Career Timeline
A Systems Engineer's Journey Across Domains
Technical Project Manager
Led cross-functional experimental R&D program exploring electromagnetic propulsion concepts, managing stakeholder relationships, hardware development timelines, and technical documentation while balancing theoretical physics research with practical engineering constraints.
- Managed experimental hardware development program from concept through fabrication and test, including high-voltage impulse systems and RF test platforms
- Coordinated between theoretical physics researchers and practical engineering implementation, bridging electromagnetic propulsion concepts with testable experimental setups
- Developed technical documentation and experimental protocols for novel propulsion research, including test procedures for impulse testing, continuous wave systems, and scalar wave transmission experiments
- Balanced aggressive research timelines with rigorous scientific methodology while maintaining safety protocols for high-voltage and RF testing operations
- Designed and implemented semi-automated test systems with relay control and multi-channel data acquisition, integrating oscilloscopes and measurement equipment for high-voltage impulse characterization
- Built technical capabilities across the team by training 5-7 personnel on machine shop operations (lathe, bandsaw, belt sander), maintaining equipment inventory database, and contributing design improvements to parallel research efforts including graphene materials testing
⚡ The Experimental Leap
After five years in aerospace and defense developing space systems and weapons platforms, I made an unconventional pivot into experimental electromagnetic propulsion research. The opportunity represented a chance to explore fundamental physics questions while applying program management skills to manage R&D timelines and stakeholder expectations in a high-uncertainty research environment.
Electrical Systems Engineer - GPS/OPIR
Supported electrical testing and data management for GPS III and OPIR satellite programs, maintaining test documentation, troubleshooting test equipment, and performing quality inspections on flight hardware. Converted test procedures into structured tracking systems and completed historical data conversion efforts spanning multiple years of program records.
- Developed Excel-based test data tracking systems by converting legacy test procedure documentation into structured spreadsheets for current and historical testing campaigns
- Completed multi-year historical data conversion effort, consolidating test records across contract lifecycle to improve traceability and reporting
- Troubleshot special test equipment as needed to maintain test operations continuity and support test engineering teams during satellite subsystem validation
- Performed board-level inspections for foreign object debris (FOD), component population verification, and out-of-tolerance conditions on space-qualified flight hardware
- Identified and implemented process improvements for test operations workflow, streamlining procedures where feasible to reduce cycle time
- Monitored and assisted test engineers during electrical subsystem verification activities on GPS and OPIR satellite platforms
🛰️ Scaling to Space Systems
After proving value in the CPE role coordinating suppliers and managing program timelines, I transitioned into satellite systems engineering—applying the same stakeholder coordination and requirements management skills to GPS and overhead persistent infrared reconnaissance platforms.
Certified Principle Engineer (CPE)
Assumed thermal battery program management responsibilities for hypersonic missile power systems, coordinating vendor contracts and technical deliverables with minimal oversight while the assigned CPE was on extended leave. Managed contract performance, reviewed data packages, witnessed qualification testing, and made termination recommendations for underperforming suppliers to protect program schedule and budget.
- Rescued thermal battery program: Took over management of three active vendor contracts with minimal transition, maintaining program continuity during critical development phase while assigned CPE was unavailable
- Managed thermal battery vendor contracts to completion, reviewing end-item data packages (EIDP), traveling to witness safety qualification testing, and coordinating technical requirements between suppliers and internal engineering teams
- Recommended contract termination for chronically underperforming vendor after two redesign cycles failed to meet specifications, presenting cost and schedule analysis to program management that resulted in program risk reduction
- Led technical interchange meetings between government customers, external suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve design issues and maintain delivery schedules
- Coordinated qualification testing and acceptance criteria for customer-provided thermal battery hardware on classified hypersonic programs
🔄 From Test to Integration
My technical breadth and ability to coordinate across teams led to the CPE role—a position requiring vendor management, schedule coordination, and the ability to translate technical requirements between government customers, external suppliers, and internal engineering teams.
Electronics Engineer
Supported circuit design, simulation, and validation for hypersonic missile avionics systems across multiple subsystems. Progressed from flight termination system requirements development to power electronics design and test, managing circuit development for squib drivers, DC-DC converters, and digital interfaces through simulation, worst-case circuit analysis, and board-level verification on high-reliability defense programs.
- Established initial requirements and circuit architecture for flight termination system before transitioning to power electronics design support
- Designed and simulated squib power switches and DC-DC converters for avionics fuel igniter interfaces on switchboard assembly card, supporting circuit redesigns and conducting EDU board-level testing
- Developed power circuits and FPGA-interfacing digital switches for safing, arming, and firing control box, managing design iterations as requirements evolved under compressed timeline
- Identified critical design issue in power supply subsystem, proposed mitigation that was adopted by parallel programs (saved $100K+ in rework costs)
- Conducted board-level verification testing for both digital and power subsystems, identifying marginal operating conditions in flyback converter topology and proposing component-level mitigation adopted by parallel programs (saved $100K+ in rework costs)
- Coordinated with senior engineers and certified principle engineers across power, digital, and test disciplines to integrate subsystems through prototype development cycle
🚀 Entry to Aerospace & Defense
Graduating with a BS in Electrical Engineering from FAU, I targeted aerospace and defense roles where systems engineering thinking and hands-on technical skills converge. Lockheed Martin offered the perfect entry point: high-reliability electronics on mission-critical systems.
B.S. Electrical Engineering Student
Completed electrical engineering degree with focus on power systems, thermodynamics, and energy conversion. Led my senior capstone project designing a combined cycle power plant, managing team of 4 students through system analysis, component selection, and performance optimization phases.
- Capstone Team Lead: Coordinated 4-person team designing combined cycle power plant with an exhaust gas boiler for additional heat recovery
- Managed project timeline, budget allocation, and stakeholder presentations to faculty and industry judges
- Designed thermal integration between carbureted generator, exhaust gas boiler, and heat recovery steam turbine
- Analyzed thermodynamic cycle efficiency and optimized waste heat recovery between primary and secondary power generation stages
- Academic focus: RF circuit design, transmission line theory, power electronics, electromagnetic fields, power systems, thermodynamics, energy conversion, heat transfer, electrical machine design
💼 Overlapping Work & School
Note: During 2016-2018, I worked part-time at The SolidExperts while completing my degree at FAU. This role provided hands-on engineering problem-solving experience and helped fund my education, working until my senior year when I focused full-time on coursework and the capstone project.
Technical Account Manager
Resolved advanced CAD and EPDM challenges for engineering teams across multiple industries while attending FAU part-time. Delivered technical troubleshooting, workflow optimization, and configuration management training. Held CSWP certification and guided clients through migrations to enterprise data management systems.
- Resolved complex 3D modeling and assembly challenges for clients in aerospace and medical device sectors
- Developed custom SolidWorks macros to automate repetitive design tasks
- Managed client relationships and project timelines while balancing full-time coursework
- Bridged mechanical design and electrical systems thinking in cross-disciplinary projects
⚙️ From Sea to Circuit: The Career Pivot
After two years operating diesel power systems in the Gulf of Mexico and international waters, I made a deliberate decision: return to school for electrical engineering. Why leave a stable maritime career? Because I realized my fascination wasn't just with making systems work—it was with understanding the electromagnetic and power electronics principles underlying those systems. The diesel generators, VFDs, SCADA automation, and electrical distribution I maintained offshore sparked questions that marine engineering training hadn't fully answered.
Assistant Engineer
Operated and maintained propulsion, power generation, and auxiliary systems on offshore supply vessels supporting deepwater drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Managed watchstanding rotations, coordinated maintenance activities, and troubleshot complex electromechanical failures under operational pressure.
- Supervised engine room operations on CAT 3516/3512 diesel generators and propulsion systems
- Managed preventive maintenance schedules and coordinated repair activities with shoreside support
- Troubleshot VFD, PLC, and electrical distribution faults in offshore operational environments
- Operated dynamic positioning systems requiring precise power management and thruster control
- Maintained 24/7 operational readiness supporting critical offshore drilling operations
🌊 From Deep Sea to Offshore Operations
After experiencing international deep sea shipping with Maersk, I sought to explore another dimension of the maritime industry. GulfMark Offshore offered the opportunity to transition from deep sea container vessels to offshore supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, tending oil rigs and supporting deepwater drilling operations. This move represented a desire to learn the offshore service vessel side of maritime operations—a completely different operational tempo and technical challenge. Instead of long ocean transits, I'd be managing dynamic positioning systems, coordinating with rig operations, and experiencing the unique engineering demands of vessels that station-keep in open water while supporting critical oil and gas infrastructure.
3rd Assistant Engineer
Operated engineering plant on container vessels supporting U.S. government sealift operations. Managed fuel systems, auxiliary machinery, and electrical distribution while coordinating with deck officers on engineering logistics including bunkering multiple fuel grades, lubricants, potable water, and generator maintenance components.
- Operated main propulsion plant and auxiliary systems on government contract vessels
- Managed fuel oil purification, lubrication systems, and engine room automation
- Coordinated with bridge team on power requirements for cargo operations and transit
- Conducted routine maintenance and troubleshooting on electromechanical systems at sea
- Supported critical main engine maintenance including multi-day injector reseating operations while maintaining vessel operational readiness
🚢 The Deep Sea Calling
Fresh out of Maine Maritime Academy with my Third Assistant Engineer license, I was drawn to work with the American Maritime Officers (AMO) union and gain deep sea shipping experience on international voyages. Maersk Line Limited offered the perfect opportunity: U.S. government contract vessels sailing to Eastern European ports, providing both invaluable hands-on industry experience and cultural exposure beyond American waters. This was my chance to apply four years of marine engineering education in real-world operations while traveling the globe.
Cadet Engineer (Summer Internship)
Summer internship during Maine Maritime Academy training, working aboard a hopper dredge conducting coastal restoration and deepening the Mississippi River projects. Assisted engineering department with machinery maintenance and gained exposure to heavy industrial maritime operations.
- Assisted with operation and maintenance of dredge pumps, diesel engines, and hydraulic systems
- Supported coastal restoration projects and deepening the Mississippi River operations
- Gained hands-on experience with heavy industrial machinery in a marine environment
- Completed required sea time for U.S. Coast Guard engineering licensing
⚙️ Testing Classroom Theory Against Reality
During my studies at Maine Maritime Academy, I was fascinated by the sheer complexity of equipment aboard dredge vessels—massive pumps, hydraulic systems, diesel generators, and specialized dredging machinery all working in concert. When the opportunity arose for a summer internship with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, I jumped at it. This was my chance to put classroom theory to the test during a 60-day stint that included both dry dock repairs and underway operations. Experiencing the entire cycle—from hands-on maintenance in dry dock to watching those same systems perform during live dredging operations—gave me invaluable insight into how complex industrial machinery behaves in the real world versus the textbook.
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Marine Engineering Technology Student & Teaching Assistant
Completed Marine Engineering Technology degree focused on propulsion systems, electrical distribution, and shipboard automation. Served as teaching assistant for engineering labs, mentoring underclassmen and supporting faculty with equipment maintenance and curriculum development.
- Earned U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer (Unlimited Horsepower) license
- SCUBA Diving Teaching Assistant: Conducted safety training, maintained diving equipment, and supervised open water dives (basic certifications, drift diving, deep water operations)
- Completed sea time aboard training vessel State of Maine during semester-at-sea voyages
- Studied power plant operations, marine electrical distribution, and automated control systems
- Foundation in systems thinking: Learned to manage complex, interconnected machinery systems where failures cascade and reliability is non-negotiable