Joshua Shearer

Joshua Shearer serves as Program Manager within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he leads the acquisition and technical integration of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials. Responsible for end-to-end contract lifecycle management, he oversees complex R&D solicitations that bridge fundamental science and operational capability, ensuring rapid transition of innovative solutions to warfighting platforms. His acquisitions are mission-critical, focusing on next-generation propulsion architectures, adaptive flight control systems, and advanced manufacturing techniques essential to maintaining U.S. air and space dominance. Shearer maintains consistent partnerships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These relationships are characterized by long-term, technically demanding collaborations on classified and unclassified R&D programs, often involving prototyping, materials characterization, and systems integration. His procurement approach emphasizes technical excellence, performance-based outcomes, and sustained engagement with vendors possessing deep domain expertise in propulsion systems and high-temperature materials. There is no set-aside preference in Shearer’s portfolio; all acquisitions are conducted as full and open competitions, reflecting the highly specialized nature of the work and the limited pool of qualified vendors capable of meeting stringent aerospace performance requirements. While small business participation is not mandated through socioeconomic set-asides, contractors are evaluated on technical merit, past performance, and capability to deliver mission-critical outcomes under tight developmental timelines. His procurement activity is exclusively focused on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). He procures advanced propulsion components, hypersonic test hardware, ceramic matrix composites, and computational modeling services, requiring deep expertise in aerothermodynamics, materials science, and propulsion system integration. His work directly supports the Air Force’s strategic investment in next-generation air dominance platforms.