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    Peter Gould: A Legacy of Leadership in Aerospace and Defense

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    “If I can do something to help, I will—because experience unused is opportunity wasted.”

    With over four decades of visionary leadership and engineering excellence, Peter Gould stands as a distinguished figure in the aerospace and defense sectors. His career reflects a rare balance of technical depth, strategic insight, and a steady commitment to collaborative progress. As a former Vice President and Chief Engineer at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, Peter has dedicated his life to advancing technologies that safeguard nations and elevate human potential through aerospace innovation. His story is one of sustained impact, forged through rigorous discipline, intellectual agility, and the deeply held belief that leadership is best demonstrated through service and humility.

    Peter’s journey began in earnest at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This educational foundation ignited a passion for systems thinking and analytical rigor—skills that would become the cornerstone of his career. Shortly after graduation, he embarked on a professional journey with Raytheon that would span 42 transformative years. In that time, he rose steadily through the ranks, ultimately earning the trust and confidence of executive leadership and engineering teams alike.

    Throughout his tenure at Raytheon, Peter played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s aerospace and defense programs. As Vice President and Chief Engineer, he was responsible for guiding complex systems engineering efforts and ensuring technological integrity across numerous high-stakes projects. His leadership was particularly influential during mission-critical developments in spaceborne, ground-based and airborne systems—areas where performance, precision, and innovation converge under unforgiving timelines and global scrutiny.

    Peter’s influence extended well beyond engineering acumen. He is renowned for his ability to synthesize vast quantities of technical information into clear, actionable strategies. Whether helping to develop multi-year strategic roadmaps or resolving intricate design challenges, Peter has consistently demonstrated an exceptional capacity for balanced judgment and decision-making. His peers often describe him as a “broad-view thinker,” able to assess both the micro and macro implications of technical decisions with a calm, deliberative approach.

    A hallmark of Peter’s career has been his talent for developing and leading cross-functional teams. Under his mentorship, engineers, analysts, and program managers flourished—benefiting not only from his technical insights but also from his genuine commitment to their professional growth. He has always believed that empowering people yields superior outcomes, and his leadership style reflects a deep respect for collaboration, diversity of thought, and continuous learning.

    Peter’s global perspective was shaped by his international experience, especially through collaborative engagements with NATO programs and multinational steering committees in the Netherlands and Germany. These cross-border collaborations enriched his understanding of global defense priorities and highlighted the importance of coalition-based innovation. Today, he remains open to international board roles and advisory engagements, where he can continue to lend his insight to global challenges.

    In parallel to his corporate career, Peter dedicated time to advisory roles within academia, serving on engineering advisory boards for institutions such as the Cal State system, UCLA, and Cal Poly. These roles reflect his passion for nurturing future generations of engineers and promoting STEM disciplines as pathways to societal progress. Whether addressing university boards or speaking publicly to students, Peter has always advocated for the pursuit of technical excellence anchored by ethical responsibility.

    Though his official title is now “retired,” Peter’s pursuit of purpose remains as vigorous as ever. His decision to explore board and advisory roles post-retirement arose not from necessity, but from a sincere desire to continue contributing. As he put it when first approached, “I have the time—and if I can help, I would like to.” This mindset speaks volumes about his character: thoughtful, generous, and rooted in the belief that service does not end with a job title.

    Despite a career filled with technical triumphs, Peter’s greatest contributions may lie in the intangible realms of leadership, mentorship, and integrity. He embodies the principle that excellence is not a destination but a habit—one formed through consistent effort, honest reflection, and an unyielding commitment to doing what is right. These values have earned him the admiration of colleagues across the defense industry and the gratitude of countless individuals whose careers he has shaped.

    Today, Peter Gould seeks meaningful opportunities where his experience, insight, and ethical leadership can continue to make a difference. He is not bound by preference for company size, revenue threshold, or organizational prestige. What matters to him is the opportunity to contribute—to bring clarity to complexity, guide teams toward excellence, and support missions that align with his lifelong dedication to service and innovation.

    Character:
    Peter is a man of principle, driven by a desire to serve rather than self-interest. His integrity and humility set a powerful example for those around him, fostering trust and cohesion in every team he leads.

    Knowledge:
    With over 40 years of experience, Peter possesses an encyclopedic understanding of aerospace systems and defense operations. His mastery of both technical and strategic domains allows him to translate complexity into opportunity.

    Strategic:
    Peter has consistently led with foresight, aligning engineering efforts with broader mission objectives. His ability to think long-term, while remaining agile in the face of evolving challenges, defines his strategic strength.

    Communication:
    A gifted communicator and listener, Peter excels at translating technical detail into accessible insights for diverse audiences. His speaking engagements and advisory roles reflect a commitment to clear, respectful, and purpose-driven dialogue.

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    Kacey Card
    Kacey Cardhttps://boardsi.com
    Kacey Card is an accomplished editor at Leadafi, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Kacey has honed his skills in content creation, editing, and digital media, ensuring that every piece of content meets the highest standards of quality and engagement. At Leadafi, he is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers and drive the publication's mission forward. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach to editing make him an invaluable asset to the team.