Leadership

Steve Fendley, President

A co-founder of the company, Steve is responsible for managing 5-D Systems across all divisions and locations. Steve has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University. He provides over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry with a focus on unmanned systems. Steve's experience includes extensive overseas program development and support in addition to participation in domestic programs. He is the 5-D Systems design authority for company technical and airworthiness activities. His industry experience includes engineering and management positions with defense contractors, including Northrop Grumman and Tracor Flight Systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert (Bob) Kincade, Vice President

Bob is responsible for 5-D Systems business development and strategic planning across all divisions and locations. Bob has a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Tennessee and bachelor’s degree in mathematics/engineering physics from Northeastern State University. He also has graduate degrees in maintainability & systems engineering. Bob provides over 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry with a focus on unmanned systems and RF telemetry systems. Bob's background includes extensive robotics and federal law enforcement technology applications experience. His industry experience includes executive management, program management and engineering positions with defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and SEMCO.

 

 

 

 

Craig Tangedal, Vice President

Craig is a co-founder of the company and has primary responsibilities for unmanned aircraft systems programs. Craig earned a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University in electrical engineering, and he brings over 25 years of experience in unmanned aircraft systems. Craig became a lead systems engineer for the QF-4 Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) during development, and was the program’s System Engineering Manager over 10 years of its operation. Craig's experience also includes the QF-106 FSAT, MQM-107E Subscale Aerial Target programs, and the Airbus A400M Network Server System. He now spearheads the company’s unmanned systems growth efforts. His industry experience includes engineering and management positions with defense contractors, including Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems and Tracor Flight Systems.

 

 

 

 

Jerry Bowling, Vice President

Jerry manages the Huntsville, Alabama Operation providing technical services to the Government and industry. Jerry has a bachelor of science degree in Management from Troy University and a master’s degree in business administration from Alabama A&M University. He is retired from the U.S. Army where he served in various operational command and staff positions as an Army Aviator and Field Artillery officer in combat as well as peacetime. Jerry has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace/defense industry, focused on research, development, acquisition, fielding and operations related to major aviation and missile weapons systems. He holds various disclosures and patents associated with unmanned systems. Jerry is also a Trustee for the Alabama Constitution Village Foundation and is a supporter of the Early Works Museum.

 

 

 

 

John Kurkjian, Director of Engineering

John, a co-founder of the company, is the company’s Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in systems and software engineering.  John has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, with a major in control systems. As Director of Engineering, John manages multiple, concurrent engineering projects and provides technical direction across the company. His industry experience includes engineering roles with defense contractors, including Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems and Tracor Flight Systems.