Cynthia Carr

Baseline 9.2.2 MEIT, Systems Engineer. Works independently in the lab.

Tracking requirement flow-down and traceability using databases like IBM DOORS.

Acting as the "glue" between different engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, software), chief engineers, and production teams to troubleshoot issues and manage system risks.

Bridges complex hardware and software to defend against airborne threats.

Responsibilities span requirements definition, system integration, and testing.

Develops fire control, track-filtering, guidance, and weapon-engagement planning algorithms.

Translates high-level mission goals into detailed, executable hardware and software specifications using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools.

Conducts integration testing in labs, in simulations, and at-sea or at flight-test ranges to validate system performance against real-world threats.

Experience with hardware/software development & integration; or experience with mechanical systems/air vehicle systems.

• Operates and maintains advanced simulation and training platforms, including the Tactical Data Link Integration Exerciser (TIGER), Common Connectivity Device (CCD), and the Next Generation Simulator (NGS). Facilitates efforts in configuration management, TOR mitigation and submission, as well as comprehensive data acquisition, analysis, and dissemination.
• Ensures the sustained operational readiness of tactical computing systems, associated peripherals, and simulation infrastructures that support the development, evaluation, and integration of software at both the component and system-of-systems levels. Sustains interoperability between C2P/CDLMS, tactical data link simulation and testing applications, and the Aegis Combat Systems.
• Review test procedures and reports for technical accuracy, as well as creating test procedures to help evaluate problems and requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and operations teams to resolve interoperability issues and enhance data link capability across joint environments.
• Provide expert training and technical guidance to range personnel on TDL equipment usage, operations, and troubleshooting.
• Develop novel test harnesses for TDL scenarios to isolate interoperability faults, accelerating root-cause identification and enabling faster mission-ready fixes.
• Lead configuration reviews for deployed link interfaces, enforcing compliance with documented baselines and reducing configuration-related delays during deployments.
• Inspect and validate protocol traces and message timing to detect subtle anomalies, supporting precise corrective procedures and enhanced data integrity.

• Operated as Maritime Regional Interface Control Officer, Force Air Tactical Officer and Force Surface Tactical Officer.
• Managed defensive and offensive actions against air, surface, and subsurface threats to concerned command and control watch stations. Utilized current procedures and doctrine to CIC/CDC operations as specified by Joint/Allied/U.S. Navy publications and instructions; and display and disseminate tactical information during Surface Warfare (SUW), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), Undersea Warfare (USW), Amphibious Warfare (AMW), Mine Warfare (MIW), Littoral Warfare (LW), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
• Liaison for Flag Staff Admiral for exercises and evaluation. Controlled as senior multi-tactical data link interface control officer in joint task force operations.
• Created and reviewed Optask Link for the whole Carrier Strike Group (CSG), as well as the staff of NATO. Utilize MIL-STD and NATO Standardization Agreement to create interoperability test events, as well as monthly import training.
• Evaluate issues and prepare reports, then test in accordance with new improvements.
• Utilized Tactical Data Links (TDL) in support of various air, sea, and surface warfare mission areas, primarily supporting E-2D/C Hawkeye, FA-18, EA-18, SH-60R, P3, P8, AEGIS, and SSDS platforms.
• Created architecture in theater of operation for TDL, CEC, GCCS based on performance and changes.
• Directed the tactical integration of joint inter-service link operations, controls communications, overall track processing, sensor information correlation, and link integration within the theater of operations.
• Designed theater-level TDL architectures to enable interoperable command operations, improving situational awareness and supporting coordinated mission planning.
• Introduced procedural refinements for Optask Link workflows, accelerating mission synchronization and reducing configuration errors across strike group staff.
• Facilitated cross-national exercises by coordinating with allied staffs and standardization bodies, streamlining interoperability testing and strengthening coalition readiness.