2021 Engineering Leader Under 40: Michael Mast, 31

Lead Systems Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, AZ, United States, BS Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University, MS Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University

By CFE Media September 8, 2021
Michael Mast, 31, Lead Systems Engineer, Honeywell Aerospace Phoenix, AZ, United States, BS Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University, MS Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University

Michael Mast, 31
Lead Systems Engineer
Honeywell Aerospace
Phoenix, AZ, United States
BS Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University
MS Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University

Why should this person be recognized for this award?

Michael is an outstanding engineering leader who has progressed from summer intern at Honeywell Aerospace to Lead Systems Engineer overseeing Automatic Flight and Thrust Control Functions as part of the Integrated Flight Systems team. Mike is an excellent communicator, easy to talk to and can dive into technical details at any level. He and the teams he supports have successfully achieved key development milestones for multiple aircraft certification programs as well as R&D programs. He has also participated as a flight controls test engineer on numerous aircraft flight tests. Mike is an outstanding, talented engineer and worthy of this recognition.

Achievements, Advancement & Career-related Industry Contributions

Michael has worked at Honeywell for 10 years as a systems engineer. Michael started as an intern at Honeywell Aerospace in the Automatic Flight Controls Software Design group and now holds the current position as a Lead Systems Engineer overseeing Automatic Flight and Thrust Control Functions as part of the Integrated Flight Systems team. During his time at Honeywell Michael has participated on and led teams developing new and novel Aerospace technology in addition to cutting edge designs of new thrust management, thrust director, automatic flight guidance and advanced safety functions. These projects have led to Michael submitting multiple patent applications for inventions created while at Honeywell. Michael has experience designing, testing and certifying complex control systems architecture and has been awarded the Honeywell Outstanding Engineer award twice during his career. Michael has participated in a significant number of flight tests related to flight controls on a variety of turboprop and business jet aircraft and has flown in over 50 sorties totaling over 200 hours.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies

Michael has a passion for cooking and traveling with his wife. Michael’s hobbies involve enjoying time with his newborn son, playing softball, golfing, and barbequing. In past years’ travels (pre-COVID) to Paris, London, and Scotland they were lucky enough to dine in multiple Michelin Star Restaurants to enjoy their love of food and dining experiences. They love to experience the culture and history of other countries. Michael loves Arizona State University athletics as his alma mater and has had season tickets to football and basketball. Michael also enjoys attending his church and the weekly church neighborhood groups.

Interesting Details

  • Michael is passionate about mentoring engineers out of college to support their future successes. Michael has mentored many engineers that were newly hired within his team to educate and provide personal and professional advice to young engineers driven by his desire to see people grow as individuals as well as professionals.
  • During an initiative by his church to sponsor children in need in Columbia, Michael and his wife have sponsored a child in need in Columbia for multiple years. Michael has traveled to Mexico, New York, Boston, Texas and California on mission trips to help communities in need.

Why did they choose this career?

“I chose this career because of my passion for solving problems and my love of the aerospace industry. Growing up, my father would take me to ‘Luke Days’ at Luke AFB where we would watch the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels perform and this fueled my passion for aerospace. I have fond memories of my father and I at night watching for the glow of satellites overhead. After high school, I chose to pursue a career of engineering in hopes of combining my passion for design and helping make the world a better place with my love of the aerospace industry.”


Author Bio: Since its founding in 2010, CFE Media and Technology has provided engineers in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings, and manufacturing control systems with the knowledge they need to improve their operational efficiency. CFE delivers the right information at the right time around the world through a variety of platforms.