Dr. David E. Lambert is a distinguished senior executive and Chief Scientist of the Munitions Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. As the principal scientific and technical advisor to the Director, he provides strategic guidance and oversight for the directorate's science and technology portfolio, driving innovation and advancement in conventional weapons development for the US Air Force and US Space Force.
The Munitions Directorate, under Dr. Lambert's technical leadership, is a premier organization comprising over 800 multidisciplinary professionals who collaborate to accelerate the discovery, development, and transition of cutting-edge technologies in areas such as autonomous systems, energetic materials, and advanced ordnance concepts. His expertise spans a broad range of technical disciplines, including detonation physics, dynamic fracture and fragmentation, penetration mechanics, and integrated ordnance systems.
With a career spanning over three decades in the Department of Defense, Dr. Lambert has established himself as a renowned expert in his field, with a strong background in applied research and development. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Air Force Research Laboratory, and has held leadership positions in various technical communities, including the International Ballistics Society, Hypervelocity Impact Society, and Aeroballistics Range Association.
Dr. Lambert currently serves as the U.S. National Lead for the Weapons Group of the Five Eyes S&T organization (formerly The Technical Cooperation Program) and represents the Air Force on the Executive Steering Group of the Kinetic Weapons Community of Interest, a key initiative under the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's Reliance 21 program. His exceptional technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and innovator in the field of conventional weapons development.
EDUCATION
1987 Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee
1991 Master of Science, Engineering Mechanics, University of Florida, Gainesville
1998 Doctor of Philosophy, Engineering Mechanics, University of Florida, Gainesville
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. May 1985–May 1987, Engineering and Architecture Student Trainee, Civil Engineering Group (AD/DEEPE), Armament Directorate, Air Force Systems Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
2. May 1987–June 1992, Mechanical Engineer, Warheads Branch, Air Force Armament Laboratory, Aeronautical Systems Command, Eglin AFB, Fla.
3. July 1992–March 1997, Mechanical Engineer, Warheads Branch, Wright Laboratory, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Materiel Command, Eglin AFB, Fla.
4. March 1997–January 2009, Team Lead, Damage Mechanisms Branch, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, Eglin AFB, Fla.
5. January 2009–September 2013, Damage Mechanisms Sciences Core Technical Competency Lead, Damage Mechanisms Branch, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, Fla.
6. September 2013–July 2015, Principal Mechanical Engineer, Ordnance Sciences Core Technical Competency Lead, Ordnance Division, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, Fla.
7. July 2015–present, Chief Scientist, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, Fla.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Fellow, Air Force Research Laboratory
AF Commendation Medal - Exemplary Civilian Service Award
2x Air Force Commendation Medal - Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Air Force Commendation Medal - Civilian Achievement Award
S&T Achievement Award, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
AFRL Science, Engineering and Technical Award
AFMC Science, Engineering and Technical Award
Leroy Collins Distinguished Graduate – Northwest Florida State College
Distinguished Alumnus, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Univ. of Florida
Hall of Fame, Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Fellow)
Air Force Research Laboratory (Fellow)
Hypervelocity Impact Society (past President)
International Ballistics Society (Founding Senior Member)
DEFENSEWERX Board of Directors, ex officio (July 2015 – May 2022)
National Exchange Club – Emerald Coast chapter (President-Elect)
(Current as of February 2025)