Sphere Brake Defense, Inc. (SBD) has promoted Joe Fiore to Vice President of Research and Development. The Erie, Pennsylvania-based company confirmed the appointment in February 2026. Fiore previously served as Director of R&D, where he led the integration and scaling of sphere brake designs across ground and air platforms.
Highlights
- Joe Fiore becomes the first Vice President in SBD’s history, rising from Director of R&D to lead the company’s technical vision and execution.
- Fiore guided sphere brake technology through qualification on multiple military vehicles, including U.S. Army and Marine Corps programs.
- His new role encompasses full oversight of engineering, testing, and validation for advanced sphere brake systems and related vehicle platform technologies.
- SBD’s patented sphere brake solutions are designed to outperform conventional drum and disc brakes in power, weight, and maintenance simplicity.
Fiore’s Track Record at SBD
During his tenure as R&D Director, Fiore managed the development and integration of dozens of sphere brake configurations. His team navigated significant engineering challenges while transitioning the technology from ground vehicles to aerial platforms. As a result, SBD successfully qualified its sphere brake systems on numerous military vehicles through extensive reliability, durability, and performance testing.
Those efforts produced several industry firsts, according to the company. Additionally, they generated what SBD described as unprecedented value for its defense customers.
Expanded Leadership Responsibilities
In his new position, Fiore will oversee all engineering, testing, and validation activities. He is also responsible for driving innovation from initial concept through final qualification. Furthermore, his mandate includes ensuring all products meet strict performance, reliability, and compliance standards.
“I’m truly grateful and excited to announce Mr. Fiore’s promotion to VP of R&D, the first VP role in SBD’s history,” said AJ Lewis, CEO of SBD. Lewis added that Fiore’s design experience and manufacturing expertise consistently position the company as a leading innovator in advanced brake technologies.
Fiore, meanwhile, credited the collaborative efforts of team members Aaron Lewis, Jason Pintea, and other contributors for the company’s achievements. He expressed enthusiasm for continuing to advance SBD’s mission of delivering high-performance braking systems.
About Sphere Brake Defense
SBD is a veteran-owned small business headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania. The company develops patented sphere brake solutions engineered to surpass conventional drum and disc brakes. Key advantages of the technology include:
- Greater braking power with reduced overall weight
- Simplified maintenance through bolt-on kits enabling tool-free brake pad changes without wheel removal
- Compatibility with modern vehicle control systems for enhanced safety and reliability
- Lifecycle cost savings validated through U.S. Army and Marine Corps testing programs
The company operates with a lean, customer-focused structure. It adheres to rigorous quality standards while tailoring solutions for heavily regulated defense and vehicle markets.
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