Biography of Philip Nevenhoven
Philip Nevenhoven has 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, where he has served as a program manager and quality assurance leader. His work has included supporting executive, commercial, and military aircraft systems. Throughout his career, he has led complex programs, improved production quality, and aligned teams with industry standards, including AS9100, ISO 9001, and defense compliance requirements.
Philip’s path reflects a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, problem-solving, and leadership His story began with hands-on experience and has been guided by a steady dedication to excellence in technical environments
From an Early Age, A Passion for Building, Craftsmanship
Growing up in a small town in Iowa, he was curious about how things worked and were put together This curiosity led to a growing interest in building and craftsmanship At the age of 13, he assisted in remodeling a house for a friend’s father, who owned a construction company During that summer, Nevenhoven completed his first full electrical wiring project, which marked the beginning of his path toward practical problem-solving
During high school, he worked on job sites with a general contractor, learning the steps involved in constructing residential buildings His skills and work ethic caught the attention of his high school shop teacher, who later joined him on job sites to learn from his practical experience during summer breaks.
After graduating with a degree in carpentry, he returned to new home construction. He later challenged himself by taking the union carpentry apprenticeship test in a nearby city At 19, he passed the exam with ease, becoming the youngest person to do so without a formal apprenticeship.
From Residential Construction to Building Interiors for Custom Jets to a Career in Aerospace His skill set led him from residential construction to fine interior trim carpentry. Following a job site injury, he decided to explore a new path for his career
In 1995, Philip Nevenhoven entered the aerospace industry, working on interiors for custom business jets in Kansas This move marked the beginning of a career in aerospace that would span three decades.
With a background in craftsmanship and a focus on precision, he transitioned into roles spanning quality, engineering, and program management within the aerospace industry, leveraging the practical skills he developed during his earlier work
A Bespoke Aerospace Career
Throughout his career, Nevenhoven worked with major aerospace organizations across the United States, Canada, and France, leading programs that supported executive and military aviation Most recently, he led a team of more than 50 quality engineers and program managers, managing large-scale program deliveries while driving continuous improvement.
Philip led cross-functional teams across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing, with a focus on FAA conformity, AS9100 compliance, and ISO quality systems. His work included overseeing aircraft interior production seating systems and managing complete program
lifecycles, from design and certification through delivery He worked closely with OEMs and suppliers to ensure product conformity, manage subcontractor inspections, and resolve technical and compliance issues in domestic and international settings
Alongside his direct work in quality and inspection, Philip held leadership roles in training, team development, and process improvement, supporting operational efficiency, reducing rework, and assisting with FAA audits and customer certifications. His knowledge of CATIA V5, ENOVIA, and lean quality systems enabled design improvements, cost reductions, and manufacturability enhancements across various aircraft programs
Philip is recognized for his ability to motivate and guide multidisciplinary teams, helping them perform consistently while supporting continuous improvement in engineering, production, and compliance areas. He manages projects under pressure and meets deadlines as priorities evolve
Nevenhoven is known for his clear communication and diplomatic leadership style, which helps align stakeholders, encourages collaboration, and avoids conflict while promoting cohesive decision-making. His experience in regulatory and customer-facing roles includes serving as the primary contact during conformity inspections, certification phases, and compliance reviews He has led quality system audits and worked with the FAA, DERs, and international aviation authorities to ensure certification processes and delivery timelines are maintained.
Education and Certifications
Philip received his CATIA V5 Certificate from Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) in 2006. This program specializes in aerospace and advanced manufacturing technologies, with CATIA V5 used widely for engineering simulations, 3D modeling, and product design
He also earned an AOS/Certificate in Building Trades/Carpentry from Ellsworth Community College in 1989
The Importance of Giving Back
Nevenhoven has continued to support people in need by regularly donating to organizations such as Goodwill and other nonprofit groups, demonstrating his commitment to helping others within the community
Philip’s Hobbies
He enjoys work, a vital part of renovations, a passion that began during his youth and remains an essential and significant part of his life He also values fitness and distance running, having earned awards for finishing among the top in his class during various races.
Philip Nevenhoven continues to bring focus, steady leadership, and dedication to his work and personal interests, demonstrating the same commitment to craftsmanship and problem-solving that guided him from his early years in Iowa through a career in the aerospace industry
