Dr. Gregory Ehlert

Greg Ehlert serves as Program Manager within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he leads the acquisition and integration of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials critical to U.S. air and space dominance. He oversees the full lifecycle of research and development contracts, ensuring technical alignment with mission-critical objectives and timely delivery of next-generation propulsion solutions. His role bridges scientific innovation with defense procurement, translating complex engineering requirements into actionable acquisition strategies that support rapid prototyping and field deployment of cutting-edge aerospace systems. Ehlert maintains long-standing relationships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, partnering with firms possessing deep expertise in propulsion system design, adaptive flight control software, and advanced composite manufacturing. These collaborations are characterized by sustained, multi-year engagement grounded in technical rigor and performance-based outcomes, reflecting a preference for established contractors with proven capabilities in high-risk, high-reward aerospace R&D domains. Ehlert’s procurement portfolio reflects a strict focus on open competition, with 100% of acquisitions conducted without set-asides for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic categories. This approach prioritizes technical excellence and mission readiness over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with the agency’s need for specialized, non-commoditized capabilities that demand deep domain expertise and advanced manufacturing infrastructure. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—encompassing hypersonic propulsion testing, thermal protection systems, fuel injection technologies, and advanced materials characterization. Ehlert’s expertise centers on procuring high-fidelity experimental systems, computational modeling tools, and prototype hardware that push the boundaries of aerospace propulsion science, ensuring the Air Force maintains technological superiority in contested environments.