, Ryder worked on aeronautics, missile, and space programs including the L-1011 TriStar airliner, the F-22 Raptor, Lockheed's Skunk Works, the Space Shuttle main engines, Fleet Ballistic Missiles, and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. His technical work spanned structural durability and damage-tolerance analysis, optical materials, the development and analysis of materials, and sensor instrumentation, and he authored more than 30 papers in the open literature.
From 2005 until his retirement in 2011, Ryder served as Vice President of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company and led the Advanced Technology Center, the company's research and development organization covering a diverse range of technologies including solar and space sciences. In this role he oversaw research and development supporting a broad portfolio of Lockheed Martin space and technology programs. After leaving Lockheed Martin, he was associated with the Institute for Venture Science, serving as chairman of its board.