Alek Kessinger
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
At SAIC, my focus as a Senior Hardware Engineer is on enhancing national security through advanced radar systems. Our team contributes critical expertise to the Space Force, ensuring the reliability and advancement of the U.S. missile defense infrastructure.
Previously, as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration, I honed my skills in radar, automation and communication system sustainment. This role required a deep understanding of component testing and system analysis, which I applied to maintain vital radar sites across Colorado. My dedication to mission success is matched by a commitment to meticulous detail in high-pressure environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Hardware Engineer
SAIC
08.2024 - Current
- Supporting the U.S Space Force, Space Systems Command, in providing ongoing sustainment and modification of the Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR) and the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS)
- Performing electrical and mechanical analysis, supporting system integration, test, development and execution of complex communications systems
- Granted Secret Level Security Clearance, September 2024
Airway Transportation System Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration
08.2017 - 08.2024
- Served the FAA as a subject matter expert in radar, automation and communication systems. Maintained and analyzed numerous surveillance sites across the state of Colorado to include terminal and enroute radars.
- Certified STARS System Specialist (Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System). Conducted operations and maintenance of IT hardware (servers, routers & switches) and software in a Linux environment.
- Principal specialist and team leader for major projects. Lead technical restoration efforts to address complex and unique problems without managerial intervention as well as training and certifying technicians.
- Awarded FAA Air Traffic Organization Outstanding Achievement Award (2023) and the Air Traffic Organization's Excellence Award (2022).
Radar, Airfield & Weather Systems Technician
Illinois Air National Guard
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Performed full-spectrum communications & electronics maintenance as a member of the 217th Engineering & Installation Squadron
- As sole trained ground radar systems journeyman, trained all new incoming airmen on radar principles and theory of radar operations
- Signed off training upgrade tasks enabling junior enlisted members access to journeyman level
- Capable of installing, fixing, relocating or removing airfield and weather systems to include Air Traffic Control facilities and Ground Air Transmitter Receiver (GATR) sites
Ground Radar Systems Technician
Idaho Air National Guard - 266th Range Squadron
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Served as a technical expert on a land based C2 (command & control) tactical radar system (AN/TPS-75) enabling surveillance capabilities for the Saylor Creek Bombing Range.
- Routinely briefed senior officials on radar system capabilities as the subject matter expert.
Ground Radar Systems Journeyman
United States Air Force
07.2013 - 08.2016
- Repaired, overhauled, and modified $10 million of land based C2 (command & control) tactical radar assets
- Isolated malfunctions by prescribed systems checking procedures, inspections and other tests using electronic test equipment
- Trained on numerous Air Force surveillance systems (ASR-9, ASR-11, PAR, TPS-75, WSR88D)
Education
Bachelors - Applied Computing, Network Operations
University of Arizona
05.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Electronic Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force
05.2017
Skills
- Failure analysis
- Component selection
- Analytical problem solving
- Documentation and reporting
- Malfunction tracing
- Wiring and soldering
References
Jeremy Whitfield, Federal Aviation Administration, 910-465-9628, jeremy.p.whitfield@faa.gov
Timeline
Senior Hardware Engineer
SAIC
08.2024 - Current
Airway Transportation System Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration
08.2017 - 08.2024
Radar, Airfield & Weather Systems Technician
Illinois Air National Guard
08.2017 - 12.2018
Ground Radar Systems Technician
Idaho Air National Guard - 266th Range Squadron
01.2017 - 08.2017
Ground Radar Systems Journeyman
United States Air Force
07.2013 - 08.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Electronic Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelors - Applied Computing, Network Operations
University of Arizona
Similar Profiles
Robert CoxRobert Cox
SME Intel Analyst /Certified Trainer at SAICSME Intel Analyst /Certified Trainer at SAIC
Mario ReeseMario Reese
IT Service Desk Analyst at SAICIT Service Desk Analyst at SAIC
PRISCILA BRUEGGEMANNPRISCILA BRUEGGEMANN
Capture Manager at SAICCapture Manager at SAIC
Nicholas SettlesNicholas Settles
Sr Pc Technician at SAICSr Pc Technician at SAIC
Tessa LivingstonTessa Livingston
Office Manager/Lead Medical Assistant at Colorado Springs Urological AssociatesOffice Manager/Lead Medical Assistant at Colorado Springs Urological Associates