W. Ted Torgerson
Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (Retired)
The Boeing Company
Area of interests for collaboration and/or mentorship:
- Proposal strategy, development and execution
- Conceptual idea through flight
William "Ted" Torgerson retired from The Boeing Company in March 2021.
In his previous role as Boeing’s senior director for program integration, Torgerson oversaw the execution of the U.S. Air Force Advanced Pilot Training Program and the T-7A Red Hawk. Leading into that role, he managed the development of Boeing’s self-funded T-X aircraft and training system in partnership with Saab. That included the development of the winning bid for the Air Force’s next jet trainer program replacing the T-38C. As a result, Boeing will supply over 351 aircraft and 46 simulators valued at over $9 billion. After the award of the contract to the Boeing/Saab team, Saab selected West Lafayette and Purdue’s Discovery Park District for the location of their U.S.-based production facility for the center/aft fuselage of the T-7A aircraft.
During his 37 years with The Boeing Company, Torgerson was part of the development of four aircraft systems from paper concept to flight, including the X-45A, X-45C (i.e. Phantom Ray), and the T-X Development aircraft.
For his accomplishments, he has been recognized by AAE as an Outstanding Aerospace Engineer, and he received the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aircraft Design Award.
Torgerson earned his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Purdue in 1983 and a master’s in engineering management from Washington University in St. Louis in 1991.