Rock Mendenhall
Manassas,VA
Summary
Innovative and results-oriented digital transformation leader, with a multidisciplinary background in aircraft design and maintenance, air traffic management, C4ISR, and electrical, communications, and space systems engineering. Brings over 13 years of expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), driving mission-critical programs with precision, agility, and technical depth. Proven success across the full program lifecycle—from rapid acquisition and prototyping, to development, testing, and sustainment. Holistic, design thinker with experience as a technician, engineer, and Command and Control (C2) air battle manager operator. Skilled in applying agile, lean six sigma, artificial intelligence, and advanced engineering methodologies to optimize workflows, accelerate delivery, and elevate quality. Trusted communicator and strategic advisor; develops high-impact briefings and technical products for senior stakeholders, including Flag Officers, Congressional staff, CTOs, and corporate executives.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Chief Engineer, Supervisor
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.
Alexandria, VA
01.2023 - Current
- Advised DASD(MI) and Chief Engineer on mission architecting initiatives as Digital Mission Architecture Deputy Chief Engineer.
- Led and managed high-performing Digital Engineering Teams to enhance project outcomes.
- Formulated methodologies and reviewed artifacts for model-based architecture in mission engineering studies.
- Developed Mission Architecture Style Guide, strategy and vision documents to establish key milestones for effective mission integration management.
- Coordinated and briefed Government Senior Leaders on critical topics related to mission integration management.
- Facilitated stakeholder synergy through strategic planning and communication efforts.
Operations Officer (USAF Reserves)
United States Air Force
Washington, D.C.
11.2014 - Current
- Led Headquarters Air Force Operations Center supervising crews, handling crises, and crafting Senior Leader reports.
- Serves as Operations Officer in Pentagon Air Force Operations Group, coordinating with Joint Staff, Office of Secretary of Defense, and Senior Leaders to address critical issues during crises.
- Demonstrated exceptional communication and presentation skills; crafted and personally delivered Daily Operations Briefing to Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and senior USAF leadership.
- Engaged by USAF and USSF senior leadership to assist in establishing USSF S3 Operations Directorate
- Supports AFRL Information directorate on a quarterly basis since performing 90-day tour in 2018. Advises engineers and scientists on advanced communications and networking, autonomy, future joint all-domain command and control, advanced computing architectures, and quantum information solutions.
- Reviews Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) programs, to include agentic AI, and applies design thinking and architecture principles to AFRL programs to align technology to operational use cases.
- Drafts AI/ML strategy and S&T Mission Engineering Alignment strategy for Chief Engineers and AFRL leadership.
- Helps deliver high-impact C5ISR technologies that enhance capabilities and assure technical superiority for the Department of the Air Force.
Model-Based Systems Engineer, Digital Engineering Technical Lead
Arcfield
Chantilly, VA
07.2017 - 01.2023
- Enhanced digital transformation initiatives through integration of digital engineering (DE) and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) for comprehensive product life cycle development for Major Systems Acquisitions (MSAs).
- Served as Chief Digital Engineer and performed architecture for multiple systems.
- Developed recommendations for implementation of agile systems engineering and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) principles.
- Executed Directorate modeling project management to strategize and schedule employee staffing.
- Developed training materials and courses for teammates, guided professional development, and directed teams to produce well-scoped, compliant models.
- Developed cross-cutting team constructs and roadmaps to combine classical systems engineering and DE-MBSE tenets to evolve enterprise systems engineering.
- Developed model-driven solutions for lifecycle readiness reviews and engineering change requests, enhancing digital acquisition initiatives.
- Analyzed and applied architecture frameworks, standards, specifications, and methodologies to design digital engineering solutions.
- Liaisons across several organizations and directorates to formulate enterprise-level digital engineering strategy, policy, and collaboration.
Systems Engineer / Division Task Manager
Mymic, Llc.
Washington, D.C.
06.2015 - 07.2017
- Supported Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), J8 Joint Requirements and Assessment Division (JRAD). Led Contract Team, prepared Monthly Status Reports, and reviewed personnel deliverables for Senior Leaders.
- Assisted Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) Title 10 responsibilities by performing requirements management and prioritization to form DoD decision making processes for developing and acquiring Joint capabilities to support national strategy and $619B budget.
- Partnered with Combatant Commands, academia, industry, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, University Affiliated Research Centers, and labs in assessing current and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, mission integration, and capability gaps.
- Supported Functional Capability Boards in analyzing capabilities and prioritizing portfolio trade space decisions across warfighting domains.
- Conducted cross-disciplinary studies and technical analysis to produce reports for CJCS and Congressional Armed Services Committees.
- Analyzed Congressional law and recommended enhancements and policy modifications for JCIDS linkage to DoD 5000, Science and Technology (S&T) initiatives, and OSD/Service Systems Engineering processes.
Principal Acquisitions Analyst / Systems Engineer
Alion Science and Technology
Washington, D.C.
01.2015 - 06.2015
- Supported United States Air Force. Generated project management, engineering, and process improvement solutions.
- Developed interdisciplinary engineering solutions and conducted assessments to improve programmatic strategy.
- Evaluated end user requirements to develop total system solutions within project timelines and budgeting constraints.
- Supported program management and performed acquisitions support to Government leadership to accomplish project milestones.
Air Battle Manager / Traditional Reservist
Georgia Air National Guard
Savannah, GA
10.2006 - 08.2013
- Facilitated live-flight training and simulation development for over 40 operations team members.
Graduated with a 99% average, receiving Academic Excellence Award. - Senior Director and Weapons Officer responsible for over 1400 hours of airspace battle management command and control (BMC2) of multinational force air assets for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of C4ISR capabilities, aircraft, weapons, payloads, and various technologies; studied weapons control fundamentals, joint mission tactics, flight directives, airspace management, data link management, doctrine, and strategy.
- Certified as a Battlespace Management Command and Control Center (BC3) instructor to qualify mission crews.
- Operated as the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) Liaison Officer and Roll-On Beyond Line-of-Sight Enhancement (ROBE) Liaison Officer and forward deployed to multiple locations to enhance BMC2 tactics and data link connectivity.
- Served as Assistant Exercise Director developing air defense simulations to enhance crew cohesiveness and improve reaction time.
- Orchestrated Joint Force training scenarios by crafting CONOPS, briefings, TTPs, and exercise objectives.
Program Manager / Lead Electrical Engineer
ARINC Inc.
Warner Robins, GA
08.2004 - 01.2011
- Led engineering efforts on eight projects, achieving critical milestones across multiple USAF Major Commands.
Served as Program Manager, developing program schedules and transition plans. Conducted market research analyses to inform project strategies and decisions. Created contracting documents to facilitate procurement processes. - Provided comprehensive electrical engineering, analysis, and sustainment solutions for 11 ACAT II and III aircraft, data link, and gateway programs.
- Spearheaded capture management initiatives, market research, and proposal development, driving a 30x increase in field office revenue ($1B+) and a 4.5x growth in staffing (220+) over five years.
- Authored comprehensive engineering documentation, including schematics, change packages, flight operations manuals, and maintenance guides for electrical, aerial refueling, and avionics systems across multiple mission design series aircraft.
- Evaluated and refined test equipment designs; ensured compliance with SAE Aerospace Standards and DO-254 for subsystem integration.
- Conducted aircraft surveys, designed system configurations, developed test and evaluation plans, and resolved discrepancies.
- Created, executed, and redlined Acceptance Test Plans; led ground and flight testing for avionics mission software and aircraft systems.
- Applied expertise in ARINC 429, ARINC 629, and various data bus protocols to ensure robust system interoperability and performance.
- Developed project management plans, streamlined workflows, and upheld ISO 9001 standards for quality assurance and process control.
- Recognized by C-130 System Program Office (SPO) in 2008 and 2009 for exceptional troubleshooting and resolution of avionics issues.
- Led verification testing of ground communications, data link systems, and gateway technologies to ensure operational readiness.
Avionics Technician / Traditional Reservist
Ohio Air National Guard
Mansfield, OH
08.1998 - 10.2006
- Recognized as Wing Airman of Year for exemplary service and leadership. Attained Top Graduate Award in avionics training, maintaining a 99.6% average. Trained six personnel in avionics, successfully guiding them to certification. Designed comprehensive curricula to support avionics certification training.
- Led maintenance operations for thirty-three C-130 avionics systems, overseeing installation, repair, and performance optimization.
- Demonstrated advanced technical proficiency in bench testing and calibration of communications, navigation, and radar systems using oscilloscopes, distortion analyzers, spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, wattmeters, and schematics.
- Resolved system malfunctions through expert use of technical orders, schematics, ground service equipment, and specialized test sets.
- Authored critical documentation for the Ohio Governor, Congressional representatives, and Ohio National Guard senior leadership—successfully contributing to the reversal of the 2005 BRAC recommendation and preserving Wing operations and over 900 jobs.
Education
Ph.D. - Systems Engineering
CSU
Fort Collins08-2026
Masters - Applied Systems Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA08-2014
B.S. - Electronics Engineering
The University of Akron
Akron, OH08-2004
A.A.S. - Avionics Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Montgomery, ALSkills
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Program Management
- Artificial Intelligence Management
- Design Thinking
- Digital Transformation
- Electrical engineering
- Aircraft Engineering
- Data Link Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Model-Based Systems Engineering
- Digital Engineering
- Mission Engineering
- System Testing
- Flight Testing
- Portfolio Analysis
- Air Battle Management
- Air Traffic Management
- C4ISR
- Avionics
- Strategic Planning
Affiliations
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Docent
- SAE International
- International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
- PMI
Certification
- Artificial Intelligence Management, Georgetown University, 2020
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Villanova University, 2015
- OCSMP, Object Management Group, 2022
- Cognitive Project Management in AI, PMI, in-progress
- General Radio Telephone Operator’s License, FCC, 2011
- Private Pilot Ground School, 2006
Publications
- Harnessing the Power of SySTEAM, Amplified by AI, to Drive Interdisciplinary Pattern Creation and Elevate Engineering Innovation, INCOSE SySTEAM Conference, 2025
- Bringing Back Humanity in a Tech-Driven World: (Re)Incorporating the Arts into Engineering Curricula to Make STEAM Reality and Enhance Disciplinary Convergence, Inaugural INCOSE SySTEAM Conference, 2023
- Building a Resilient Systems Engineering Workforce with Knowledge Intelligence Transduction, Conference on Systems Engineering Research, 2023
- Georgia Aquarium Design Space Analysis and Optimization, Conference on Systems Engineering Research, 2015
Awards
- 2023, Headquarters Air Force (HAF) A3 Team of the Year
- 2018, HAF A3 Operations Field Grade Office of the Quarter (FGOQ); HAF A3O FGOQ, Air Force Operations Group FGOQ
- 2016, Higher Headquarters USAF C2 Element of the Year (also awarded in 2015 and 2012)
- 2012, Air Force Operations Group Company Grade Officer (CGO) of the Year
- 2011, National Guard Association of Georgia “Terrell T. Reddick CGO Leadership Award”; Headquarters Air Force A3O-A CGO of the Quarter (CGOQ); Air Force Operations Group CGOQ
- 2010, 379th Expeditionary Operations Group CGOQ; 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron CGOQ
- 2009, 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron CGO of the Month; Theater Hospital Volunteer Service Recognition
- 2007, 325th Air Control Squadron, Academic Excellence Award
- 2006, Association for Enterprise Integration, Top Industry Honor, ARINC Engineering Services for Crystal Ball Enterprise Ops
- 2005, Ohio Air National Guard, Joint Force HQ, Base Realignment and Closure Support Certificate of Appreciation
- 2004, Robert C. Weyrick Outstanding Student Award in the Bachelor’s Program, University of Akron
- 2004, Graduating Bachelor’s Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, University of Akron (1st in class for respective college)
- 2003, Bachelor’s Program Outstanding Student Award, University of Akron
- 2000, 179th Airlift Wing Airman of the Year, Logistics Group Airman of the Year, Maintenance Squadron Airman of the Year
- 1999, AETC Commander’s Top Graduate Award, 81st Training Wing; 332d Training Squadron “Top Dog of the Month”
Timeline
Deputy Chief Engineer, Supervisor
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.
01.2023 - Current
Model-Based Systems Engineer, Digital Engineering Technical Lead
Arcfield
07.2017 - 01.2023
Systems Engineer / Division Task Manager
Mymic, Llc.
06.2015 - 07.2017
Principal Acquisitions Analyst / Systems Engineer
Alion Science and Technology
01.2015 - 06.2015
Operations Officer (USAF Reserves)
United States Air Force
11.2014 - Current
Air Battle Manager / Traditional Reservist
Georgia Air National Guard
10.2006 - 08.2013
Program Manager / Lead Electrical Engineer
ARINC Inc.
08.2004 - 01.2011
Avionics Technician / Traditional Reservist
Ohio Air National Guard
08.1998 - 10.2006
Ph.D. - Systems Engineering
CSU
Masters - Applied Systems Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
B.S. - Electronics Engineering
The University of Akron
A.A.S. - Avionics Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force
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