THOMAS NIX
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at the United States Space Force, driving innovative, global space, ground, and multi-INT solutions enhancing national security. Proven track record in systems integration and strategic planning. Adept at cross-functional team leadership and fostering stakeholder engagement to deliver impactful results.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Director, Agile Space Operations Software
United States Space Force
Colorado Springs
01.2024 - Current
- Led 100-member cross-functional team to deliver operational software systems for multi-int and sensor-driven architectures, enhancing mission capability.
- Directed enterprise-level analytical and programmatic initiatives shaping future USSF architectures, including multi-int ISR and ground system modernization.
- Oversaw $200M+ in RDT&E funds, aligning technical planning with senior leader priorities to support national security objectives.
- Functioned as the primary technical interface to senior DoD/USSF leadership, conducting formal reviews to clarify requirements.
- Reduced adjudication cycle time by 90% for 2000+ space entities, enhancing sensor-driven decision timelines.
- Coordinated inter-agency partnerships, strengthening national defense initiatives and enhancing collaborative efforts.
- Implemented training programs that improved team performance and mission readiness.
- Coordinated resource allocation across various space operations projects to align with organizational goals.
Space Nuclear Portfolio Technical Director
United States Air Force
Albuquerque
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Led over 150 engineers and industry partners in delivering innovative capabilities aligned with stakeholder needs.
- Managed $130 million technical portfolio across diverse disciplines and contracts.
- Led comprehensive $650 million flight demonstration plan development, 240 tests to accelerate timelines by three years.
- Directed technical operations for advanced military systems ensuring optimal readiness and functionality.
- Facilitated stakeholder collaboration to define technical requirements and specifications for projects.
- Led multi-agency development of US Gov't Space Nuclear Launch Approval Processes
- Mentored junior engineers through training programs, fostering professional development and expertise.
Multi-Int Fusion Ground Systems Director
National Reconnaissance Office
Chantilly
03.2015 - 01.2020
- Led a 250+ person team delivering a national priority mission with full TCPED integration.
- Directed development of $438M+multi-INT mission sensors and ground processing architectures for national intelligence systems.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance national security capabilities.
- Enhanced customer relationships with NRO, DoD, and IC stakeholders to align on mission priorities.
- Executed design reviews, closing technical risks and ensuring compatibility across multiple systems/organizations/sites
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operational processes.
- Oversaw budget allocations for technology and resource investments to support mission objectives.
- Mentored junior staff in program execution and best practices.
- Analyzed system performance to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
- Researched emerging technologies and assessed their potential applications to inform strategic initiatives.
- Led cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of new Cloud solutions.
GPS Enterprise Requirements Chief
US Air Force
Los Angeles
02.2012 - 03.2015
- Directed acquisition activities for $350 million, 150-person systems engineering contract, delivering GPS to over 1 billion users.
- Executed acquisition strategy for $220 million GPS integration, reporting to SSC/CC and HAF.
- Orchestrated multi-organization interactions across industry and MAJCOM, fostering collaboration to align efforts on GPS program objectives.
- Led 213-member multidisciplinary team to achieve project objectives and foster innovation.
- Managed $5 million annual trade studies and architectural analysis, optimizing allocation of requirements across space, ground, and user segments to support GPS mission success.
- Oversaw 378 program documentation ensuring adherence to technical baseline standards.
- Advised senior leaders on impacts of operational requirement changes; facilitating informed decisions in technical change management processes.
- Developed future operational requirements for GPS interface with Pentagon HQ and USSTRATCOM.
Education
MS - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
Auburn, ALMS - Engeering Management
California Polytechnic University
San Luis Obispo, CABS - Aeronautical Engineering
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs,COBS - Mechanical Engineering
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, COSkills
- Agile Project Management
- Systems integration
- Multi-INT/SIGINT Systems
- ISR Sensor Development
- Ground System Integration
- Ground System Architectures
- C2 / TT&C
- Team leadership
- DOORS
- Cameo
- Modeling & Simulation
- Risk Management Frameworks
- Requirement definition
- Technical documentation
- Execution management
- Risk management
- Budget Management
- Cross-functional leadership
- Team leadership
- Stakeholder Management
- Effective communication
- Verbal communication
- Customer Engagement
- Strategic planning
- Business strategy
- Problem solving
- DOORS
- Cameo
- Modeling & Simulation
- Risk Management Frameworks
Certification
- DAU Systems Engineering Level III
- DAU Program Management Level II
Key Capabilities
- P&L Management: Oversaw portfolios exceeding $500M; aligned cost, schedule, and technical execution to meet customer objectives.
- Customer Relationship Ownership: Primary interface for senior DoD, USSF, USAF, and IC customers; shaped requirements and identified new business opportunities.
- IRAD Oversight: Directed internal R&D investments to accelerate capability development and align with strategic priorities.
- Risk & Opportunity Management: Led enterprise-level risk boards, mitigation planning, and cross-functional execution.
- Team Leadership: Built and led high-performing teams of 40-250+ engineers, analysts, and operators.
- Strategic Growth: Identified new mission opportunities, shaped proposals, and supported capture activities.
Security Clearance
Active TS/SCI
Timeline
Director, Agile Space Operations Software
United States Space Force
01.2024 - Current
Space Nuclear Portfolio Technical Director
United States Air Force
01.2020 - 01.2023
Multi-Int Fusion Ground Systems Director
National Reconnaissance Office
03.2015 - 01.2020
GPS Enterprise Requirements Chief
US Air Force
02.2012 - 03.2015
MS - Aerospace Engineering
Auburn University
MS - Engeering Management
California Polytechnic University
BS - Aeronautical Engineering
United States Air Force Academy
BS - Mechanical Engineering
United States Air Force Academy