HII Appoints New VP of Quality and Engineering at Ingalls Shipbuilding

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has announced the appointment of Jennifer Childs as the new vice president of quality and engineering at Ingalls Shipbuilding, effective January 6, 2025. Childs succeeds Brian Blanchette, who will become the incoming vice president of HII and president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. This strategic move signals HII's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and driving innovation in its shipbuilding operations.

Childs brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as the director of technical & design engineering at Ingalls for the past 17 years. As a former Navy surface warfare officer (nuclear), she has a strong foundation in both technical and leadership aspects. Her commitment to developing talent and fostering a culture of innovation within her team is evident in her involvement in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Gulf Coast program and Ingalls' Society of Women Engineers (SWE) employee resource group.

In her new position, Childs will be responsible for the management and oversight of quality programs, ship design, engineering, integrated logistics support, and planning yard engineering. This appointment is expected to drive improvements in quality and efficiency at Ingalls Shipbuilding, further cementing HII's position as a global leader in all-domain defense solutions.



Childs' appointment comes at a critical juncture for the shipbuilding industry, as demand for advanced military ships and national security cutters continues to grow. Her technical acumen, coupled with her dedication to community engagement, positions her well to drive improvements in quality and efficiency at Ingalls Shipbuilding. By balancing the demands of quality and innovation, Childs can effectively lead her team to deliver high-quality results for HII's customers.



As HII continues to expand its footprint in the defense industry, the appointment of Childs as the new vice president of quality and engineering at Ingalls Shipbuilding is a strategic move that underscores the company's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and driving innovation. With her extensive experience and leadership skills, Childs is well-positioned to lead Ingalls Shipbuilding to new heights in the years to come.