Top 40 Under 40: Peter Rice

Oct. 7, 2013

Peter Rice

Senior Electrical Engineer/Project Manager

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Date of Birth:

Years in Aviation:

Peter Rice was introduced to aviation through stories from his grandfather; an Allied Airborne pilot in World War II.  “As I grew older the details he told became more shocking and dreadful, it was amazing he lived to tell his stories, and it became clear to me that my grandfather was an excellent pilot,” says Rice.

In honor of his grandfather, who passed away his junior year of college, and Rice obtained his pilot’s license. Since graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Rice has dedicated my career path strictly to aviation. 

He began his career at Point Lighting Corporation, a manufacturer of airport, heliport and obstruction lighting.  Most nights after work and on weekends he found himself flying at Brainard Airport in Hartford, Conn. for his private pilot’s license.  He complete his license in April 2009; months later he and his fiancée decided to move to Washington D.C. , where he hoped to find a job working for the FAA, he  found with CSSI Inc. working as a contractor to the FAA’s Navigation Services.  For nearly three years, he was an electrical engineer for a team that installed NAVAIDS and Lighting Systems at airports across the country.  In December 2012, he moved to Lockheed Martin Corporation to work as a senior electrical engineer/project manager for the FAA’s Power Services Group.  Here he manages a battery replacement program; ensuring there is back-up power to national radar, communication, weather, and NAVAID facilities.  

In March 2013, Rice graduated with a 4.0 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Andrews AFB, MD, with a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science specializing in Aviation/Aerospace Management. “I love working for the FAA and will continue my pilot training where I have my sites set on becoming an aerobatic pilot,” he says.