About Me
Robert is the Chief Engineer for the Communication and Intelligence Support Systems (CISS) Program Management Office within the Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) directorate at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). In this capacity, he serves as the Principal Technical Authority for a diverse portfolio of classified, Special Operations-unique communication and intelligence systems. Robert provides executive-level oversight for the engineering, acquisition, and rapid fielding of advanced capabilities, ensuring global mission readiness for Special Operations Forces.
Prior Experience
Prior to joining USSOCOM, Robert served as the Deputy Chief Engineer for the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Acquisition Directorate at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). There, he orchestrated the end-to-end systems engineering and strategic integration of a multi-billion-dollar overhead SIGINT system-of-systems architecture. At NRO, Robert also held leadership positions as a mission manager and deputy branch chief in the Office of Space Launch (OSL). In these roles, he directed strategic development, acquisition, and transition of advanced on-orbit capabilities and modernized launch infrastructure to ensure 100% mission success for national security payloads.
Robert began his federal career at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) as a Mechanical Engineer, following brief stints as a contractor at NRL and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). At NRL, he led research projects involving blast and ballistic protection for Warfighters, metal/ceramic additive manufacturing, injury biomechanics emphasizing traumatic brain injury (TBI), and applications of machine learning in those areas.
Robert currently resides in Springfield, VA with his wife, Faith, and their daughter, Audrey. When he is not spending time with his family, he has several hobbies including cars, videogames, powerlifting, and martial arts (Brazilian jiu-jitsu; Judo).
Career Chronology
- Aug 2013 - Jun 2015: Research Associate, Texas A&M University
- May 2014 - Aug 2014: Visiting Scholar, AFRL
- Jun 2015 - Sep 2016: Biomechanics Engineer, Leidos Inc
- Sep 2016 - Feb 2023: Mechanical Engineer, NRL
- Feb 2023 - Sep 2023: Mission Manager, OSL, NRO
- Sep 2023 - Sep 2024: Deputy Branch Chief, OSL, NRO
- Sep 2024 – May 2026: Deputy Chief Engineer, SIGINT, NRO
- May 2026 – Present: Chief Engineer, PM CISS, USSOCOM
Education
- 2013 - Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- 2015 - Master of Science, Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- 2022 - Doctor of Philosophy, Industrial Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Certifications
- Defense Acquisition Engineering & Technical Management - Practitioner
- Defense Acquisition Test & Evaluation - Practitioner