Identification (ID) Systems Engineer for Core Avionics Division (AIR 4.5.3) supporting PMA-265 (F/A-18)

Technical Lead on projects up to $5M. I oversaw and performed the integration, testing, and evaluation of Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) and Collision Avoidance systems for the US military. My work included developing test plans and system diagrams, conducting ground, laboratory, and pre-flight testing, verifying data communications, and monitoring instrumentation. I analyzed control and reply message traffic during tests and simulations and prepared change requests. I also validated design requirements for embedded secondary surveillance radar software. In addition, I coordinated junior engineers. Some of my projects and accomplishments included:Qualifying antenna failures, IFF transponders, and enhanced surveillance equipment for the RAF C-130J Software Upgrade Block 6.1 project. Saved $2M by reducing test times. Developed equipment qualification tests. Carried out root cause analysis and eliminated technical issues before field service called in.Designing integration test documents and surveillance system portions of the Air Vehicle Specification phase of the Algerian C-130H Avionics Modification Program. Prepared wiring diagrams, test procedures, and test equipment interface drawings. Played key role in project coming in ahead of schedule.Performing design, system requirement, and software reviews, developing testing, integration, subsystem design documents, and designing performance specifications for the C-130J Software Upgrade Block 8.1 project, which enabled greater waveform encryption for IFF plus routing and fuel reduction. Co-designed the communication-navigation systems/air traffic self-certification matrix. Evaluated the impact of Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) changes. Aided the inclusion of new Radio Technical Commission for Avionics (RTCA) minimum operating standards for ATCRBS/Mode Select (Mode S) Airborne Equipment.Writing/reviewing technical training courseware for program curricula and updating flight manuals.

In this position, I worked on projects up to several million dollars for the F-22A Program. I carried out data analysis and testing/integration activities to support avionics modernization efforts. Some of these projects included: Preparing the initial data analysis plan, including methodologies for measuring effectiveness, for the Spiral 2 IFDL (In-Flight Data Link) project. Authored code to analyze the performance of the data link during flight. Updated the data analysis plan to account for test requirement changes. Reviewed findings reports for potential issues. Improved IFDL test set capabilities through testing and integration of data messaging software and IFDL controller software, and by operating the cockpit IFDL to observe system behavior. Improved system performance by determining the source of an anomaly in the CNI subsystem and reviewing the fix. Completed the project ahead of schedule, saving several million dollars for the client, and earned a Performance Award. Designing analysis and test plans for the Digital Electronic Warfare Subsystem. Evaluated ground target detection ranges and false track rates for threat systems. Played a key role in the integration of the Digital EW into the F-22A Avionics Modernization effort.

I was promoted to Lead Analyst for the Single Integrated Air Picture (SIAP) program, which provides a simultaneous common tactical picture for multiple users. I also served as a Combat ID subject matter expert (SME) for a network of generic sensors included in a platform independent model used by the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine aviation systems. In order to identify implementation issues, I utilized mission and engagement-level warfare analysis tools. My projects and accomplishments included:Facilitating the sharing of tactical and strategic battlefield data across joint and distributed networks by aiding in the drafting of aircraft computing platform requirements for the Platform Specific Model.Designing the entire Combat ID functional architecture for the SIAP system and assisting with requirement and test plan development as well as object-oriented analysis and design (OOA/OOD).

In this role, I carried out systems testing, data analysis, data fusion, and data reduction for multiple data bus-formatted flight test data for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft IFF, TCAS, PIDS (Positive Identification System), ATNAVICS (Air Traffic Navigation, Integration, and Control System), and CXP (Common Transponder) systems. My projects and accomplishments included: Improving system efficiency by analyzing radar, telemetry, GPS, and imaging data to identify improvements in range and bearing resolution, time-to-identify, probability of detection, field-of-regard, round-link reliability, target split metrics, resulting in fewer mid-air near misses between aircraft and improved target detection/localization.Conducting data analysis to ensure secondary surveillance radar performance specifications were met.

My first position with NASC involved serving as the Navy's Integrated Logistics Support(ILS)/Operations & Support (O&S) Representative for the F/A-18 E/F's AESA radar design source selection program. I also supported the F/A-18 E/F Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) and Active Electronically–Scanned Array (AESA) radar programs. My projects and accomplishments included:Completing critical Maintenance Trade Studies to support Total Ownership Cost (TOC), Cost as an Independent Variable (CAIV), and Applique Acceleration Integrated Product Team (AAIPT) initiatives. Performing cost analysis for the maintenance and development of ILS and O&S life cycle cost models for the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet program. Contributing to cost control by touring facilities for bidding contractors, modeling ILS and O&S costs, meeting with source selection engineering teams, and evaluating contractors' proposals.