Our Team - T&E

Andrew
Kerle
Test & Evaluation Certification Airworthiness

Andrew Kerle

Andrew is a highly-accomplished Test Pilot and leader, with over 14-years’ experience in the Defence T&E. He is a Distinguished Graduate of the National Test Pilot School and has led numerous T&E programs including aircraft Type Certification activities.
Andrew was recently the Air Force Chief of Flight Test responsible for the T&E framework, policy and safety management systems; including Flight Test competency management, flying supervision of Categorised test activities, and the selection, training and mentoring of junior flight test professionals. Andrew was also appointed as a Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) for Aircraft Performance, Handling Qualities and Human Factors.
Andrew’s success has been empowered by his ability to concisely, and purposefully, manage communication between a broad range of operational and engineering organisations both nationally and internationally. He is recognised for his ability to harness the collective assets of small disparate teams to deliver exceptional results for national and Coalition joint strategic objectives.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kerle-b192a150/

Wesley Dowling
Project Engineer
Test & Evaluation
Cyber Security

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Wesley Dowling

Wesley is a Senior Consultant with experience in
project engineering, systems engineering, test and
evaluation, and cyber security analysis. As a systems
and project engineering professional, Wesley has
worked within reputable OEMs to lead the
development, verification and delivery of ground
system upgrades, airborne software, and flight test
instrumentation capabilities to Defence. He has also
evaluated and certified bespoke airborne software on
behalf of Defence. As a flight test engineer, Wesley
has evaluated rotary-wing aircraft during Ship-
Helicopter Operating Limit (SHOL) development
programmes on behalf of foreign Defence
organisations, including the Danish and New Zealand
Defence Forces. As an Operational Test and
Evaluation (OT&E) Lead, Wesley has evaluated fixed
and deployable Air Traffic Management and Air Battle
Management systems, including surveillance sensors,
on behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force. And as a
Cyber Security Analyst, Wesley has led a team to
develop ICT security assessments of airborne mission
system and ground system modifications. Wesley is
accomplished in the activities, lifecycles, and
deliverables necessary to develop, evaluate and
deliver complex engineering systems for Defence
customers. Wesley holds a Bachelor of Engineering in
Mechatronics (University of New South Wales) and a
Masters in Software Engineering (University of
Oxford).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-dowling/

Claire
Knight
Test & Evaluation
Sys Engineering
Project Management

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Claire Knight

Claire is an accomplished, technically proficient program manager with over 30 years experience in the Defence/ Aviation industry, both in Australia and overseas. She has led a number of complex programs with teams up to 250 personnel and is skilled at engaging with stakeholders and managing risk. With a unique perspective having worked in the military, APS, Defence Primes and SMEs she is experienced in tackling challenging program issues.
Underpinning her experience she has qualifications in Aeronautical engineering/ flight test; Program management; Systems engineering and Space Operations, and is a graduate of the AICD course.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-knight-82539a158/

Jack
Vickery
Test & Evaluation
Ops Concepts
Project Management

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Jack Vickery

Jack is an innovative and experienced specialist in the test and evaluation of Defence capabilities. Through his experience as a technician on Australia’s Tactical Data Link networks, ensuring continued 24/7 operation of tactical communications within the air, sea and land domains. Through to the test and evaluation Australia’s most advanced stealth fighter aircraft. Jack planned and executed Australia’s test and evaluation of the F-35 and its enabling systems between initial operating capability and through multiple consecutive capability states in the lead up to full operational capability declaration. This involved a myriad of test events assessing not only the air vehicle itself, but also its enabling capabilities such as weapons, facilities, deployed systems, training systems and information technology systems. Jack’s efforts in this program also saw a fostering of program level testing, where Jack sought to assist in the development of an air combat capabilities test program spanning across Australia’s air combat capabilities, reducing cost of test events and increasing fidelity in test outcomes. Jack received two commendations for his efforts of the F-35 program. Jack’s skillset extends past T&E to also include operations and project management. With experience developing operational concepts and requirements derivation for complex capabilities, such as Australia’s follow-on modernization program of the F-35. His experience also extending to supporting the production and sovereign manufacturing of Defence capabilities and systems, such as the Electronic Grenade Simulator and other capabilities through the Defence industry.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-vickery/

Viruben
Watson
Test & Evaluation Systems Engineering Project Management

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Viruben Watson

Viruben is a highly experienced Defence Systems, Test & Evaluation, and
Software Engineer with over 20 years’ experience and a proven track record for
managing, designing, and trialling the integration of complex technical systems in
military and civilian environments. Viruben is driven by the ethos that there is
always a more innovative and intelligent way to produce results, and this holds
true in his approach to work as well as in the outcomes he delivers. He has aptly
demonstrated this principle through his leadership in managing large software
projects for upgrading Navy's Flight Test Instrumentation, developing test
programs for the multi-faceted RAN DDG Destroyer Capability Enhancement, and
integrating all the ADF's rotary wing fleet within the RAN's LHD amphibious
operations.

Viruben's experience is complemented with his strong acumen for
effective management, both of assets as well as people. Viruben brings his
strengths to a range of complex Defence projects requiring his niche qualifications
and experience across all aspects of maritime and aviation systems. His very
unique combination of test and evaluation, software/systems engineering, and
modelling and simulation expertise, make him a unicorn in the world of Defence
technical specialists. Viruben rounds off his technical prowess with a noticeable
social empathy, allowing him to nurture and build strong professional relationships
across Defence to achieve program goals and objectives.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/viruben/

Stuart
Zeuner
Test & Evaluation Certification Airworthiness

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Stuart Zeuner

Stuart is a talented engineering manager with demonstrated success in maritime test and evaluation, flight test engineering, certification, airworthiness, operations and project management. In his 20+ years of professional engineering experience, Stuart has achieved many successes across both defence and industry on programs of national strategic importance including the Air Warfare Destroyer, the Future Submarine Program and as a Flight Test Engineer with the Royal Australian Air Force. Stuart is a distinguished graduate of the National Test Pilot School, USA, and a Chartered Professional Engineer with Fellow status in Engineers Australia.

Kevin
Beaulne
Test & Evaluation Capability Strategy Project Management

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Kevin Beaulne

Kevin is a decorated leader and veteran of two armed forces with 25 years’ service and 13 years’ experience in Defence Industry. He is highly organised and analytical with extensive experience in military operations, projects, campaigns, and trials. Kevin’s military experience includes over 6000 hours flying versions of the P3 aircraft on maritime patrol, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, both in peacetime and war.

Kevin’s Test and Evaluation experience reaches back to 1998 when he participated in the Acceptance Test and Evaluation (AT&E) of the new AP-3C Operational Mission Simulator (OMS). After AT&E, Kevin planned and led the OT&E and introduction into operational service of the OMS. In 2011, as the Deputy Director Test and Evaluation at the Australian Defence Test and Evaluation Office, Kevin supervised and led trials for multiple platforms in the joint domain. During this time, he also completed both the OT&E Course and the UAV T&E Course at the National Test Pilot School in Palmdale, California. After completing this training, he planned and executed the OT&E for the Army's Shadow 200 Tactical UAV, immediately prior to its operational deployment to Afghanistan.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-beaulne-csc-mir-677b0537/

Matthew
Kitchin
Test & Evaluation Certification Airworthiness

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Matthew Kitchin

Matthew Kitchin is a long course qualified Flight Test Systems Specialist having graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School in 2011. Over the course of his military career, Matthew Kitchin was a Navigator and Tactical Coordinator on the AP-3C Orions at both 10 and 11 SQN, and following his stint at the US Naval Test Pilot School, he spent time at ARDU, in the Growler Transition Office and the P-8A Integrated Test Team. He also recently completed time in the B300 Transition Cell as an Air Combat Officer Training Manager and finally as a Network Integration Manager within C4ISR Design before transitioning to AeroPM.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kitchin/

David
Jarrett
Test & Evaluation Certification
Airworthiness

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David Jarrett

David is a diverse aerospace engineer with experience in test and evaluation, systems engineering, acquisition, and project management. As a senior Flight Test Engineer, David has experience in the maritime and air domains supporting navy aircraft ship integration and in operational evaluation of air weapons range instrumentation.

David has a proven ability to lead small and large teams in technical and operational environments, engaging with stakeholders to understand, substantiate and communicate relevant hazards, whilst maintaining a focus on operational capability. He is a graduate of the Empire Test Pilot School, a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia and a Certified Practicing Project Manager with the Australian Institute of Project Managers.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjarrett76

Jason
De Iuliis
Test & Evaluation
Capability Definition
Airworthiness

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Jason
De Iuliis

Jason is an expert Test Pilot, Leader and Senior Test and Evaluation professional with extensive experience in planning, conduct and reporting of T&E activities. He has an extensive background in military aviation as a Qualified Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor. Together with expertise in fighter instruction, category assessment and instrument rating examination; he has a diverse and unique spectrum of T&E experience spanning across air and ground domains, inclusive of multiple aviation platforms whilst covering research, developmental, acceptance, preview and operational test and evaluation activities.
Jason has an egalitarian approach to leadership which helps him elicit collaborative team-based solutions making him expert in liaison, facilitation, and management. This combined with his analytic propensity, has resulted in accelerated capability outcomes that are customer focused and operationally contemporary, providing robust solutions in complex multi-platform environments. Further, he possesses specialist skill and experience in Operational Risk Management, Human Factors, Aviation Safety Management Systems, Safety Investigation, Airworthiness Regulation, Airborne Instruction and Training, Training Development and Flying Supervision.
Jason is a graduate of the Empire Test Pilots’ School and associate member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondeiuliis/

Oliver
Glendon
Test & Evaluation Certification Airworthiness

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Oliver Glendon

Oliver is an accomplished aerospace engineer with experience in test and evaluation, systems engineering, acquisition, and project management. As a senior Flight Test Engineer, Oliver has a history in both civil and military aircraft development, certification, and airworthiness. He has a proven ability to solve problems, manage risk, and perform accurate decision-making under dynamically changing conditions, while ensuring test program goals are accomplished on time.

For the past four years, Oliver has been managing complex multinational defence trials, demonstrating his capability to handle high-stakes projects in demanding environments. He is a Graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School, USA, and a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverglendon/

Heath
Rowe
Test & Evaluation
Certification
Airworthiness

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Heath Rowe

Heath is an accomplished Test and Evaluation (T&E) professional who has provided significant contribution to numerous T&E activities, supporting the safe and effective achievement of capability outcomes for Defence. He is a United States Naval Test Pilot School graduate who has led multiple T&E programs for both crewed and uncrewed aviation systems; has mentored junior flight test professionals including provision of flight authorisation. Heath has fundamentally improved core T&E processes and procedures used to manage all flight test conducted on behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force and has worked collaboratively on T&E tasks with colleagues and stakeholders across Defence and Defence Industry. He is a discerning and highly knowledgeable leader with expertise in a diverse range of systems and disciplines.

www.linkedin.com/in/heath-rowe/

David
Kennedy
Test & Evaluation Certification Airworthiness

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David Kennedy

David is a highly adaptable and personable engineer with demonstrated success in flight test engineering, aircraft maintenance, systems engineering, certification and capability development. David has lead highly successful test programs across the T&E spectrum on a wide variety of aircraft and systems with experience on F/A-18F, Hawk-127, E-7A, PC-21, and KC-30A. He relishes new challenges and working with the customer to deliver tailored T&E outcomes with maximum efficiency. David is a Graduate of the National Test Pilot School, USA.
www.linkedin.com/in/david-kennedy-703835247/

Michael
Wiggins
Test & Evaluation Certification Airworthiness

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Michael Wiggins

Michael is an accomplished Engineering Test Pilot with specific skills in experimental design, certification, airworthiness, system integration and project management. During his military service, Michael gained considerable experience across Air Combat; Mobility, Surveillance & Response and Air Warfare Groups, culminating as the Lead Commonwealth Test Pilot for Project Wedgetail in Seattle. Continuing his passion for T&E and project management he held principal management roles with Virgin Australia, including establishing its long-haul international capability. He is a graduate of the Empire Test Pilots School, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a recipient of a Chief of Air Force Gold Commendation for his contributions in establishing a first of type high-fidelity threat training capability for the ADF and visiting foreign Air Forces.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwiggins68/

David
Blow
Test & Evaluation Certification Airworthiness

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David Blow

David is a highly adaptable aerospace engineer with demonstrated success in flight test engineering, test ranges, electronic warfare, systems engineering and certification. With over thirty years of service with the RAAF, David has held senior management positions in both Defence and CASG performing a variety of engineering roles. In addition to leading flight test programs on fixed wing, rotary wing and fast jet aircraft, David also led a small specialist team conducting in-theatre system evaluation on remotely piloted aircraft. David is a former Avionics Technician and holds a B.Eng (Elec), B.Sc (Physics) is a Graduate of the National Test Pilot School, USA and a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia. David is currently managing complex System of Systems T&E in support of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-blow/

Shane
Patch
Flight Test Engineer Systems Engineer Project Manager

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Shane Patch

Shane is an accomplished and innovative Senior Technical
Manager and Flight Test Engineer with over three decades of
experience in the defense sector. Holding a Bachelor of
Engineering (Aerospace), a Graduate Flight Test Engineer
certification, and a Master of Science in Aerospace Technology
Management, Shane has excelled in leadership roles across
systems engineering, test and evaluation, and project
management.Shane's career includes significant contributions
to high-profile projects such as aviation upgrades for Hobart
Class Destroyers, complex combat system integrations, and
international flight test certifications. His expertise spans
systems design, rigorous test methodologies, and certification
processes, supported by a profound ability to manage diverse
stakeholders effectively.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-patch-73997423/