Joshua A. Rivera

Joshua A. Rivera

Joshua A. Rivera
M.S. Aerospace Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; 06' B.S. Aerospace EngineeringSan Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Structural Analysis & Methods Head
F/A-18 Fleet Support Team
NAVAIR, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest

BIOGRAPHY

Joshua Rivera is the Head of Structural Analysis and Methods for the F/A-18 Airframe at Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, located in San Diego. His team is responsible for providing in-service engineering support for both urgent and sustainable maintenance challenges for all F/A-18 Type/Model/Series located around the world.

Immediately upon graduating from the Aerospace Engineering Department at San Diego State University, Mr. Rivera found his calling through Civil Service at NAVAIR. He began his career as a Structural Design and Analysis Engineer focusing specifically on structural analysis and simulation of composites structures. Shortly thereafter, he became a Senior Engineer and transferred to the Advanced Composites Team and was responsible for developing engineering tools to automate several steps of the workflow process for structural analysis applications. Eventually, Mr. Rivera became interested in leading teams of engineers to focus on state-of-the-art technology development and deployment into USN Aircraft Systems and became the Advanced Composites Section Head, followed by the Airframe Technology Branch Head, and eventually his current position as Head of Structural Analysis and Methods. Collaterally, Mr. Rivera is the USN Program Manager for the Composites Repair Engineering Development Program, which is a multi-national forum whose members collaborate on developing and integrating new technology, analysis methods, and material processes into our military aircraft systems.

Joshua Rivera obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University in 2006 and was the Outstanding Graduate of his graduating class. Shortly thereafter, he earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University. During his time at SDSU, Mr. Rivera found enjoyment in teaching and mentoring other students and was Teacher’s Assistant for several classes. He carried over this love of teaching as Adjunct Faculty at SDSU and taught Computer Programming Applications and Engineering Mechanics courses for a brief period of time.

Mr. Rivera has a relatively long family history to San Diego and San Diego State University. Himself, both parents, and even his grandfather attended SDSU for a brief period of time. Mr. Rivera and his wife (also an SDSU graduate) are proud parents of three children and spend their time accordingly. Mr. Rivera is a firm DIY enthusiast and enjoys gaining both knowledge and skill by doing so. Additional personal interests include travel, piano, off-roading, and boating.