Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) announces the appointment of Eric Hein as director of strategy and product development. In this role, Hein will lead the institute’s long-term strategic planning and guide product development efforts that support industry partners and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Hein brings more than 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, leading engineering, research and development, and defense program execution efforts. At NIAR, he will be responsible for connecting advanced technologies to end users, fostering strategic partnerships and advancing innovative products.
“We are excited to welcome Eric back to Wichita State,” said John Tomblin, executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “His extensive background in defense programs, product development and strategic innovation will significantly improve our ability to streamline capabilities across our organization to expand our capabilities, bandwidth and R&D portfolio.”
Prior to joining NIAR, Hein served as vice president of defense programs at Spirit AeroSystems, where he led the execution of key defense contracts and guided the company’s expansion into new defense markets. He began his career at Spirit in 2010, managing propulsion product engineering teams for Boeing programs, including the KC-46A tanker and the 737 MAX. He went on to lead the 737 MAX Propulsion Integrated Product Team and later served as senior director of research and technology, overseeing Spirit’s R&D portfolio, materials and processes group, structures engineering team, and test labs.
Previously, Hein held engineering roles at Cessna and Boeing, contributing to a broad range of commercial and business aircraft programs. He has a private pilot license and Six Sigma certification.
Hein graduated from Wichita State with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas.
