Employee Spotlight: James Duncan
One thing I love about Enstrom Helicopter is that it’s all about innovation – finding new and better ways to promote performance and safety in its designs.
My name is James Duncan, and I joined Enstrom as the R&D Engineering Manager in September of this year. I love the tight-knit, roll-up-your-sleeves work culture, and I believe there’s a direct line from empowering good engineering to safer, more capable helicopters.
Prior to Enstrom, I worked as a Manufacturing/Automation Engineer and Product Engineer for another company. I joined the Enstrom team with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and more than 15 years of experience as a professional helicopter pilot and entrepreneur. In addition to my ATP & CFII helicopter ratings, I have a Six Sigma Green Belt, and I’m a SolidWorks Certified Professional.
My day-to-day work responsibilities involve scoping projects, setting my team’s technical direction, and coordinating cross-functional teams, such as mechanical, avionics, and flight tests. An early priority of mine has been to develop a modular flight-instrumentation/DAQ system for flight testing. Our team has already celebrated one recent major success, with the FAA certifying Enstrom’s crash-resistant fuel system in the 480B.
I’ll soon get to explore my role as a test pilot more, flying engineering and evaluation sorties to help bridge design intent with real-world performance. In my brief time with Enstrom, I’ve grown to really appreciate leadership’s openness to practical innovation and their desire to adopt new technologies that push the company forward.
My wife and I are recent transplants to the Menominee area, and we’re eager to make this place our home alongside our kids and miniature schnauzer. Outside of work, you’ll regularly find me diving into 3D printing and product design. My other hobbies include cycling, espresso tinkering, and playing board games with my family.
I’m excited to continue growing and making connections at Enstrom – building upon its storied legacy of building safe, reliable aircraft. My hope is to begin mentoring Enstrom’s interns and to partner with local colleges and tech programs, which means growing regional aerospace and advanced-manufacturing talent.
About Enstrom Helicopter
From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.