Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Clearance
Timeline
Generic

Christopher Petta

Colorado Springs,CO

Summary

Senior Principal Systems Engineer with 40+ years leading advanced algorithm development, modeling and simulation, and integration for missile defense (C2BMC), BM/C2 systems, and space domain awareness. Deep expertise in large-scale federated simulations involving ballistic and non-ballistic threats, radar/IR sensors, and real-time decision support systems. Proven innovator in quantum and classical algorithm benchmarking (QUBO, QAOA), AI/ML, and digital twin architecture. Strong background in physics, mathematics, and multi-sensor fusion with hands-on proficiency in MATLAB, Python, STK, AFSIM, VACSSim, and OSM. Active DoD Secret clearance with Top Secret eligibility.

Experienced with leading design and implementation of advanced systems solutions. Utilizes deep technical knowledge and project management skills to enhance system performance and reliability. Track record of fostering team collaboration and achieving project milestones in dynamic environments.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer, MODSIM & Digital Twins

SAIC
01.2021 - Current
  • - Integrated missile defense models into federated architectures supporting MDA and USSF.
  • - Assessed and characterized performance of large-scale simulation environments including C2BMC interactions with advanced sensor fusion.
  • - Designed and executed scenario generation and performance analysis using ANSYS STK, AFSIM, Algorithms, and MATLAB.
  • - Performed system-level analysis for command and control effectiveness across missile defense assets.
  • - Contributed to Agile Scrum teams by delivering features aligned with programmatic MDS test objectives.
  • - Documented results in technical reports and briefings presented to government and industry stakeholders.
  • - Conducted sensitivity studies and threat development for MDS capability characterization.
  • - Applied PyCharm scripting for automated data processing in continuous integration pipelines.

Sr. Data Scientist

NT Concepts
01.2019 - 01.2019
  • - Supported BM/C2 fusion using geospatial analytics and AI/ML for F-35 electronic warfare systems.
  • - Explored quantum-enhanced algorithms (QAOA, QUBO, phase estimation) for tactical threat detection.
  • - Built test and analysis tools supporting C5ISR integration in mission simulation environments.

Electrophysics Engineer Scientist Level 5

Boeing
01.2009 - 01.2019
  • - Directed E3 survivability for P-8A radar and ISR systems in contested EM environments.
  • - Oversaw full lifecycle V&V and system test for airborne maritime sensor platforms.
  • - Coordinated cross-domain systems engineering for radar, comms, and C2 integration.

Senior Systems Engineer

Raytheon Technologies
01.2006 - 01.2009
  • - Led crypto modernization V&V for secure DoD comms architecture.
  • - Conducted fault analysis for component/system-level resilience in space and tactical comms systems.

Low Observables / P-3 AuSW

Boeing Systems & RCS Engineer
01.1999 - 01.2006
  • - Analyzed Radar Cross Section for stealth platform effectiveness and sensor interoperability.
  • - Supported P-3 Anti-Underwater Submarine Warfare sensor integration and detection modeling.

Education

M.S. - Information Assurance / Cryptography

University of Dallas

Graduate Studies - Systems Engineering & Modeling

Stevens Institute of Technology

Skills

  • - Modeling & Simulation: C2BMC, OSM, VACSSim, MATLAB, STK, AFSIM, ANSYS
  • - Sensors & Systems: AN/TPY-2, LRDR, GMD, Aegis BMD, PATRIOT, SBIRS, BOA
  • - Analysis Tools: Python, MATLAB, Cirq, PyCharm, AWS Braket, Qiskit, Unix/Linux
  • - Algorithms: QUBO, QAOA, RK4, Kalman Filters, AI/ML, Sensor Fusion
  • - Development Methods: Agile Scrum, Continuous Integration, Scenario Generation
  • - Clearance: Active DoD Secret, Top Secret eligible
  • Machine learning
  • Performance optimization
  • DevOps practices
  • Virtualization technologies
  • Cybersecurity expertise
  • Simulation development
  • Software development
  • Requirements analysis
  • Test planning
  • Network engineering

Clearance

Active DoD Top Secret

Timeline

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer, MODSIM & Digital Twins

SAIC
01.2021 - Current

Sr. Data Scientist

NT Concepts
01.2019 - 01.2019

Electrophysics Engineer Scientist Level 5

Boeing
01.2009 - 01.2019

Senior Systems Engineer

Raytheon Technologies
01.2006 - 01.2009

Low Observables / P-3 AuSW

Boeing Systems & RCS Engineer
01.1999 - 01.2006

Graduate Studies - Systems Engineering & Modeling

Stevens Institute of Technology

M.S. - Information Assurance / Cryptography

University of Dallas
Christopher Petta