Dave Owens
Belleville,IL
Summary
Experienced and results-driven professional with over 20 years of leadership in aerospace and defense. Currently serving as a K-Level Manager leading a team of 23 individual contributors supporting the C-17, P-8, and KC-46 MTS Mission Assurance Team. This multidisciplinary team includes test engineers as well as aircrew and maintenance subject matter experts (SME). Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing multi-million dollar programs, with a consistent focus on aligning engineering solutions to customer requirements, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Adept at bringing technical execution with broader program objectives, negotiating with stakeholders, and delivering projects on time and within scope. Now seeking to transition to a Senior Program Management role within C-17 Training Services. Notably, I bring nearly 25 years of direct experience supporting the C-17 Globemaster - the premier airlifter and trainer in the world.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager - GTE MS&B Sys Eng: Mission Assurance
The Boeing Company
2022 - Current
- Lead a high-performing Mission Assurance Team within GTE MS&B Systems Engineering, comprising of 23 professionals aligned to the C-17, P-8, and KC-46 MTS
- Led the successful execution of 150+ test events, encompassing both internal validations and customer-led assessments
- Cost Account Manager (CAM) certified; EVM Silver Medallion
- Manage budget, schedule, and scope for a portfolio of contract projects
- Lead personnel and team development efforts, including hiring, staffing, coaching, and mentoring to build a high-performing team
C-17 Pilot SME / Test Engineer
The Boeing Company
2021 - 2022
- Provided SME expertise for PreMod, CVT, and GAT testing of hardware/software load releases and the delivery of new C-17 Weapon System Trainers to the U.S. Air Force and NAMP
- Collaborated effectively with a diverse team of C-17 SMEs and Test Engineers to drive system requirements development; delivered expert support to developers and integrators, led the creation and execution of test plans and acceptance test procedures, contributed to the resolution of simulator anomalies and discrepancies, and ensured accurate reporting through formal contract deliverables
- Engaged in daily cross-functional collaboration with systems and software engineers, configuration and data management teams, and the customer to deliver world class C-17 flight simulator training
- Expertly led the Test Team in the development and implementation of the Priority 1, 2, and 3 visual databases; worked directly with subcontractor Flight Safety Visual to ensure quality and performance standards were met
- FAA SIMCERT qualified to certify International C-17 simulators
JCIDS & Org Design Management SME Level I
Sawdey Solution Services, Inc
2020 - 2021
- Provided subject matter expertise in Command and Control (C2) systems requirements
- Identified and recommend C2 capabilities required to operate in the future environments, identified associated capability gaps and shortfalls, and recommended C2 Doctrine, Organizational, Training, Material, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) solution
- Provided expertise in Capabilities Based Assessment, Initial Capabilities Documents and Capabilities Development Documents development, Capability Gaps Analysis and DOTLMPF/Joint Capabilities Integrated Development System (JCIDS) modifications to material/non-material requirements for Air Mobility Command (AMC) Headquarters decisions
- Supported contracting efforts procuring C2 systems for AMC; provided expertise for aircrew training requirements for secure communications and tactical data link systems
Director of Operations, 618 Air Operations Center
United States Air Force
2018 - 2020
- Senior decision maker for more than 300 worldwide sorties per shift, ensuring safe and timely airlift for Department of Defense (DoD) customers and cargo at the largest Air Operations Center (AOC) in the DoD
- Effectively led 80 personnel per shift providing safe and on time airlift (to include unique, critical and sensitive airlift missions), air refueling, special operations, aeromedical, and exercise support
- Deployed to CENTOM DDOC in Kuwait as the Chief of Current Operations: validated, prioritized, managed personnel and cargo movements across the Middle East (AOR)
Commander, 317 Airlift Wing
United States Air Force
2017 - 2018
- Led a Wing of 1,100 Airmen for 28 C-130s totaling $1.7 Billion in assets
- Formulated plans and established policies for the newly created air mobility wing
- C-130J pilot who safely executed worldwide missions including contingency/sustainment airland and airdrop missions
Commander, 62 Operations Group
United States Air Force
2015 - 2017
- Led a Group of four squadrons with 567 Airmen, 53 DoD civilians, and 58 contractor personnel for 48 C-17s totaling $9.6 Billion in assets
- C-17 instructor/PNAF pilot, safely executed on time worldwide missions including nuclear airlift, aeromedical evacuations, and airdrop missions to all 7 continents in support of contingency operations
Student, Marine Corps War College
United States Air Force
2014 - 2015
- One of 30 officers and senior U.S. Government personnel competitively selected to attend the Marine Corps War College
- Earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree as well as JPME II credit
Commander, 15 Airlift Squadron
United States Air Force
2012 - 2014
- Organized, trained, and equipped 159 pilots and loadmasters to safely operate 12 C-17s totaling $2.8 Billion in assets
- C-17 evaluator pilot who supported national priority taskings including POTUS, combat resupply, humanitarian relief, and aeromedical evacuation
- Maintained cadre of elite Special Operations Low-Level (SOLL II) aircrews to swiftly execute CJCS directed classified taskings
- Safely deployed entire combat ready squadron, with zero waivers, two times
Military Aide to the Vice President of the U.S.
United States Air Force
2010 - 2012
- Assisted the Vice President in executing U.S. national command decisions
- Liaison between the Vice President and his National Security Affairs team, White House Situation Room, President's Emergency Operations Center, and the National Military Command Center
- Controlled the VPOTS' emergency action satchel
- Developed detailed threat response plans with U.S. Secret Service, WHMO, WHMU, WHCA, and various DoD agencies
- According to my yearly performance report, Vice President Biden stated, "I've watched Dave demonstrate outstanding judgement and leadership every day."
Aide-de-Camp to the AMC Commander & Jt Mob Intern
United States Air Force
2007 - 2010
- Personal assistant to the 4-Star General at Air Mobility Command
- Managed extensive domestic/international travel, dual-hatted as Executive Officer on Commander's TDYs
- Coordinated activities with headquarters staff and executive agencies
- In-resident Professional Military Education as one of five Joint Mobility Interns hand selected for full immersion into the internal workings of Air Mobility Command and United States Transportation Command working at both 618 AOC (TACC) and USTRANSCOM in TCJ5-4
- Co-authored graduation research project paper on Mobility Air Forces Aircrew Training
C-17 Chief of Standardization & Wing Inspections
United States Air Force
2004 - 2007
- Flight Commander of the Air Force's busiest standardization flight (58 AS) administering 1,1400+ checkrides per year in simulator and flight phases (airland and airdrop)
- Directly responsible for oversight of the 97 AMW's daily war and peacetime readiness by leading 58-member Exercise Evaluation Team tasked with ensuring the wing met all National, DoD, USAF, and MAJCOM operational standards
C-17 Evaluator, Spec Ops Flight Commander
United States Air Force
1998 - 2004
- Instructed and evaluated pilots in combat operations and crew management while ensuring all aircrews had knowledge of AMC aircraft performance capabilities and limitations, directives, plans, regulations, and processes
- Thorough knowledge of flight operations, airfield information and restrictions; expert knowledge of AMC aircrew flying regulations
Education
Master of Science - Strategic Studies
Marine Corps War College
Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA01-2015
Master of Science: Military Science
Air University
Maxwell Air Force Base, AL01-2008
MBA - Strategic Leadership
Touro University International
Cypress, CA01-2007
Bachelor of Science -
The United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO01-1996
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Technical proficiency
- Project management
- Critical thinking
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Effective organization
Timeline
Manager - GTE MS&B Sys Eng: Mission Assurance
The Boeing Company
2022 - Current
C-17 Pilot SME / Test Engineer
The Boeing Company
2021 - 2022
JCIDS & Org Design Management SME Level I
Sawdey Solution Services, Inc
2020 - 2021
Director of Operations, 618 Air Operations Center
United States Air Force
2018 - 2020
Commander, 317 Airlift Wing
United States Air Force
2017 - 2018
Commander, 62 Operations Group
United States Air Force
2015 - 2017
Student, Marine Corps War College
United States Air Force
2014 - 2015
Commander, 15 Airlift Squadron
United States Air Force
2012 - 2014
Military Aide to the Vice President of the U.S.
United States Air Force
2010 - 2012
Aide-de-Camp to the AMC Commander & Jt Mob Intern
United States Air Force
2007 - 2010
C-17 Chief of Standardization & Wing Inspections
United States Air Force
2004 - 2007
C-17 Evaluator, Spec Ops Flight Commander
United States Air Force
1998 - 2004
Master of Science - Strategic Studies
Marine Corps War College
Master of Science: Military Science
Air University
MBA - Strategic Leadership
Touro University International
Bachelor of Science -
The United States Air Force Academy
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