Director of Engineering Talent, Bell Textron Inc.
B.S. ASE 2001, The University of Texas at Austin
Will Girard serves as the director of engineering talent at Bell Textron, previously known as Bell Helicopter. He is tasked with formulating and executing strategies for managing engineering resources across the organization. This role encompasses the acquisition, allocation, retention and development of 2,300 engineers situated globally within various commercial and military rotorcraft programs and core engineering functions. In his current capacity, Girard also supports university recruiting initiatives, allowing him to engage with fellow Longhorn engineers, resulting in internships and entry-level job placements for many.
Girard earned his B.S. degree in aerospace engineering from The University of Texas at Austin in 2001, becoming the first college graduate in his family.
His professional journey commenced at Bell Helicopter in 2001 as a structural test lab engineer. Throughout the initial half of his career, he gained technical and organizational expertise by undertaking roles in engineering, research, supply chain, flight test and operations support. In 2014, Will transitioned into leadership, focusing on developing and managing technical teams for military aircraft development programs. His previous position was chief engineer of the Bell 360 Invictus program, where he led the technical team from project inception, proposal development and award, through aircraft assembly completion.
Girard has been involved in all aspects of Bell’s recent history in continuing a long legacy of developing, maintaining and supporting the global rotorcraft industry by providing innovative and reliable products. His efforts span supporting V-280 flight testing and establishing a robust aerospace supplier network in Mexico. He possesses a profound passion for rotorcraft and the unique capabilities they provide to the global population, which include humanitarian aid delivery, helicopter emergency medical services, public safety through police and fire departments and supporting military operations. Today, he takes immense satisfaction in sharing his enthusiasm for rotorcraft and their missions with prospective employees, both university graduates and seasoned professionals.
Girard has been honored with the Textron Chairman’s Award for Innovation twice for advancements in ballistic testing and armor systems development and is a co-inventor on three U.S. patents.
Residing in Colleyville, TX with his wife Megan, Girard enjoys outdoor activities, traveling to new places and tinkering in his garage.
