Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD)

EMD is the formal DoD acquisition phase between Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction and Production. The system design is locked, prototypes are built and tested under real operational conditions, and the manufacturing process is qualified for low-rate initial production. EMD is where defense programs either prove they can meet the spec or get killed. Cost overruns and schedule slips during EMD are the norm. The F-35 EMD ran from 2001 to 2018. EMD-experienced PMs are among the most poached people in defense. Roles where this matters: Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Contracts.