Patrick Rogers

Sales Director and Business Development @ Hensoldt Optronics | Commercial Helicopter Pilot and Aviation Expert

Etzenricht, Bavaria, Germany

About

Over two decades of experience in aviation and the defense industry, serving in diverse roles and environments as a U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, and Program Manager, and now in global sales and business development. Skilled in operations, logistics, quality assurance, and military aviation, with a proven ability to build customer relationships, develop new opportunities, and drive growth. MBA in International Business with a strong focus on delivering value and exceeding stakeholder expectations.

Experience

  • Sales Director Airborne and Space Optronics at HENSOLDT
    Aug 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

    As a Sales Director at HENSOLDT, I oversee international sales for advanced airborne optronics solutions across various aircraft platforms. My role involves developing and executing strategic sales initiatives while building strong relationships with key stakeholders in the defense and aerospace sectors. I am committed to delivering innovative technologies that enhance the safety and operational capabilities of our global clients.

  • ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (Fürstenfeldbruck, Bavaria, Germany)
    • Business Development and Project Management
      May 2024 - Aug 2024 · 4 mos

      • Led international market expansion initiatives for ESG's Helicopter Division, driving business growth and enhancing global presence. • Managed strategic projects in collaboration with international organizations and national authorities. • Developed and executed strategies to expand ESG's presence in the global defense industry.

    • Systems Consultant
      Feb 2024 - May 2024 · 4 mos

      Excited to leverage 20+ years of military aviation maintenance and operations expertise in my new role as a Systems Consultant for Aviation Operations.

  • Soldier Training Assistant Program Manager at Training Support Activity Europe
    Sep 2023 - Jan 2024 · 5 mos

    During my internship at Training Support Activity Europe, I had the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in a dynamic environment focused on enhancing training support for military personnel across Europe. 🔹 Role Overview: As an intern, I actively contributed to various projects aimed at optimizing training programs and resources for military units stationed in Europe. 🔹 Collaborative Initiatives: I collaborated closely with seasoned professionals to develop and implement strategies that improved training efficiency and effectiveness. By participating in team meetings and brainstorming sessions, I gained firsthand experience in tackling real-world challenges within the defense sector. 🔹 Skill Development: This internship provided a platform for me to enhance my skills in project management, data analysis, and communication. I leveraged cutting-edge tools and methodologies to analyze training data and generate actionable insights. 🔹 Cross-Cultural Engagement: Working within a diverse team allowed me to appreciate the importance of cross-cultural communication and collaboration. I learned to navigate cultural nuances while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. 🔹 Professional Growth: Through mentorship and hands-on experience, I cultivated a deeper understanding of military training operations and acquired practical skills that will serve me well in my future endeavors. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been part of Training Support Activity Europe, where I contributed to impactful projects and developed as a professional. I look forward to leveraging this experience as I continue to pursue my career goals in the defense industry.

  • US Army (6 yrs 5 mos)
    • Maintenance Test Pilot/Site Aviation Maintenance Program Manager
      Nov 2020 - Jan 2024 · 3 yrs 3 mos

      Developed organizational aviation maintenance project plan and managed all aspects of project operations through expert influence and collaborative approaches. Developed team of professionals to carry out organizational imperatives in support of executive level vision.

    • Maintenance Test Pilot/Aviation Maintenance and Quality Program Manager
      Oct 2018 - Nov 2020 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      • Led aviation maintenance program for rapid response organizations, overseeing production outputs and risk mitigation. • Communicated key performance metrics to senior executives for informed decision-making.

    • Maintenance Test Pilot
      Sep 2017 - Sep 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Helicopter Pilot / Logistics Program Manager at US Army
    Jul 2014 - May 2017 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    • Operated UH-60M/L Black Hawk helicopters in all modes of flight—including day, night, and NVG—across a wide range of mission profiles and environments. • Maintained expert-level technical and tactical proficiency to support diverse U.S. military operations. • Planned, synchronized, and executed air missions, integrating with joint and multinational forces to ensure mission success. • Led a supply and logistics program, managing a property book valued at over $200 million to ensure accountability and operational readiness. • Served as a Section Manager, supervising and mentoring a 20-person team, fostering a culture of performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement in high-pressure environments. • Acted as a Unit Trainer, responsible for onboarding and training newly assigned aviators, ensuring readiness and effectiveness in complex operational environments.