Joe Fakult has over 30 years of experience in the design of rotating electric machines, with most of that time designing electric generators for helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, for both commercial and military applications. He joined Safran (then TRW) in 2001 where his responsibilities included design of new electric power generators, as well as engineering support for proposals, production, and field service. Joe has played a lead design role for various generators for the Dassault Falcon 7X business jet, Sikorsky CH53K cargo helicopter, Bell 525 “Relentless” helicopter, Boeing 777X Ram Air Turbine (RAT), and the Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft.
Prior to Safran, Joe designed three-phase induction motors for Lincoln Electric for machine tool, elevator, and general industrial applications. Joe also designed Switched Reluctance motors for Tridelta, including a prototype electric vehicle motor for General Motors.
In 2017, Joe was awarded Safran Electrical and Power Innovation Contest “Grand Prize Winner” representing 13,000 Safran Electrical and Power employees, for his invention of the RAT anti-icing heater, which prevents build-up of ice that could inhibit safe deployment of the RAT in emergency conditions. Joe was recognized as “Safran Expert” in the field of electric machines for his experience, knowledge, judgement, innovation, communication, and leadership qualities. Joe is the inventor for three patents in the field of rotating electric equipment.
Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from Cleveland State University.
Joe is the immediate past President of the Case Alumni Association. As part of that role, he has served on the Visiting Committee for the Case School of Engineering and on the President’s Campaign Cabinet for the planned Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building.
