Edward Jones
Manhattan Beach,CA
Summary
Strategic Aerospace Executive with 20+ years of experience scaling high-rate space production, autonomous C2 systems, and global launch operations. Expert in navigating the intersection of multibillion-dollar government programs and rapid-integration commercial technology to accelerate time-to-orbit. Proven ability to develop and implement strategies that capitalize on emerging market opportunities while effectively scaling high-stakes missions in aerospace and defense.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Deputy Director, Office of Space Launch (National Reconnaissance Office)
United States Space Force (USSF)
El Segundo, CA
06.2023 - Current
- Executive Vice President equivalent for NRO Space Launch, overseeing >$3B a year in launch vehicle procurement and integration.
- Directs $22B strategic planning and leadership for space launch operations, telemetry tracking, and spacecraft anomaly resolution.
- Deputy Mission Director on console for 5 NRO Space Launches resulting in spacecraft successfully delivered to operations
Program Manager, Space Command and Control
United States Space Force
El Segundo, CA
06.2017 - 06.2023
- Led program officer for multi-billion dollar Space C2 portfolio for the National Space Defense Center.
- Developed integrated operational solutions for tactical space systems, managing tracking, telemetry, and command capabilities across three operations centers.
- Managed coordination with multi-national coalition partners, the NRO, and AF Research Labs to deliver integrated Space Domain Awareness.
West Africa Regional Desk Officer & Special Action Officer
US Air Forces in Europe
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
03.2014 - 06.2017
Planned and developed aviation cooperation programs across 16 African nations.
- Successfully implemented more than $200M in defense aviation programs for successful delivery to African nations counter terrorism.
- Authored speeches and provided technical talking points for senior US and international leaders during high-level multinational engagements.
- Executed Senior exchange program between African Air Chiefs and Chiefs of Defense and US Government Senior Officials
Director of Operations / Assistant Director of Operations
Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado (NRO)
Buckley AFB, CO
12.2009 - 03.2014
- Led a 400-person spacecraft C2 organization managing multi-billion dollar satellite and ground systems.
- Managed mission performance and major program milestones for $120M Operations and Maintenance programs.
- Ensured data quality for a $20B global enterprise, leading a 30-person multi-site team.
Chief, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Operations
3rd Air Force / Directorate of Intelligence
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
06.2006 - 12.2009
- Coordinated ISR missions (U-2, Global Hawk, RC-135) across European and African Areas of Responsibility.
- Deployed as Special Operations Intel Cell OIC to an austere location, directing a $16M airborne ISR capability.
Manager, Responsive Space Development / Future Space Systems Engineer
Space and Missile Systems Center
El Segundo, CA
05.2002 - 05.2006
- Coordinated the inaugural launch of the US Government-sponsored SpaceX Falcon 1.
- Chaired a 30-person Independent Review Team for launch and range safety.
- Developed a $2M responsive launch infrastructure program and innovative spacecraft maneuver concepts using elliptical orbits.
Education
M.S. - Electrical Engineering
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05.2009
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA12.2004
M.A. - International Relations
American Military University
Charles Town, WV05.2012
B.S. - Astronautical Engineering (Minor in French/Math)
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs05.2002
Space Studies Professional Program -
International Space University
Strasbourg, France09.2003
Skills
- Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Space Launch Operations
- Spacecraft system design proficiency
- Software Development
- Risk Management
- Relationship and team building
- Change management
- Intelligence Systems and Operations
- Digital Engineering
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
Certification
Level III Systems Engineer (WAU); Level III Program Manager (WAU); Space Professional Level 2; Joint Planning Military Education II (JPMEII). Intelligence Officer Course; Sub Saharan Africa Foreign Area Officer
Languages
French
Professional Working
German
Limited Working
Portuguese
Limited Working
Timeline
Principal Deputy Director, Office of Space Launch (National Reconnaissance Office)
United States Space Force (USSF)
06.2023 - Current
Program Manager, Space Command and Control
United States Space Force
06.2017 - 06.2023
West Africa Regional Desk Officer & Special Action Officer
US Air Forces in Europe
03.2014 - 06.2017
Director of Operations / Assistant Director of Operations
Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado (NRO)
12.2009 - 03.2014
Chief, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Operations
3rd Air Force / Directorate of Intelligence
06.2006 - 12.2009
Manager, Responsive Space Development / Future Space Systems Engineer
Space and Missile Systems Center
05.2002 - 05.2006
M.S. - Electrical Engineering
University of Southern California
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)
University of Southern California
M.A. - International Relations
American Military University
B.S. - Astronautical Engineering (Minor in French/Math)
United States Air Force Academy
Space Studies Professional Program -
International Space University
Selected Professional Publications
- Preliminary On-orbit Maneuver Analysis for Responsive Space Applications, IEEE/AIAA Aerospace Conference.
- Architecting Industry for Responsive Space, IEEE Aerospace Conference.
- Transforming the National Spacelift Architecture, 2nd Responsive Space Conference.