1. ULYSSES XAVIER HUGHES
325 Bradford Farms Drive ● Madison, AL 35758  Main (256) 722-4728 ● Cell (256) 683-8704  uhughes325@knology.net
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SUMMARY
Passionately applies systems engineering “V”model to technical and scientific programs in Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS),
Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), and NASA Spaceflight. Balances aptitude in solving challenging engineering problems
with ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Takes ownership of components, subsystems, and systems for answering to
stringent functional requirements and performance specifications by uniformly engaging industry-standard design, development,
integration, verification, and test (IVT) practices. Collaboratively and single-handedly resolves product hardware/software
anomalies, discrepancies, and interoperability issues whose presence puts expected system performance at risk. Ensures tasks and
deliverables remain on schedule, within scope and budget by managing, monitoring, and controlling activities. Forms and
continually cultivates wholesome interactions with individuals at all organizational levels internally and externally. Strengthens and
perpetuates excellence in customer relationships to reach business goals and desired outcomes. Agreeable to working overtime.
Welcomes relocation and extended domestic/international travel. U.S. Citizen holding SECRET Security Clearance, with TS eligibility.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
MATLAB for Engineers & Scientists (R2013b), University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH), 2014. Project Management Certification
Program, UAH, 2008. Systems Engineering Certification Program, UAH, 2007. Military Communications Systems Design & Analysis,
Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), 2006. Radar Systems Signal Processing, Design & Analysis Certification Program, UAH, 2005.
Radar Modeling & Simulation using MATLAB/Simulink, UAH, 2005. Data Communications Certification Program, Learning Tree
International, 1996. Space Environment for Low Earth Orbit, UAH, 1991. General Radiotelephone Operator License w/ Ship Radar
Endorsement, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 1988. Radio Systems Operations, Integration & Testing for C5-B Galaxy
Military Transport, LASC, 1985. Satellite Communications Earth Terminal Design, Integration & Testing, Scientific-Atlanta, 1980.
EDUCATION
Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Advanced Signal Detection and Estimation. Digital Communications. Error Correction Coding and Decoding. Direct Sequence and
Frequency Hop Spread Spectrum Communications. Digital Filters. Digital Processing of Speech Signals. Advanced Digital Signal
Processing. Electro-Optics and Lasers. Probability, Random Variables, and Stochastic Processes. Vector Analysis. Complex Variables.
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Communication and Control Systems. Analog, Digital, and RF Communications Circuit Design. Electromagnetic Fields, Transmission
Lines, Waveguides & Antennas. Physics. Fortran Programming. Calculus. Differential Equations. Linear Algebra. Advanced Calculus.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Independent Consultant, Madison, AL 2015-Present
Pens Proposals for Engineering Services Firms Aspiring to Capture BMDS and Similar Business Opportunities Announced by Missile
Defense Agency (MDA) and other U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Agencies in Open-Competition Requests for Proposals (RFPs):
 Commits over 10 years of experience developing proposals for leading aerospace and defense contractors to smaller
businesses, with emphasis on significantly improving quality and timing of responses to RFPs, along with increasing
odds of success in face of formidable opponents for winning multi-year government contracts valued at over $10M.
 Writes technical narratives innovatively describing approaches going beyond simply meeting requirements of performance
work statements (PWS) called out in RFP releases, focusing at outset on saving money and time while adding program value.
Optimization Technology, Inc. (OTI), Huntsville, AL 2014-2015
Sr Principal Systems Engineer (BMDS AN/TPY-2 Radar Electromagnetic Spectrum Management, Operations & Sustainment (O&S))
Administered Spectrum Management Program for AN/TPY-2 Radars and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Support Equipment:
 Supplied required information and data in DD Form 1494 submittals, including identification of geographic locations,
radio frequencies, transmitter power, transmit/receive antenna gains and polarizations, RF carrier modulating
waveform, waveform pulse durations and repetition intervals, emission bandwidth, harmonic level, and spurious levels.
 Collected and evaluated RF emissions test data for any signs of out-of-band energy potentially harmful to other systems.
 Coordinated all radar electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) issues and spectrum supportability (SS) risks with
Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Spectrum Manager and MDA Spectrum Management Working Group for joint resolution.
Updated AN/TPY-2 Radar Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and Radar Site Schedules for Harmony with Radar Fielding Plan:
 Laid out and tightly coupled IMS work intervals for item repair/replacement and maintenance driven by 5-year fielding plan.
 Expanded IMS into detailed site-specific tasks carefully aligned with IMS accomplishment and completion criteria.
 Finalized traceability for vertical integration by linking 3
rd
Tier Supplier Schedules to key events in radar fielding plan.
Verified AN/TPY-2 Radar O&S Work Authorizations and Straightaway Moved Forward on Execution to Minimize Downtimes:
 Probed Consolidated Contractor Logistics Support (CCLS) AN/TPY-2 Radar O&S plans to authenticate seamless
correlation with Engineering Review Board (ERB) approved Change Notices (CN) and Modification Work Orders (MWO).
 Promptly returned radar prime mission equipment to fully mission capable (FMC) status at specified operational reliability
by expediting CN and MWO implementation for repair/replacement of faulty electrical, mechanical, and hydronic hardware.
Shared in Failure Inquiries Coalescing AN/TPY-2 Radar O&S Chief Engineer, Quality, and CCLS Teams into One with a Common Aim:
 Allied with AN/TPY-2 Radar Failure Investigation Team (FIT) as Subject Matter Expert performing post-incident
forensics, helping construct fault trees for Radar-to-Command, Control, Battle Management & Communications
(C2BMC) Network failure modes, and preparing presentations for MDA Failure Review Board (FRB) adjudication.
 Made bonds with Failure Definition and Scoring Criteria (FD/SC) Panel in assessing failure events impacting AN/TPY-2 Radar
mission, chargeable to malfunctioning hardware/software, poor maintenance, human error, or inconsistent documentation.
Davis Strategic Innovations, Inc. (DSI), Huntsville, AL 2013-2014
Sr Principal Systems Engineer (BMDS Operational Test Agency (OTA) Analysis and Reporting of BMDS Radar Flight Test Data)
Determined Real-World Operational Performance of BMDS RF Sensors after Collecting, Reducing, and Analyzing Track Data Files:
 Extracted MDA Flight Test ground truth telemetry data and system-under-test (SUT) radar data from MS Structured
Query Language (SQL) databases to view radar tracking performance through optics of modeling and simulation (M&S).
 Built MATLAB structure arrays and pointers to error covariances stored in array data containers to calculate accuracy
of SUT-radar Kalman tracking filters in performing optimal state estimation of true target position and velocity.
Facilitated Independent Assessment of BMDS RF Sensor Performance in Flight Tests by Reporting M&S Outcomes to Leadership:
 Wrote two-dimensional plot commands in MATLAB to generate graphs for visualization of tracking filter uncertainty and
covariance consistency in estimating state vectors for target position and velocity versus target time after liftoff elapsing.
 Exported figures to MS PowerPoint, in succession, semi-automatically building charts for BMDS OTA presentations and
briefings to Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), as well as to MDA BMDS Element Program Directors.

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Management Technology Associates (MTA), Huntsville, AL 2012-2013
Sr Principal Systems Engineer (U.S. Army Air Defense Standardized Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Quality Assurance)
Managed Quality Assurance (QA) Program Conforming to ISO 2001:2008 and AS9100C Quality Management Standards:
 Controlled a confederacy of QA resources to preserve pre-defined reliability and availability levels for U.S. Army
Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) SICPS portfolio of Forward Area Air
Defense/Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar Command & Control (FAAD/C-RAM C2) components for IAMD support:
Command Post Communications Systems (CPCS), Command Center Systems (CCS), and Command Post Platforms (CPP).
Gaged SICPS Change Proposals/Requests for Implementation Conditioned on Degree of Impact, Appraised Test Documentation:
 Questioned engineering change proposals (ECPs)/requests for deviation (RFDs)/requests for waiver (RFWs) before approval
for adverse effects on existing drawings, specifications, parts usage, component integration processes, and affordability.
 Avowed goodness of SICPS component test plans relative to AMRDEC’s preferred DoD prescribed format and
content in Data Item Description (DID) DI-NDTI-80566A and test reports compared to that in DID DI-NDTI-80809B.
Dissected Test Incident and Failure Reports Unfolding Events Wholly or Partly Underlying SICPS Performance Impairments:
 Inspected SICPS discrepancy reports (SDRs), test incident reports (TIRs), product quality deficiency reports (PQDRs),
and closed-loop failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action system (FRACAS) database for indicators of
hardware/software non-conformances and defects appearing in production items and action plan for excision.
Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Huntsville, AL 2010-2011
Sr Principal Systems Engineer Lead (Scheduling and Schedule Management for Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS)
Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Fire Control/Communications (GFC/C) Capability Deliveries and Upgrades)
Put Critical Path Analysis in Play to Attain Certain Time-Saving Benefit in Renewing GMD Missile Field Communications Assets:
 Co-developed and shepherded obtaining MDA approval of Microsoft Project schedule for fiber optic and
copper cable plant refurbishments, including manholes and distribution panels, providing media for data and
voice transport throughout multi-silo Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) Missile Defense Complex (MDC) in Alaska.
 Reduced risk in overshooting programmed end date for installations by “fast tracking” project, shortening
critical path from 846 to 738 days, securing and indemnifying well over 10% of safety margin against schedule slip.
Unveiled Integrated Schedule Bolstering MDA Preparedness for New GMD Development & Sustainment Contract (DSC):
 Produced Capability Delivery (CD) Plan in Microsoft Project, vetted and endorsed up MDA leadership chain, as “Battle
Rhythm” for timely and orderly transition of identified GFC/C hardware, software, specifications, design descriptions,
and operation/maintenance documentation for GMD Fire Control (GFC), In-Flight Interceptor Communication System
(IFICS) Data Terminal (IDT), GMD Communications Network (GCN), External Systems Interface (ESI), Command
Launch Equipment (CLE), and GBI Ground Support Systems (GSS) for CD-04 upgrades and CD-06 construction.
The Boeing Company, Huntsville, AL 2001-2010
Sr Principal Systems Engineer Lead (GMD Planning, ECPs, EVMS, Requirements Development, Integration, Verification & Test)
Played Key Role in Generating Top-Level Plans Governing GMD Design and Development Spanning Six Life Cycle Phases:
 Contributed a large body of writings and graphics describing technical processes assimilated into GMD Systems Engineering
Management Plan (SEMP), Master Test Plan (MTP), System Verification Plan (SVP), and Integration Phase Plans (IPP).
 Partnered with GMD Element Specialty Engineering Team in developing and releasing Program Plans for Electromagnetic
Environmental Effects (E3), Environmental Survivability, and Reliability, Availability, Maintainability & Testability (RAM-T).
Identified and Pegged Specialty Engineering Tasks/Subtasks to Exact Instants of Need, Mindful to Ease Stress with Some Float:
 Built Tier 4 Schedules in Microsoft Project across E3, Survivability, Software, Safety, Human Factors Engineering, and
RAM-T disciplines, meticulously scoping, sequencing, resource loading, and timing engineering activities along with
contract deliverables, determining flexibilities through critical path analysis, and calibrating events to integrate vertically
with GMD Integrated Master Plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) milestones and accomplishment criteria.
Developed Basis of Estimates for GMD Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), Taking Care to Consider Boeing Cost Estimating Rules:
 Provided program management descriptions, rationale/justifications, and calculations in labor hours and dollars
using binding cost estimating relationships (CER) for Specialty Engineering activities and product development spanning
program plan updates/revisions, requirements compliance assessments, development of GMD system architecture
definition, GBI parts obsolescence mitigation planning, E3 and environmental survivability testing, requirements
traceability analysis, and support to technical interchange meetings (TIMs), design/drawing reviews, and technical reviews.
Savored Responsibility, Authority, and Accountability as Control Account Manager (CAM) for GMD Specialty Engineering:
 Applied all 32 guidelines in ANSI/EIA-748B Earned Value Management System (EVMS) for scope, schedule, and budget
integration; work performance monitoring; status/forecast reporting; and data collection enabling EVM analysis in Deltek
Winsight, as well as resolution of variances from GMD performance measurement baseline (PMB) through recovery plans.
Covered Every Aspect of a Logical and Executable Requirements Management Process even as Overseeing and Individually
Tackling Requirements Development, Tracing, Integration, and Verification Efforts for GMD Element and its Components:
 Decomposed and analyzed Sea-Based X-Band Radar (XBR), Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR), Cobra Dane Upgrade
(CDU) Radar, GFC/C, and GBI Component requirements flowed down from BMD System Specification (BMD SS) and
reflected in GMD Element Capability Specification (ECS) as “shall” statements subject to formal verification and validation.
 Guided 20-plus staff of GMD Element Specialty Engineers in defining GMD design constraints levied on Components.
 Supervised design constraints allocation to Component Product Teams, in turn, deriving GMD lower-level requirements
represented in Prime Item Development Specifications (PIDS) and Hardware Requirements Specifications (HRS).
 Signed off on validity of requirements traceability analysis undertaken using Dynamic Object-Oriented Requirements
System (DOORS) for efficient detection of widowed, orphaned, missing, and conflicting GMD requirements, in addition to
bidirectional traces with GMD architecture, BMDS Warfighter requirements, M&S, and tests in support of verification.
 Integrated all design constraints and derived Component requirements for GMD Technical Interchange Meeting
(TIM) and Requirements Working Group peer reviews, and program approval at System Requirements Reviews (SRR).
 Prepared, reviewed, and approved verification closure notices (VCNs) documenting whether or not GMD Component
design solutions dovetailed equally with corresponding requirements in BMD SS and GMD ECS, basing rulings on
results of tests, analyses, demonstrations, and inspections contained in Component certification data packages (CDPs).
Donned Hard Hat and Steel-Toe Boots Partaking in Hands-On, Rubber-Meets-the-Road Radar Integration, Verification, and Test:
 Became familiar with test setups, witnessed test outcomes at XBR String Testing Facility, compiled and evaluated data
(sourcing Test Information Sheets (TIS) and their references to XBR PIDS, integration, verification, and test requirements)
for waveform generation and pilot pulse calibration (receiver gain/phase alignment), waveform generator baseband
calibration, microwave power levels and receiver automatic gain control (AGC) test, receiver/exciter (REX) dynamic
range and replica generation tests (range sidelobe correction), tracking data collection test using RF test target
generator, and sensor operations (search, acquisition, track, discrimination, kill assessment, interceptor support).
 Assisted MDA GMX Product Office complete XBR multifunction phased array radar installation at Kiewit Shipyard in Texas,
involving 65% populated mechanically-slewed/electronically-beam steered antenna designed for target wideband detection
growth, drive platform control system (DPCS) for hydrophobic-coated/air-inflated radome, liquid conditioning/circulation
system (LCCS), receiver/exciter (REX), beam steering generator (BSG), and signal/data processing equipment (SDPE).
 Coordinated and conducted RF interference (RFI) tests with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required to certify XBR
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) with Honolulu Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems prior to Pacific Ocean deployment.

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Tec-Masters, Inc. (TMI), Huntsville, AL 1993-2001
Sr Principal Systems Engineer (Battle Management, Command/Control & Communications (BMC3) Requirements and Hardware
Evaluation for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Engineering Manufacturing and Development (EMD) Phase)
Established Integrity of BMC3 Requirements Linkages through Across-the-Board Document Reviews and Comparative Analysis:
 Cross-walked THAAD EMD Engagement Concept, Foundation Model, Key Events Dictionary, Use Cases, System
Specification, BMC3 Prime Item Development Specification (PIDS), BMC3-to-BMC3, BMC3-to-Radar, BMC3-to-Launcher, and
BMC3-to-External Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to confirm absence of gaps, missing and conflicting requirements.
Assessed Original, Interim, and Closing BMC3 Hardware Proposals for Conformity to Effectiveness and Performance Metrics:
 Tapered choice of design solutions to two or three coming nearest to best value in satisfying intent of use, customer
expectations, mission and operational needs, translated to achieving measures of effectiveness (MOEs) derived from
Concept of Operations and Operational Requirements Document (ORD), while meeting technical objectives expressed in
measures of performance (MOPs) and technical performance measures (TPMs) from System Specification and BMC3 PIDS.
Sr Principal Systems Engineer (Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test of Independent Verification and Validation
(IV&V) Testbeds for THAAD Dem/Val Phase)
Embraced and Channeled IEEE-STD-1220:1994/EIA-IS-632:1994 Cradle-to-Grave Systems Engineering Processes into a
$50-Million THAAD IV&V Program Sponsored and Managed by U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC):
 Captured all customer/user needs and functionality covering design, development, construction, integration, test,
operations, and sustainment of fixed and mobile testbeds to verify and validate THAAD ballistic missile defense products.
 Carried out top-down requirements analysis of THAAD Dem/Val IV&V Operational Concept Document (OCD) and ORD.
 Completed functional analysis, decomposing higher-level THAAD IV&V functions into lower-level BMC3, Ground Based
Radar (GBR), Launcher, and Missile IV&V subfunctions, and allocating functional requirements to testbed physical elements.
 Converged on optimal testbed solution from a pool of alternatives following trade studies considering cost-effectiveness.
Delineated Scope of THAAD IV&V Testbed Integration and Test Activities to Miniscule Detail, Ensuring No Item Fell through Cracks:
 Constructed schedule network logic diagrams tagging activity start/stop dates, float, dependencies, and insertion of
resources (integration and test plan/procedures, functional requirements and specifications, interface control documents
(ICDs), end items, special tools/test equipment, personnel) for incremental subsystem/system integration and test.
 Scored high on efficiency in executing integration and test, a plus for both IV&V client and enterprise, by continually pushing
needle of schedule performance index (SPI) for earned value management (EVM) to surpass and remain well above 100%.
Integrated All THAAD IV&V Constituents – THAAD Hardware, Segment Software, and Testbed Control Infrastructure:
 Added actual Launcher Control Unit (LCU) and Missile Seeker Integrated Avionics Package (IAP) of THAAD Dem/Val
architecture and representative BMC3/GBR Emulators as hardware-in-the loop (HWIL) for evaluation, with flight test
replay data stimulating BMC3, GBR, LCU, and IAP software-in-the-loop (SWIL) consecutively driving hardware functionality.
 Merged in UNIX servers and client workstations, communicating using TCP/IP protocol over 100 Megabits/second
(Mbps) fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) and Fast Ethernet local area networks for THAAD IV&V operations.
Took Credit for Successes in Series of Technical Reviews with SMDC Customer, Other Stakeholders, and Cavalcade of Support Staff:
 Presented derived requirements and allocations for configuration items/personnel ratified at System Requirements Review
(SRR); traceability analyses, functional configuration baseline, and V&V methods approved departing System Functional
Review (SFR); design characteristics, configuration item/interface specifications, technical feasibility analyses accepted
leaving Preliminary Design Review (PDR); mature design meeting cost/schedule constraints green-lighted at Critical Design
Review (CDR); test requirements, plans, and procedures deemed up to standard coming out of Test Readiness Review (TRR);
thumbs up to verification summary reports with data backing testbed solution exiting System Verification Review (SVR).
Released One Fixed Site and Two Relocatable Mobile Testbeds, All Well-Equipped with Essential Assets Enabling System
Analysts to Accomplish THAAD IV&V Campaign Effectively and Efficiently in User Ergonomically-Friendly Work Environments:
 Served as a System Analyst testing computer software configuration items (CSCI) programmed in Ada code for GBR F-Series,
Launcher J-Series, Missile M-Series, and BMC3 Link-16 RF messages to verify compliance with origination, destination,
stimulus, protocol, and data characteristics in THAAD Communications Software Requirements Specifications (SRS).
Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE), Huntsville, AL 1988-1993
Sr Principal Engineer (NASA Space Shuttle Mission Analysis, Requirements Generation, System Integration, Verification, and Test)
United with Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Science & Engineering Directorate in Defining and Documenting Payload
Mission Integration Requirements for Astronomical Observatory and Mission to Planet Earth Remote Sensing Flights:
 Corroborated interoperability of Spacelab Experiment Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) with data, voice, and video
processing and distribution systems inside MSFC Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) through compatibility analysis.
 Originated interface requirements/specifications, drawings, and design descriptions for science operations EGSE and MSFC
POCC data/video commands and transfers between EGSE and POCC Spacelab data processing/archive/delivery systems.
 Got pass marks in peer reviews for requirements definition accuracy and completeness, likewise Mission Manager approvals
to join forces with Spacelab Payload Configuration Management in baselining EGSE/POCC configuration, interface, and data
flow requirements for implementation in hardware/software systems to support simulated and actual Space Shuttle flights.
Coordinated Uplink Commands to NASA Space Shuttles to Schedule and Manage Real-Time/Playback Payload Data and
Video Downlink through Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) Network and White Sands Ground Terminal (WSGT):
 Teamed up with Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and Johnson Space Center (JSC) in configuring TDRS forward
and return channels to support Spacelab experiment data transmission from Space Shuttle Ku-Band System to
ground over WSGT 48-Mbps Statistical Multiplexer (SM) and 2-Mbps Multiplexer/Demultiplexer (MDM)
networks to POCC for distribution to Principal Investigator Teams, POCC Cadre, and additional authorized users.
Participated in ASTRO-1, ATLAS-1, and ATLAS-2 Verification Processes Formalized in MSFC-HDBK-2221 Verification Handbook:
 Demonstrated Space Shuttle and TDRS network ability to transmit payload telemetry to MSFC POCC in data flow testing, to
include interrogating data management logs for proper systems control capability, data processing, storage, data acquisition
and formatting by Spacelab Command and Data Management System (CDMS) and POCC High Data Rate System (HDRS).
 Substantiated fail-safe commanding with telemetry response between Spacelab payloads and POCC during
Cargo Integration Test Equipment (CITE) testing by thoroughly examining Experiment Computer Input/Output
(ECIO) data streams for manifestations of content either partially or entirely in disagreement with expected results.
 Reported phenomenal 99.999% success rate in collecting over 1.5 Terabytes of atmospheric, far-ultraviolet astronomy,
space plasma physics, and solar data from 14 electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) spectrometers and millimeter-wave (MMW)
radiometers staring into open space from Orbiter payload bay, astounding ATLAS-1 Mission Scientist and NASA
conferring kudos to a highly effective team of POCC personnel, Space Shuttle payload crew, and TDRS network controllers.

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Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company (LASC), Marietta, GA 1985-1988
Sr Electrical/Electronics Engineer (System Integration, Ground and Flight Testing of C-5B Galaxy Transport Aircraft Radios)
Transferred Proficiencies from Training and Former Job to Efficient Assembly and Check Out of Complex Airborne Radio Systems:
 Targeted knowledge acquired from a plethora of C-5B avionics classes in system integration and testing on functional and
performance verification of AN/ARC-190(V) HF SSB, AN/ARC-186(V) VHF AM/FM, and AN/ARC-164 UHF Have Quick radios.
Framed Approach to Investigative Troubleshooting and Indicted a Gang of Culprits Derailing AN/ARC-186(V) Radio Performance:
 Addressed C-5B pilot complaints of limited AM-Band range, resulting in sporadically disrupted or dropped communications.
 Tested radio on flight line, in laboratory, as well as in clear sky under normal operating conditions to substantiate grievances.
 Justly fingered 186(V)’s lossy, mismatched RF cables reducing power input and increasing voltage standing wave ratio
(VSWR) at VHF antenna terminals, frequency-dependent antenna gain, abnormally high minimum detectable signal level,
and overly aggressive climax squelch circuit acting on just slightly faded signals as predominant causes based on test results.
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA 1980-1985
Sr RF Systems Engineer (Design, Development, Integration, Verification & Test (IVT) of Satellite Communication Earth Terminals)
Aroused DoD Interest in Capabilities for Mitigating RF Dispersion, Scintillation, and Interference by Spread Spectrum:
 Applied advanced spread spectrum theory to show frequency hop/M-ary frequency shift keying (FH/MFSK) as a recipe
profiting from intrinsic frequency diversity improving jamming resistance in parallel with low probability of intercept
(LPI), besides curbing frequency-selective signal loss and distortion on SHF/EHF satellite communication channels.
Characterized Ground System Configurations for Earth-Space Links with INTELSAT IV, IV-A, and V Geostationary Satellites:
 Calculated carrier-to-noise ratios (CNR) foremost to meeting specified baseband signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for analog
communication, and bit energy-to-noise power spectral density ratios (Eb/No) chief to satisfying required baseband bit error
rates (BER) for digital communication through satellite 6/4 GHz (C-Band) and 14/11 GHz (Ku-Band) shared transponders.
 Accomplished detailed RF link budget analysis using uplink/downlink effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP)
and converting EIRP to power flux density through earth terminal-to-satellite slant path range; antenna gain,
feed-line loss, and system noise temperature summing antenna temperature and receiver composite noise
temperature to compute receiver G/TS figure of merit; RF/IF amplifier gains, active/passive intermodulation
products; free-space/atmospheric attenuations; antenna depolarization/misalignment losses; satellite
transponder input/output backoffs; and adjacent channel/co-channel interferences. Included sufficient link
margins “M” to account for rainfall loss and losses owing to sub-optimalities in ground system implementation.
 Diagnosed modulating-signal power spectral density adjusted by pulse shaping filters to achieve compliance with total
power and bandwidth occupancy regulations, BER degradation by filter bandwidth limitations and channel decoder error, as
well as BER penalty from imperfect RF carrier/timing recovery due to phase-noise power spectral density and high data rate.
Created Extended Line of Technical Documentation Complementing Legacy Equipment Upgrades and Emerging Product Offerings:
 Developed requirements, specifications, functional block diagrams, schematics, test plans/procedures, and
operation/maintenance manuals for modulators, demodulators, microwave upconverters and downconverters, frequency
synthesizers, and other receiver/exciter solutions for frequency modulation-frequency division multiplex (FM-FDM) and
FM-single channel per carrier (FM-SCPC) analog and quadrature phase shift keyed (QPSK) digital satellite earth terminals.
Ensured Products Met Specifications by Holistically Blending Capabilities from a Vast Array of Electronic Components:
 Innovated requirements-compliant, cutting-edge designs in economical one-size-fits-all modules for reliable operation in
all environments, fusing together RF power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers (LNA), operational amplifiers, discrete bipolar
junction transistors (BJT) and field effect transistors (FET), regulator/tuning diodes, combinational and sequential digital
TTL/ECL/CMOS logic, temperature-compensated and voltage-controlled crystal oscillators (TCXO/VCXO), phased-locked
loops (PLL), mixers, active and passive filters, group delay equalizers, microstrip, and power splitters/combiners.
Progressively Built Terminals Bottom-Up in System Integration Lab, Unifying Configuration Items and Subsystems into a Whole:
 Referred to system integration plans and procedures for setting up integration environment and sequencing of tasks.
 Eyeballed system block diagrams for identification of units, N
2
diagrams, unit interconnection drawings, cable and wire run
lists, and special tools/test equipment with which to integrate and evaluate compatibility of subsystems incrementally.
 Turned to unit functional block diagrams for pointers to ICDs containing interface purpose, functional and performance
requirements, interface definitions/descriptions (physical/mechanical, electronic, electrical, software, hardware/software),
and associated interface tests conducted as a significant part of quantitative verification and qualitative validation activities.
 Worked up bills of material (BOM) listing part numbers and quantities of component-level units/subassemblies, subsystem-
level modules, and ancillary hardware needed to populate equipment racks in consonance with client purchase orders.
 Installed cable trays, signal and electrical wiring harnesses, modules, power supplies, and cooling fans in equipment racks.
 Documented proper connectivity of RF signal chain items and health/status digital interfaces to controller microprocessor.
Interleaved “Let’s See What It Does” Functional and Performance Testing at Crux of System Sell-Off to Customers with Integration:
 Subjected individual units to developmental tests and qualification tests to determine requirements conformance utilizing
vector network analyzers, vector signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, function generators, white noise test
sets, bit error rate testers, analog/digital multimeters, RF probes, and other specialized test equipment. Similarly,
tested subsystems of two or more units in continuing IVT, culminating with final acceptance test of system as an entity.
 Produced hardware developer test reports for component-level units and system integration test reports for interconnected
subsystem elements providing results of bandwidth, capacity, latency, bit error rate, phase noise and jitter, carrier and
timing recovery, intersymbol interference (ISI), modulator linearity; IF/RF group delay, frequency agility, amplitude
response, amplitude/phase stability, output level, and return loss; temperature, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic
interference (EMI) measurements proving systems meeting required performance thresholds defined in pass/fail criteria.
Collaborated Across Diverse Organizational Boundaries Necessary to Migrate Products from One Life Cycle Phase to the Next:
 Consulted with Director of Technology, Chief Engineer, Business Development, Sales/Marketing, Product Management,
Product Quality/Safety Assurance, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Contracts, Configuration/Data
Management, and Operations Support teams for each product from conceptualization through production release.