As an Engineering Program Manager at the Jervis B. Webb Company, a division of Daifuku Airport Technologies, Kyle Kittleson has showcased exceptional dedication, a solutions-based approach, and steady leadership that have propelled him through the ranks. His commitment to refining baggage systems and driving industry advancements has not only positively impacted his organization but has also positioned him as a rising star in the aviation engineering landscape.
"What many might see as just a piece of baggage might see as simply a conveyor that transports a piece of baggage from point A to point B is actually a determining factor in the event of someone’s life,” he said.
Kittleson's journey at Daifuku began in 2016 as a College Co-Op Intern while pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Wayne State University. From Controls Engineer to Lead Controls Engineer and subsequently Controls Systems Supervisor, he demonstrated a readiness to take on complex projects, including the intricate recontrol of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's McNamara Terminal baggage system.
In 2021, his efforts culminated in his promotion to Controls Systems Supervisor, overseeing a team of project engineers and contributing significantly to the successful launch of the Newark Liberty International Airport's New Terminal A baggage handling system. Further elevating his role, Kittleson embraced the position of Engineering Program Manager in 2023, where he now leads multiple project engineers, manages department resources and budgets, and collaborates with the Development group to drive the design, commissioning, and testing of baggage handling systems across the East Coast and Midwest.
"I am most proud of my recent experience as the Project Engineer for the DTW McNamara Terminal Recontrol project,” he said. “This project was arguably one of the most logistically challenging projects my company had ever faced."
At Daifuku's Airport and AGV Innovation Center, he played a pivotal role in implementing an Early Bag Storage (EBS) system and an Individual Carrier System (ICS).
Kittleson’s goal for the future is to, “be known as someone who helped grow the reputation of the company. I want to accomplish this by being a 'front man' to some of our successful new projects while also internally being viewed as a leader."
