Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Technical Competencies
Awards
Timeline
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KEITH HARRIS

El Cajon,CA

Summary

Test Director and Evaluator with extensive experience leading Department of Defense (DoD) test and evaluation efforts, including Tactical Data Link (TDL) and Variable Message Format (VMF) interoperability assessments. Proven track record in planning, executing, and analyzing complex test events such as 5G operational assessments and Exercise Steel Knight. Skilled in system integration, requirements verification, and delivering actionable results to senior leaders that enhance warfighter capabilities.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Test and Evaluator

Linchpin Solutions
06.2024 - Current
  • Led the planning, execution, and analysis of system-level and operational tests for complex military communication systems, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and industry standards.
  • Designed and implemented test plans, procedures and metrics to validate system performance, reliability, and interoperability.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams, government stakeholders, and industry partners to identify deficiencies, recommend corrective actions, and verify solutions.
  • Produced comprehensive test reports and technical documentation to support program milestones, operational readiness decisions, and acquisition processes.
  • Conducted integration and regression testing of TDL and VMF systems.

Test Director

In-depth Engineering
04.2022 - 05.2024
  • Conducted thorough system testing, identifying and documenting defects for resolution.
  • Executed comprehensive test plans for combat systems, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
  • Spearheaded testing initiatives for data link systems, serving as the Subject Matter Expert in the field.
  • Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to integrate testing effectively into the development life cycle.
  • Played a key role in the successful completion of link 11/16 Functional Tests and other Aegis Combat Systems Functional Tests in a ships availability.

Lead Instructor, Surface Combat Operations

United States Navy
03.2018 - 11.2021
  • Developed and delivered 600+ hours of comprehensive training to over 200 personnel in surface warfare and specialized operations, including classroom and laboratory instruction on LCS Tactical Communications.
  • Facilitated 39 real-time scenarios during 3 capstone assessments, serving as technical expert and trainer of C4I systems, achieving a 100% pass rating of all trainees.
  • Managed 22 divisional training records to ensure 100% compliance with all training qualifications, instructor coverage, and curriculum standards.
  • Maintained and accounted for all facilities and materials required for an efficient and safe training experience, earning a consistently high evaluation during inspection periods.

Operations Specialist

United States Navy
04.2010 - 11.2021
  • Tracked and reported 400 surface and 1,000 air contact to the Tactical Action Officer, increasing the situational awareness of all watch standards in the Combat Information Center.
  • Designated as Surface Detector Tracker to identify contacts of interest during a high-threat environment, preparing reports and briefs for review by executive leadership.
  • Managed the records for 300+ ready charts distributed to the Commanding Officer to support contingency operations and maintain accountability of all records.

Tactical Information Coordinator

United States Navy
03.2016 - 03.2018
  • Implemented and managed tactical data link systems, including Link 16 and Link 11, to facilitate real-time communication and coordination between military units.
  • Led a team in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with tactical data links, ensuring uninterrupted communication and data exchange during critical operations.
  • Developed and executed training programs to educate personnel on tactical data link protocols and procedures, improving overall proficiency and readiness.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate tactical data link capabilities into broader command and control systems, enhancing operational effectiveness and situational awareness.
  • Maintained compliance with security protocols and standards to safeguard sensitive information transmitted over tactical data links, mitigating potential risks and vulnerabilities.

Surface Watch Supervisor

United States Navy
12.2015 - 03.2018
  • Tracked, identified, and disseminated 1,000+ surface contacts while maintaining a large-scope picture and clear, concise updates for executive leadership during high-tempo training and operations.
  • Served as the primary Navigation Scope Operator, ensuring precise positioning during multiple details, training, and operations; validated over 100 external navigation sources with organic sensors.
  • Achieved safe navigation with zero mishaps or discrepancies during the supervisory period.
  • Maintained and preserved 22 shipboard divisional spaces, identifying and resolving 50+ zone inspection discrepancies to ensure the safety and operational readiness of all workspaces.

Fleet Air Defense Controller & Trainer

United States Navy
06.2013 - 12.2015
  • Trained over 200 personnel in tactical operations including radio communications and air traffic control procedures, supporting the successful completion of 30% of the required Air Defense Identification Zone Operator qualification standards for all trainees.
  • Verified the identification of 1,000+ aircraft during multi-national overseas deployment cycles, providing a current and accurate air picture for strategic decision-making.
  • Contributed to the event coordination and planning of team events to raise morale and engagement by 500 employees during a 6-month deployment.
  • Assisted with the accurate and timely documentation of team over 1,700 training hours into personnel records, ensuring all files are organized and updated in compliance with company standards.
  • Completed 300+ maintenance checks on essential damage control equipment, 3 organization-wide quality assurance spot checks, and 2 zone inspections, improving the safety and preservation of command.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) - undefined

Ashford University

Cybersecurity Bootcamp - undefined

SDSU Global Campus
01.2025

Skills

  • Test planning, Execution & Analysis
  • Test documentation
  • Data Collection, Analysis & Deficiency Reporting
  • Joint & Coalition Interoperability Testing
  • Tactical Data Link Testing ( Link 16, JREAP, SADL)
  • Technical Proficiency
  • System Integration & Regression Testing
  • Requirements Verification & Validation
  • Variable Message Format (VMF) Testing & Validation

Certification

  • Track Data Coordinator (TDC), Operates multiple Tactical Digital Information Links. Directs 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. Resolves link operation problems and communicates joint hierarchy interface faults to higher authority.
  • HARPOON (AN/SWG-1A) Engagement Planning Operator, Determines the preferred HARPOON engagement including flight paths and missile attack mode for multiple surface targets designated for engagement by the Tactical Action Officer (TAO). Plans the engagement utilizing graphic display capabilities to avoid friendly participants and to increase kill probability of selected targets within a group. Resolves engagement related problems and communicates equipment causalities or faults to proper authority.
  • VMS 9 OP, The Voyage Management System (VMS) Version 9 Operator course addresses developing, monitoring, and updating navigation plans; managing and updating electronic charts of various types, controlling and monitoring networked radar information; developing and monitoring anchorage plans, obtaining and monitoring ship’s position, and monitoring the surface navigational environment.
  • SAR SURFACE SHIP, This is five-day course; four days of academics/practical application, and one day of application evaluation. Curriculum emphasis will include: 1. SAR System Components: a. Organization b. Communications c. Documentation. 2. SAR Mission Stages: a. Initial Action b. Planning (Datum Minimax procedures).
  • Navy Instructor Training, Directs teaching/learning activities in schools, training centers and selected reserve units; and evaluates instructional materials and counsel students on academic learning problems.

Technical Competencies

Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Mac, Microsoft Windows

Awards

  • Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2018, Awarded for outstanding performance in serving as a Combat Information Center watch stander onboard USS Benfold (DDG 65) from January 2016 to March 2018. Providing flawless tracking and identifying over 1,000 contacts during six complex exercises establishing an accurate maritime picture.
  • Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2021, Awarded for professional performance as Tactical Communicator Instructor, Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center from June 2018 to August 2021. Delivering 1,158 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction during 12 Capstone courses convening to 230 Littoral Combat Ship sailors.

Timeline

Test and Evaluator

Linchpin Solutions
06.2024 - Current

Test Director

In-depth Engineering
04.2022 - 05.2024

Lead Instructor, Surface Combat Operations

United States Navy
03.2018 - 11.2021

Tactical Information Coordinator

United States Navy
03.2016 - 03.2018

Surface Watch Supervisor

United States Navy
12.2015 - 03.2018

Fleet Air Defense Controller & Trainer

United States Navy
06.2013 - 12.2015

Operations Specialist

United States Navy
04.2010 - 11.2021

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) - undefined

Ashford University

Cybersecurity Bootcamp - undefined

SDSU Global Campus
KEITH HARRIS