Four Pratt & Whitney employees named ASME Distinguished Engineers of the Year

Pratt & Whitney and the Hartford, Conn., chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) honored four Distinguished Engineers of the Year during National Engineers Week at the annual awards dinner in Manchester, Conn. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corporation company.

These awards recognize excellence in the field of engineering. Recipients of the award exemplify the value superior engineering can bring to the people of Pratt & Whitney who continuously deliver “dependable engines” to customers.

“On the occasion of National Engineers Week, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge these prestigious awards presented by the Engineering organization of Pratt & Whitney and the Hartford section of the ASME. We would also like to thank all the members of our technical community, as well as the thousands of people across Pratt & Whitney who supported these remarkable achievements,” said Paul Adams, senior vice president for engineering, Pratt & Whitney.

This year’s Pratt & Whitney Distinguished Engineers of the Year are:

Louis Celiberti of Glastonbury, Conn., F135 Control & Diagnostic Systems CIPT leader, for his leadership in the successful design and development of an engine control system architecture for the F135. "Under the dedicated leadership of Louis Celiberti, the F135 engine control system has accomplished first production implementation of an aircraft engine multivariable control that holds multiple limits and is integrated directly into aircraft flight control. The failure immunity built into this system is key to achieving the single engine safety requirement of the F-35 aircraft,” said Jayant Sabnis, chief engineer for systems analysis and aerodynamics.

Greg Dolansky of Higganum, Conn., senior fellow, discipline lead and structures discipline chief in Hot Section Engineering, for making a significant difference in the success of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. “Greg possesses a unique combination of skills that enable him to tackle difficult, complex structural issues, effectively communicate to all levels both within and outside of Pratt & Whitney, and most importantly, teach our young engineers the important role a Structures Engineer must play in the development and support of our jet engines,” said John Zimmerman, director, mechanical disciplines.

Ted Hall of Berlin, Conn., F135 Turbine CIPT leader, for outstanding technical leadership that resulted in the successful initial service release of the F135 Engine. "Ted is the ideal CIPT leader – excellent technically, positive attitude, and always willing to work with younger engineers in a mentoring role. He is a tremendous asset to Pratt & Whitney and a critical part of the F135 leadership team. During his 32 years at Pratt & Whitney, Ted has implemented many significant and impactful turbine innovations that have contributed to the world class products our customers use every day," said Tom Prete, chief engineer, hot section engineering.

Bill Sheridan of Southington, Conn., design chief for mechanical systems and fellow for rotor systems design, for his technical leadership and innovation in the development of the Fan Drive Gear System (FDGS), a key enabler in the award-winning PurePower family of commercial engines. “Bill is one of the most creative, innovative engineers that I know. He is the consummate designer; one that can be counted on time and again for bringing elegant solutions to our most challenging engineering puzzles,” said Zimmerman.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.