Title: Director of Business Development
Company: Leonardo DRS
Location: Panama City, Florida, United States
LCDR Robert A. Chapin, USN Ret., director of business development at Leonardo DRS, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Naval electronic and undersea systems and with the U.S. Navy.
With nearly a decade and a half of experience to his credit, Mr. Chapin has built a successful career in the maritime industry, specializing in Naval electronics and undersea systems. He currently excels as the director of business development at Leonardo DRS, a position he has held since 2024. In this role, he engages with naval leaders, particularly within the submarine force, to provide critical goods and services for submarine construction. Working closely with government acquisition professionals, he identifies next-generation capabilities the Navy requires for warfighting and delivers tailored solutions. His role in defense manufacturing is pivotal, as he manages coordination across product lines, business lines, and military forces, ensuring seamless integration and success in mission-critical projects. He explains that manufacturing and logistics, along with supply chain management, present unique challenges in the defense industry due to stringent regulations and requirements. Unlike typical consumer goods, procuring high-level electronic components for defense purposes demands careful consideration, especially given the commonality of such components being manufactured in China. Additionally, he holds memberships with the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium, the Naval Surface Technology and Innovation Consortium, and the Naval Submarine League, where he also volunteers his time.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Chapin had an impressive tenure in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2024. He rose to the rank of lieutenant commander, serving as a naval submarine officer. His notable positions include tactics officer from 2020 to 2024, weapons officer from 2018 to 2020, and strategic sealift officer at Texas A&M University from 2014 to 2017. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant engineer from 2011 to 2014 and as a nuclear machinist mate from 2000 to 2006. Laying a strong educational foundation, he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 2017. He is a certified Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute and has completed several LinkedIn Learning courses, including “Business Development Foundations” and “Setting a Vision: How to Gain Clarity on Your Goals” in 2024. Additionally, he earned a Department of Energy Certification in Nuclear Engineering from the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command’s Nuclear Power School from 2010 to 2011.
Reflecting on his path, Mr. Chapin gained extensive experience as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy, which provided him with a deep understanding of undersea systems. This expertise led to his opportunity with DRS, where his knowledge was highly valued. In his current role, he works closely with the Navy and undersea systems organizations to identify technological gaps and develop solutions that meet the Navy’s needs. His work ensures that the Navy has access to the technology essential for its operations. In the coming years, his short-term goal is to build relationships, promote his organization’s values, and continue learning and growing professionally. Ultimately, he aspires to mentor those coming up behind him and aims to reach a senior leadership role such as vice president, general manager, or chief executive officer, while continuing to find new ways to challenge himself and provide value to his organization.
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