Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Key Capabilities
Security Clearance
Timeline
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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, AL

MS - Engeering Management

California Polytechnic University
San Luis Obispo, CA

BS - Aeronautical Engineering

United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs,CO

BS - Mechanical Engineering

United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO

Skills

  • 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
THOMAS NIX