As the Director of Business Development for Satellite Systems at Rocket Lab, I am entrusted with overseeing all aspects of new satellite programs, catering to commercial, civil space, and national security space customers. My role involves successfully closing significant new business for our Space Systems division, where I have demonstrated a proven track record in driving growth and expanding market presence.Key Responsibilities:- New Business Development: Spearhead and execute strategies to secure substantial new business (>$500M in first 10 months) for the Space Systems division. Identify, pursue, and close opportunities that align with Rocket Lab's capabilities and goals.- Customer Engagement: Work directly with customers to understand and define their payload requirements, ensuring a tailored and customer-centric approach to satellite programs.- Strategic Partnerships: Actively pursue strategic partnerships to enhance Rocket Lab's satellite offerings, fostering collaboration and expanding the company's capabilities in the satellite systems market.Proposal Leadership:- Successfully led the first proposal and subsequent award as a satellite prime contractor for Rocket Lab, showcasing expertise in crafting compelling proposals and winning contracts in a competitive environment.Achievements:- Closed significant new business, >$500M in the first 10 months, contributing to the financial growth and success of the space systems division.- Led the first successful proposal and award as a satellite prime contractor, establishing Rocket Lab as a key player in the satellite industry.Collaboration and Leadership:- Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure alignment between customer needs and Rocket Lab's capabilities.- Provide leadership in driving studies, negotiations, and relationship-building activities to secure and execute satellite programs.

As Systems Director at The Aerospace Corporation, I led a dynamic team of 15 engineers dedicated to supporting the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Chief Architect for Hypersonic Missile Defense. In this role, I engaged regularly with the customer, defined needs, and orchestrated seamless coordination to deliver exceptional support.Key Responsibilities:- Team Leadership: Led and managed a team of 15 engineers, ensuring alignment with project goals and delivering high-quality support to the Missile Defense Agency's Chief Architect for Hypersonic Missile Defense.- Customer Engagement: Regularly engaged with the customer to understand and define their needs, fostering a collaborative relationship and ensuring the team's support was precisely tailored to meet objectives.- MDA System Integrator Support: Coordinated and led Aerospace support to the MDA System Integrator, providing expert analysis on various critical topics impacting the Missile Defense System. Topics included space sensing architecture, communications and control (C2), and interceptor performance (exo- and endo-atmospheric).- Strategic Development: Developed a comprehensive strategy for Aerospace's support in the realm of Hypersonic Defense. This included formulating plans to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in collaboration with other FFRDC, UARC, and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support contractors.Achievements:- Successfully led a team of engineers in delivering essential support to the MDA's Chief Architect for Hypersonic Missile Defense, contributing to the success of critical defense initiatives.- Coordinated Aerospace support to the MDA System Integrator, providing expert analysis on diverse topics crucial to the effectiveness of the Missile Defense System.- Developed and implemented a strategic framework for Aerospace's support in the field of Hypersonic Defense, enhancing the organization's capabilities and impact.

As Senior Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation, I played a pivotal role in coordinating support to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Chief Architect for Hypersonic Missile Defense. My responsibilities encompassed leading assessments on various critical aspects, including space tracking and transport architectures, glide phase interceptor analysis, and end-to-end kill chain modeling and simulation (M&S).Key Responsibilities:- MDA Chief Architect Support: Coordinated and provided critical support to the MDA Chief Architect for Hypersonic Missile Defense, ensuring alignment with program objectives and goals.- Space Tracking and Transport Architectures: Led assessments on space tracking and transport architectures, evaluating their effectiveness and providing insights crucial for the development of advanced hypersonic missile defense capabilities.- End-to-End Kill Chain Modeling and Simulation (M&S): Led modeling and simulation efforts for end-to-end kill chain scenarios, providing valuable data for decision-making and optimizing the effectiveness of hypersonic missile defense strategies.Achievements:- Successfully coordinated Aerospace support to the MDA Chief Architect, contributing to the success and advancement of the Hypersonic Missile Defense program.- Led assessments that provided critical insights into space tracking and transport architectures, glide phase interceptor analysis, and end-to-end kill chain modeling and simulation, enhancing the capabilities of the Missile Defense System.Collaboration and Leadership:- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of support activities and alignment with program objectives.- Provided leadership in the execution of assessments, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within The Aerospace Corporation.

As Senior Project Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation, I specialized in conducting technical intelligence assessments focused on foreign space and counterspace system capabilities. My role was integral in supporting the intelligence community by providing critical insights into the evolving landscape of space-related technologies. Additionally, as part of The Aerospace Corporation's "Project West Wing," I contributed to collaborative efforts that aimed to advance our understanding and capabilities in this domain.Key Responsibilities:- Technical Intelligence Assessments: Conducted in-depth technical intelligence assessments on foreign space and counterspace system capabilities. This involved comprehensive analysis and evaluation to provide valuable insights to the intelligence community.- Intelligence Community Support: Played a pivotal role in supporting the intelligence community by delivering accurate and timely assessments. Collaborated with various stakeholders to ensure that the intelligence provided met the highest standards of reliability and relevance.Achievements:- Successfully conducted numerous technical intelligence assessments, contributing to the intelligence community's understanding of foreign space capabilities and potential threats.- Played a crucial role in the collaborative efforts of Project West Wing, fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing within The Aerospace Corporation.Collaboration and Teamwork:- Worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams to integrate technical intelligence assessments into broader strategic perspectives.- Engaged with colleagues in Project West Wing, contributing to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in understanding foreign space and counterspace systems.

Accomplished leader with a proven track record in managing a dynamic team of 20 engineers and technicians dedicated to supporting a significant technology portfolio. My role focused on basic and applied research in space sensors for the Missile Warning and ISR mission area.Key Achievements:- Developed a strategic plan for AFRL transformative research in next-generation space sensors, including pioneering work on focal plane arrays, novel detector materials, photonic integrated circuits, and neuromorphic imaging. This contributed to enhancing tactical ISR capabilities in contested space environments.- Oversaw the unique Infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory (IRREL), conducting 8-12 radiation test campaigns annually. These tests played a pivotal role in characterizing focal plane array performance for contested space environments, directly supporting National Security Space systems.Government Engagement:- Led successful engagements with key U.S. Government customers, including the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Space Development Agency (SDA), NASA, and Other Government Agencies (OGA). These collaborations strengthened partnerships and contributed to the advancement of critical space technologies.

Established leadership in energy generation technology, leading the development of a space solar power project with direct support to HAF/A2 SES and guiding a team of over 150 individuals. Pioneered efforts as a pathfinder for a future DOD program.Key Achievements:- Managed a team of 10 engineers in the development of an annual technology portfolio, overseeing 40+ R&D projects in space solar cells, solar arrays, energy storage, radioisotope batteries, space system resilience, and power management technologies. Combined internal research with external contract activities using BAA, SBIR, and STTR authorities.- Administered successful tech transfer of Roll Out Solar Array (ROSA) and Inverted Metamorphic Multijunction (IMM) solar cell with industry partners, resulting in significant cost savings in launch costs for the Air Force.- Led and successfully closed out an Advanced Technology Demonstration on the IMM solar cell, contributing to advancements in cutting-edge solar technologies.- Oversaw the development of four flight experiments, collaborating with the DOD Space Test Program to ensure the successful implementation of space power technologies.Government Engagement:- Supported the government Space Industrial Base Working Group in developing plans for an investment in the space solar cell industrial base, playing a key role in developing the acquisition strategy for execution.- Initiated and led an interagency panel to coordinate innovative research activities in space power systems/technologies. Collaborated with AFRL, NRL, NASA, NRO, and Aerospace, fostering cross-agency collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

As the Deputy Program Manager for Advanced Space Power at the Air Force Research Laboratory, I was at the forefront of managing and directing annual research efforts exceeding $6M. In this pivotal role, I led a highly skilled team consisting of 5 PhD engineers, 2 MS engineers, and 2 technicians, overseeing advanced space power technologies.Key Achievements:- Spearheaded and coordinated research activities within a diverse group, fostering collaboration and synergy among a team of experts in the field of advanced space power technologies.- Successfully managed international collaborations, securing an award through the Air Force Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development (AOARD). Additionally, orchestrated a $1.25M Coalition Warfighter Program with INTA (Spain) for balloon calibrations of space solar cells, further enhancing global partnerships and technological advancements.Financial Oversight:- Managed an annual multi-million dollar budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and optimal execution of research efforts in advanced space power technologies.Technical Leadership:- Provided strategic guidance and technical leadership to a team of experts, driving advancements in research and development within the field.

As a Research Electronics Engineer within the Advanced Space Power Program at AFRL, I was dedicated to pushing the boundaries of energy generation and storage technologies for space vehicles. My role involved investigating novel solutions, with a focus on solar photovoltaic and radioisotope technologies utilizing liquid semiconductors.Key Responsibilities:- Technology Investigation: Conducted in-depth research on novel energy generation and storage devices, exploring advancements in solar photovoltaic and radioisotope technologies utilizing liquid semiconductors.- Contract and Grant Management: Managed Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) contracts and grants/cooperative agreements with university and industry collaborators. Worked closely with external partners to advance research in advanced space power technologies.- Mentoring and Education: Mentored student interns, guiding them in the development of complex laboratory projects focused on space power. Contributed to the education and skill development of the next generation of professionals in the field.- Communication and Presentation: Presented technical and programmatic information to senior leadership during ongoing review cycles, including the Program Technical Quality Review. Effectively communicated research findings, project updates, and program status to ensure alignment with organizational goals.Achievements:- Successfully navigated and managed multiple BAA contracts and grants, fostering collaboration and innovation with external partners in academia and industry.- Mentored student interns, providing hands-on experience in laboratory projects and contributing to the growth and development of emerging talent in the field of space power.Collaboration and Teamwork:- Collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team to integrate research findings into the broader context of the Advanced Space Power Program, ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.

As a Research Scientist and Lecturer at UC Davis, I deeply engaged in advancing the field of solar energy conversion materials and systems. My research focused on innovative areas such as thin film InP, multijunction solar cells, and hybrid photovoltaic-photothermal systems.Key Responsibilities:- Solar Energy Conversion Research: Investigated and pioneered advancements in solar energy conversion materials and systems, with specific expertise in thin film InP, multijunction solar cells, and hybrid photovoltaic-photothermal systems.- Laboratory Management: Successfully refurbished an $800k molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system for the investigation of nonisovalent alloys. Managed a $300k renovation of a 900 sq. ft. lab space, transforming it from an optics teaching lab to a cutting-edge compound semiconductor research facility.- Student Mentorship: Recruited, supervised, and mentored four graduate and four undergraduate engineering students. Guided research projects spanning photothermal and photovoltaic solar energy conversion, aluminum-based energy storage materials, high-speed heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT), and Arduino-based instrumentation.- Educational Contribution: Produced and published short supplemental instructional videos for an introductory circuits course, showcasing my commitment to effective teaching. The videos, hosted on YouTube, have garnered over 1M views and gained 9,000 subscribers from more than 100 different countries.Training and Guidance:- Provided comprehensive equipment and safety training to students, fostering a culture of safety and adherence to best practices. Assisted with experimental setups, project development, and offered guidance on data analysis.Innovation and Outreach:- Actively contributed to the academic community by fostering innovation and outreach through research and instructional content, reaching a global audience through online platforms.