James Sullivan
Melbourne
Summary
Strategic and mission-driven technical leader with over 20 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense, Special Operations Forces, and federal contractors across CONUS and OCONUS operations. Demonstrates deep expertise in systems engineering, program execution, and cloud-based solutions. Skilled in proposal development, cross-functional team leadership, and delivery of high-reliability mission systems. Proven ability to lead full lifecycle programs, from requirements to field deployment, while driving innovation and maximizing operational uptime.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Solutions Architect
Astrion
02.2025 - Current
- Developed technical solutions for Air Force, Navy, Army, and SOF programs by aligning emerging technologies with mission needs.
- Led proposal creation, capability briefings, and solution development in collaboration with capture teams and stakeholders.
- Facilitated project standups and transitions, applying systems engineering to ensure on-time delivery and resource alignment.
- Worked with developers and engineers to realize technological solutions.
- Maintained current and in-depth understanding of business processes, needs and objectives.
Sr. Staff Engineer – Electronics (Level 5/6)
Northrop Grumman – Defense Systems
10.2020 - 02.2025
- Directed engineering efforts on classified programs; supported full lifecycle from RFP to delivery and sustainment.
- Integrated with 4 IPTs to accelerate delivery and meet customer incentive metrics.
- Developed mission use cases and led customer engagement to refine system requirements.
- Reduced delivery timelines through proactive risk identification and mitigation.
- Spearheaded development of a cloud-deployable edge device and solutions.
- Participated in formal internal design reviews of proposed products and components.
Manager, Electronics Engineering 2 (Level 5)
Northrop Grumman – Aerospace Systems
03.2017 - 10.2020
- Served as site lead and functional manager for 24 engineers, overseeing performance and task assignments.
- Sustained 27 fielded mission systems, managing upgrades, documentation, and engineering changes.
- Guided cross-IPT coordination to ensure seamless system integration.
- Directed new hire onboarding and training processes to support program growth.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
Network Communications Engineer (Level 2/3)
Northrop Grumman – Technical Services
06.2013 - 03.2017
- Led pre-mission to post-mission operations support for global deployments.
- Instructed teams on operation and sustainment of field systems.
- Contributed to system design and implementation by interfacing with engineering teams.
- Conducted site surveys and authored CONOPS for ground systems.
- Supported Solaris, Oracle, UNIX, Cisco, RF, and SATCOM infrastructure.
- Investigated faults in voice and data across local and wide area networks.
Field Services Lead (2210 NH-II)
95th Communications Squadron
04.2012 - 06.2013
- Supervised six technicians supporting tech refresh efforts, improving team productivity by 30%.
- Delivered hardware/software support and vendor coordination to sustain high availability for base operations.
- Oversaw DRMO functions and handled personnel performance evaluations and scheduling.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Senior Network Technician
General Dynamics (GDIT)
03.2011 - 03.2012
- Maintained mission-critical infrastructure using tools like SolarWinds, Splunk, and Nagios; supported 24/7 operations.
- Applied DISA STIGs and NIST 800-53 controls to enforce cybersecurity requirements during patching and upgrades.
- Executed incident response during outages and cyber events; documented resolutions in ServiceNow and Remedy.
- Installed, configured, tested and maintained operating systems, application software, and system management tools.
- Installed cabling, wireless routers, and telephone systems for data communications networks.
Network & Systems Administrator / E-5 Sergeant
2nd Ranger Battalion
03.2004 - 03.2011
- Managed tactical network and systems administration for high-tempo operations in a Special Operations unit.
- Ensured communications continuity and cybersecurity readiness in both garrison and deployed environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Technical Management
Devry University
01.2018
Skills
- Systems Engineering & Integration
- Mission System Operations (Manned/Unmanned)
- Federal Capture & Proposal Strategy
- Cloud & Edge Computing (DoD Applications)
- CONOPS Development & Site Surveys
- RF & Satellite Communications
- Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Management
- Network Infrastructure & Cybersecurity
- Customer relations
- Improving processes
Certification
- CompTIA Security+, DoD 8570 Compliant, 2021
- U.S. Army Ranger School, Premier Leadership Course
- HP/Dell Certified Technician
- National Fiber Optic Certification
- Manned & Unmanned Ground Segment Experience
Security Clearance
Top Secret / SCI
Timeline
Staff Solutions Architect
Astrion
02.2025 - Current
Sr. Staff Engineer – Electronics (Level 5/6)
Northrop Grumman – Defense Systems
10.2020 - 02.2025
Manager, Electronics Engineering 2 (Level 5)
Northrop Grumman – Aerospace Systems
03.2017 - 10.2020
Network Communications Engineer (Level 2/3)
Northrop Grumman – Technical Services
06.2013 - 03.2017
Field Services Lead (2210 NH-II)
95th Communications Squadron
04.2012 - 06.2013
Senior Network Technician
General Dynamics (GDIT)
03.2011 - 03.2012
Network & Systems Administrator / E-5 Sergeant
2nd Ranger Battalion
03.2004 - 03.2011
Bachelor of Science - Technical Management
Devry University
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