Aston, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Joshua D. Bird

Plant Engineer

Joshua D. Bird is a results-driven engineering and operations leader with a diverse background spanning military aviation, manufacturing, maintenance, and infrastructure management. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and former U.S. Air Force pilot, he developed a foundation of leadership, discipline, risk management, and operational excellence while flying complex missions around the world. He serves as a Plant Engineer for 3M, leading maintenance and engineering teams responsible for critical manufacturing operations, capital projects, reliability initiatives, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. He maintains his Airline Transport Pilot certification and remains actively engaged in the aviation community, with a long-term goal of leveraging his leadership, operational expertise, and aviation experience to continue growing within the professional aviation industry.

“I define success as continually becoming a better version of myself while making a positive impact on the people around me. Professional accomplishments matter, but success is bigger than a title or paycheck. It is being a good husband, staying true to my faith and values, being someone others can depend on, and leaving every team or organization better than I found it.”

Background

Joshua D. Bird is an aviation professional, engineer, and military veteran whose career has been shaped by leadership, service, technical excellence, and a commitment to continuous growth. Following graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Management while competing as a Division I athlete in football and rugby, Josh trained as a military pilot and went on to fly the KC-10 Extender, serving as an aircraft commander and instructor pilot. He later earned selection to the U-2 program. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and has accumulated more than 2,600 hours of flight experience. Following his military service, Josh transitioned into manufacturing and engineering with 3M, where he has held positions of increasing responsibility in production, maintenance, and plant engineering. His work has included leading technical teams, improving equipment reliability, managing capital projects, strengthening preventive maintenance programs, and helping solve complex operational challenges. Aviation remains an important part of his life as he continues to fly and pursue opportunities to combine his leadership and technical background with his passion for professional aviation.