David Pinnell Email Address

Director of Radar Support

STAR Dynamics is universally recognized for innovating and developing unique, special-purpose radar systems and associated technology used to support a wide variety of advanced defense programs. This technology heritage began more than two decades ago, and the company now provides a diverse radar product line and systems integration capability with more than 100 advanced radars deployed worldwide. STAR Dynamics delivers superior products, integrated systems, and responsive support services while continuing to design and develop next-generation radar and sensor technology through internal reinvestment in sustaining R&D. STAR Dynamics high performance products are supplied to domestic and foreign customers in commercial and military markets, and its team of dedicated employees will ensure the company's position as a leading supplier of state-of-the-art instrumentation radar systems.

My career of over 42 years has taken me many places and each has played a significant part in bringing me to where I am today. An early high school graduation at the age of 16 and enlisting in the US Air Force at the age of 17, led to the development of my enthusiasm and appreciation for technology. After serving 6 years of active duty, my civilian career afforded me the opportunity to work with many highly technical and respected companies such as Electro-Magnetic Sciences, Dyncorp, Denmar Technical, EG&G Johnson Controls, and STAR Dynamics (formerly Aeroflex.) When recruited by STAR Dynamics, I was tasked with creating a customer support program. Twenty-two years later, we have one of the strongest support organizations in the industry with unrivaled customer relationships. My career has always been about improving my skills, certainly technically; having maintained hands-on experience in the concept, design and maintainability of our products, but also in marketing, business development, program management, customer management and personnel management from many diversified points of view. My skill development includes many mistakes and failures which is a vital part of any growth but my understanding that how one reacts, recovers and improves is what makes the difference. My natural troubleshooting ability, both technically and managerially, is being able to recognize why things that are working are working and when they are not, why; and what needs to be done for an expedient resolution. Teaching is also a passion of mine. It’s important to encourage others and I enjoy sharing my knowledge especially with the next generation. I have come to know that even when teaching, you are rarely the smartest person in the room, you just have information that others desire. Every person around you has something to teach if you take the time to listen. I understood very early on that a successful customer relationship is based on finding value in every relationship whether it be with co-workers, vendors or customers. Building strong relationships within the company strengthens relationships with others, especially customers. Making this the core of our business has made us successful. Another avenue of my ongoing education has been AMTA. I have been a member of the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association since 1999 and since 2017 have served in the advisory role and corporate position as AMTA CFO. •2013 awarded senior membership •2014 elected to the board of directors •2017 served as AMTA president •2021 served as host chair