Robert Smith
Carpinteria,CA
Summary
- Senior program manager with proficiency at building and managing talented integrated product teams for mission success.
- Senior Systems Engineer with expertise in integration, SE processes, risk management, trade-off analysis, and system requirements.
- 20 years of leadership experience managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk in major defense acquisition programs, naval fleet operations, and engineering support agencies.
- Expert in the technical, tactical, operational, and strategic employment of the AEGIS Combat System.
- A leader of the highest caliber with demonstrated mastery of program management, workforce management, and systems engineering processes.
- Proven dedication and drive to maximize an organization's mission, people, and strategic goals.
- Extensive experience as a test director and systems engineer possessing exceptional problem-solving skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Engineering Fellow
Accelint Intelligence Systems
Falls Church, Virginia
08.2024 - 09.2026
- Led cross-functional teams to develop innovative engineering solutions.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project requirements and objectives.
- Conducted research on emerging technologies to enhance system capabilities.
- Created comprehensive documentation outlining all aspects of proposed engineering projects.
Lead Integrator for Combat Systems
Naval Sea Systems Command, PEO IWS, US Navy
Washington, DC
02.2021 - 09.2024
- Directed combat systems integration for Flight III destroyer platform across various contractors and government entities.
- Oversaw development, testing, and integration of Aegis Baseline 10 combat system with AN/SPY-6 radar.
- Managed live firing events and ballistic missile defense flight test missions during shipyard testing.
- Chaired Aegis Baseline Senior Configuration Control Board, overseeing software configuration management as authorization official.
Air Dominance Department Officer
Naval Surface Warfare Center, NSWC
Port Hueneme, CA
06.2019 - 02.2021
- Directed over 1,200 military, government, and contractor personnel at ISEA for Aegis Combat Systems, providing test and evaluation systems engineering.
- Managed departmental budget exceeding $480 million to ensure financial accountability.
- Led a reorganization task force to analyze command structure for enhanced mission execution amid evolving naval capabilities.
- Championed digital transformation initiatives to improve combat systems readiness across multiple agencies, developing a tool to automate databases into a comprehensive readiness dashboard.
Deputy Program Manager of the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR)
NAVSEA Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, US Navy
Washington, DC
06.2017 - 05.2019
- Directed programmatic functions for prime contractor supporting contractors and government agencies on major defense acquisition program.
- Managed execution of research, development, test, and evaluation budget exceeding $600 million and procurement budget over $4 billion.
- Formulated annual program budgets and reviewed task planning sheets to secure necessary funding for objectives.
- Led development and execution of test programs, including ballistic missile defense flight tests and land-based test facility oversight.
- Conducted contract management, including earned value management and compliance documentation to monitor prime contractor performance.
- Oversaw systems engineering technical reviews aligned with Department of Defense acquisition framework for ACAT 1D program.
- Chaired Aegis baseline program management team, overseeing leadership and direction of twelve engineering design teams.
Assistant Program Manager, AEGIS Baseline Development
NAVSEA Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, US Navy
Washington, DC
12.2015 - 05.2017
- Managed planning and programmatic functions for prime contractor support, overseeing $200 million Aegis baseline development budget.
- Led integration of multiple weapons sensors into Aegis combat system, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and suitability for 80 ships.
- Coordinated interoperability of data-links for Integrated Product Team (IPT) involving IFF and CEC for Navy ships and aircraft.
- Transformed computer program development from waterfall methodology to agile framework, adhering to DoD acquisition and engineering standards.
Readiness Director
Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme, US Navy
Port Hueneme, CA
05.2010 - 12.2014
- Initiated and led readiness program with $10 million budget, enhancing navy surface combatant readiness.
- Delivered four additional operational days per month for each ship, boosting defense coverage.
- Established program as gold standard for all naval readiness initiatives.
- Prepared and presented readiness process to senior military and civilian leadership across navy.
- Drove transformation of 800 employees in service engineering agent to align with fleet requirements.
- Implemented process improvements in ship maintenance availabilities and equipment reliability.
- Enhanced technical support and documentation to ensure operational readiness.
- Fostered collaboration among teams to address evolving navy fleet needs.
Weapons Officer
USS CHANCELLORSVILLE, US Navy
San Diego, CA
05.2008 - 05.2010
- Led 80 personnel in the operation and maintenance of all weapon systems to include ordnance administration and safety, weapons training, weapons certifications, and operational risk management.
- Executed a force protection training plan as the training team lead for over 300 shipboard personnel that included physical security, small arms weapons qualifications, use of deadly force and anti-terrorism curriculum.
- Served as the Force Tactical Action Officer (FTAO) for air and ballistic missile defense in 5th and 7th fleets leading all naval air and ballistic missile defense operations for hundreds of ships, including allied coalition nations, and joint shore-based commands.
Systems Test Officer/Fire Control Officer
USS SHILOH, US Navy
San Diego, CA
05.2006 - 05.2008
- Planned and executed anti-air ballistic missile defense and warfare training for over 100 military personnel.
- Supported fleet warfare certifications, watch station qualifications, and ballistic missile intercept flight test missions.
- Oversaw maintenance schedules to ensure operational readiness of the ship.
- Facilitated communication between departments during operational exercises.
- Enforced compliance with regulatory standards and policies.
- Managed team of professionals to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
AEGIS Fire Controlman First Class
USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL, US Navy
Norfolk, VA
06.1998 - 08.2003
- While assigned as work center supervisor to the pre-commissioning unit, coordinated installation, test, and Navy acceptance of the AEGIS Weapons System and the SPY-1 radar.
- Served as leading petty officer of the AEGIS division of 23 personnel in executing transition of the ship from a pre-commissioning unit to Navy fleet in-service warship. This included training, operational testing, and development of operational procedures that enabled participation in combat operations during the Global War on Terror.
Education
Master of Science - Systems Engineering (MSSE)
Naval Postgraduate School
2015
Bachelor of Science - General Engineering Technology (GET)
Old Dominion University
2006
Level 3 Certification - Program Management
Defense Acquisition University
2018
Level 3 Certification - Engineering
Defense Acquisition University
2013
Skills
- Program Management (Major Defense Acquisition Program)
- Systems Engineering
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- Effective team leader
- Results Oriented
- Strong verbal communicator
- Strategic planning
- Contract Management
- Complex Problem Solver
- Team Builder
- Process Improvements
- TS/SCI security clearance, active
Accomplishments
- Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientist and Engineer of the Year Award for 2023 issued by Assistant Secretary of The Navy for Research Acquisition and Development (ASN RD&A)
- Meritorius Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 Awards), Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 Awards)
Timeline
Senior Engineering Fellow
Accelint Intelligence Systems
08.2024 - 09.2026
Lead Integrator for Combat Systems
Naval Sea Systems Command, PEO IWS, US Navy
02.2021 - 09.2024
Air Dominance Department Officer
Naval Surface Warfare Center, NSWC
06.2019 - 02.2021
Deputy Program Manager of the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR)
NAVSEA Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, US Navy
06.2017 - 05.2019
Assistant Program Manager, AEGIS Baseline Development
NAVSEA Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, US Navy
12.2015 - 05.2017
Readiness Director
Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme, US Navy
05.2010 - 12.2014
Weapons Officer
USS CHANCELLORSVILLE, US Navy
05.2008 - 05.2010
Systems Test Officer/Fire Control Officer
USS SHILOH, US Navy
05.2006 - 05.2008
AEGIS Fire Controlman First Class
USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL, US Navy
06.1998 - 08.2003
Level 3 Certification - Engineering
Defense Acquisition University
Level 3 Certification - Program Management
Defense Acquisition University
Bachelor of Science - General Engineering Technology (GET)
Old Dominion University
Master of Science - Systems Engineering (MSSE)
Naval Postgraduate School