Brennon Bortz
Chief Engineer
Fresno,CA
Summary
Seasoned technology leader and Chief Engineer with nearly 30 years of experience leading large-scale digital modernization, application transformation, and mission-critical IT programs across defense, healthcare, and federal markets. Proven success in driving enterprise cloud migration, platform adoption, and AI-enabled software modernization initiatives. Adept at building and scaling high-performing engineering organizations, leading modernization practices, and aligning emerging technologies—including AI/ML, DevSecOps, and low-code platforms—to deliver measurable business outcomes. Trusted advisor to senior leaders and customers, bridging technology vision with execution.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
17
17
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief Engineer
Leidos
11.2024 - Current
- Led enterprise-wide CAIO AI Software Transformation initiative, embedding AI/ML capabilities into the software development lifecycle for Leidos developers, accelerating delivery, improving quality, and reducing costs.
- Secured approval and directed the rollout of ChatGPT Enterprise with proprietary data, establishing governance, security, and adoption pathways for advanced generative AI at scale.
- Partnered with CIO, CISO, and Legal to align strategy with compliance, risk, and mission requirements.
- Shaped application modernization strategy for internal R&D portfolio, aligning investments with enterprise cloud adoption and platform reuse.
- Lead technical strategy and engineering oversight for an R&D organization of ~350 individuals, delivering innovative software capabilities across diverse mission domains.
- Designed and implemented a common R&D development lifecycle (IDLC), bringing structure, repeatability, and increased return on investment to internal R&D efforts.
- Built and matured organizational systems that enable reusable, scalable software solutions, driving technology transfer from R&D into operational programs.
- Served as the senior technical leader and primary interface for strategic innovation efforts, proposal solutioning, and cross-organizational coordination.
- Grew a high-performing engineering culture by mentoring technical leaders, improving development practices, and aligning engineering investments with enterprise priorities.
- Promoted technology-based differentiation through governance of software architecture decisions, toolsets, and reuse strategies.
Chief Engineer
Leidos
02.2022 - 11.2024
- Spearheaded the architecture and deployment of the $8B CHS-6 program, leading the development of the Leidos Intelligent Logistics Platform from concept to enhanced operational capability.
- Established and championed the Leidos Mechanicsburg Software Factory, facilitating advanced software development and integration.
- Directed the LMSO Digital Modernization team, ensuring robust support and evolution of critical infrastructure, aligned with strategic IT roadmaps.
- Orchestrated cloud architecture strategies, enhancing system flexibility and scalability.
- Engaged extensively with major stakeholders, translating complex requirements into executable, high-quality solutions.
- Led the development of technical solutions for new business and recompete captures for home and partner operations.
- Identified as operation nominee for the 2023 Leidos Leadership Roundtable program.
- Led the support of technical contributions to a key Leidos UK red program recoveries and provided technical leadership to a critical data analysis effort on the LCS(T) program.
- Provided project leadership to IR&D efforts in a dynamic technology-driven environment with multiple priorities, managing project scope, schedule, status and documentation.
- Defined cloud architecture for both hybrid and non-hybrid cloud solutions.
- Developed specifications, drawings and engineering artifacts and reports.
Chief Engineer
Leidos
05.2021 - 02.2022
- Modernized critical Federal emergency management systems, deploying the first Kubernetes-based platform at HHS and implementing the first LEAF 3.0-based public-facing application at Leidos.
- Delivered modernization outcomes by integrating Agile, DevSecOps, and cloud-native best practices to accelerate deployment.
- Led research on and conducted spikes and prototypes of new technical solutions to reduce risk and evaluate capabilities.
- Managed cross-functional teams, overseeing the integration of system requirements, design, and testing phases to meet critical deadlines and performance metrics.
- Served in a multifaceted role encompassing program management, requirements analysis, and numerous engineering duties, enhancing both system resilience and stakeholder confidence.
Adjunct Professor
Fresno Pacific University
04.2020 - Current
- Created, evaluated and revised core curricula to facilitate and moderate classroom discussions and student-centered learning.
- Delivered courses in software quality assurance and database management systems and programming.
Software Architect
Leidos
05.2016 - 05.2021
- Lead a high-performing Agile team of software engineers and testers, often acting as both scrum master and product owner, in development of Unified Collections Operations Reporting Network (UNICORN), a complex airborne ISR system designed for robust intelligence gathering.
- Tailored software solutions to align with existing client hardware environments, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency across multiple systems.
- Developed comprehensive guidelines and frameworks to streamline application design and accelerate development cycles, significantly reducing time-to-fielding.
- Produced detailed architectural diagrams and conducted presentations to stakeholders, effectively communicating technical specifications and garnering support for strategic initiatives.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, mentoring staff and encouraging innovative problem-solving, which led to improved software functionality and customer satisfaction.
Graduate Research Assistant and Instructor
Virginia Tech
01.2012 - 05.2016
- Directly instructed and aided for undergraduate programming courses in Java and cloud software development.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Prepared materials for reports, presentations, and submissions to peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Presented results to field experts at numerous international conferences.
- Guided research efforts of members of Prof. Benjamin Knapp's research lab.
Consultant
Senstream
09.2011 - 06.2014
- Developed first versions of software and firmware for Senstream’s revolutionary fingertip-worn affect detection device.
Software Developer
Ecliptic Labs
08.2011 - 02.2012
- Developed iOS and Mac OS X applications for clients ranging from small businesses in Northern Ireland to multinational corporations.
- Collaborated with other developers on Agile software development team.
Software Researcher
Dundalk Institute of Technology / CASALA
11.2009 - 09.2011
- Developed touch-screen and television-based interfaces geared toward ambient assisted-living for deployment in homes of older adults.
- Developed software architecture for collection and mining of data from an array of >2,000 sensors embedded in homes of older adults.
- Wrote research papers, reports, reviews, and summaries regarding ambient assisted living.
Software Developer / Systems Administrator
Office Automation Group
03.2008 - 12.2009
- Developed a number of bespoke software solutions to meet both in-house and client requirements ranging from timekeeping and billing systems to tracking and management of >1,000,000 wiring endpoints in San Francisco high rises.
- Designed and installed high-end networking, VoIP, and other telecommunications solutions to clients in the commercial, industrial, and military sectors.
Software Developer
Independent Consultant
04.2003 - 05.2016
- Developed range of software solutions for clients in the United States and Europe. Solutions ranged from mobile applications on various platforms, to web applications and firmware, among others.
- Collaborated with other independent consultants in development of novel applications.
Education
Ph.D./M.S. - Computer Science
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 01.2012 - 07.2019
M.A. With Distinction - Sonic Arts
Queen’s University Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland 09.2008 - 12.2009
M.A. With Highest Honors - Music Composition
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 09.2005 - 12.2007
B.A. - Music Theory And Composition
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA 08.1998 - 12.2004
Skills
Application Modernization & Transformation
Cloud Migration & Enterprise Platforms
DevSecOps & Agile Delivery
AI/ML Integration for Software Modernization
Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
Business Development & Practice Growth
Client Engagement & Advisory Leadership
Project and Staff Management
Strategic and Operational Planning
Cloud Computing and IT Infrastructure
Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Reporting
Effective Communication and Technical Leadership
Additional Information
- Thought leader on AI adoption, software modernization, and enterprise DevSecOps practices.
- US Citizen with an active TS/SCI clearance.
- List of publications available upon request.
Timeline
Chief Engineer
Leidos
11.2024 - Current
Chief Engineer
Leidos
02.2022 - 11.2024
Chief Engineer
Leidos
05.2021 - 02.2022
Adjunct Professor
Fresno Pacific University
04.2020 - Current
Software Architect
Leidos
05.2016 - 05.2021
Graduate Research Assistant and Instructor
Virginia Tech
01.2012 - 05.2016
Ph.D./M.S. - Computer Science
Virginia Tech
01.2012 - 07.2019
Consultant
Senstream
09.2011 - 06.2014
Software Developer
Ecliptic Labs
08.2011 - 02.2012
Software Researcher
Dundalk Institute of Technology / CASALA
11.2009 - 09.2011
M.A. With Distinction - Sonic Arts
Queen’s University Belfast
09.2008 - 12.2009
Software Developer / Systems Administrator
Office Automation Group
03.2008 - 12.2009
M.A. With Highest Honors - Music Composition
University of California, Riverside
09.2005 - 12.2007
Software Developer
Independent Consultant
04.2003 - 05.2016
B.A. - Music Theory And Composition
Pepperdine University
08.1998 - 12.2004
References
Amy Freeman
Leidos—VP, LQTC CTO
Amy.M.Freeman@leidos.com
Andrew Fickley
251 Solutions (Former Leidos employee)
AFickley@251.solutions
Ashley Hodges
Leidos—Senior Director, DCGS Modernization Lead
Robert.A.Hodges@leidos.com
David Thurmond
Leidos—Director, CHO Research and Development
David.A.Thurmond@leidos.com
Will Johnson
Leidos—SVP, Federal/Civil IT BA Manager
William.B.Johnson.Jr@leidos.com