Katherine Knapp Carney
Executive Director of Mechanical Systems, Externals & Nacelles Engineering, Pratt & Whitney
Katherine Knapp Carney holds the position of Executive Director of Mechanical Systems, Externals & Nacelles Engineering at Pratt & Whitney. Pratt & Whitney is a division of the United Technologies Corporation.
In her current role she is responsible for the Mechanical Systems, Externals and Nacelles designs which include gear systems, bearing compartments, and lubrication systems as well as Externals architecture and nacelles for all operational and development engine programs at Pratt & Whitney. She is also the Executive Champion for the UTC Engineering Ambassadors. UTC is building a multi-generational pipeline of diverse engineering talent through sponsorship of Engineering Ambassador programs at regional engineering institutions. The UTC Engineering Ambassadors use their advanced communication and leadership skills to change the conversation about engineering in school communities surrounding each institution through STEM outreach programs
Katherine started her career in 2005 working on military nozzle design. She worked on the F135 program through the validation phase of the program supporting engine test. As Pratt & Whitney launched the Geared Turbo Fan product family Katherine transitioned to engine inlet design and aerodynamics. During this time she joined the Pratt & Whitney Women’s Council whose mission is to support the recruitment, development and retention of female talent by raising the awareness of career opportunities, coaching, guiding, mentoring and providing an inclusive networking environment. She progressed to President of the Council working with the team to increase the Council participation and executing events such as the Leadership Forum to celebrate female accomplishments and champion the change needed for an inclusive workplace.
Katherine moved to the Mechanical Systems engineering organization responsible for the bearing compartments and lubrication system of the engine as well as the Fan Drive Gear system, the game changing technology behind the Geared Turbo Fan. Katherine continued to lead Mechanical Systems teams supporting the different Geared Turbo Fan platforms through engine certification and entry into service. In 2016 Katherine was named Senior Director of the Mechanical Systems organization prior to being named Executive Director of Mechanical Systems, Externals and Nacelles in 2017.
Katherine attended The George Washington University in Washington, DC and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After joining Pratt & Whitney she took advantage of the United Technologies Corporation Employee Scholar Program completing a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.