Michael Garcia

Michael Garcia has a diverse work experience spanning over two decades. Michael is currently working at Aireon LLC as the Chief Innovation Scientist, a position they have held since March 2022. In this role, they are responsible for overseeing technical specification, design, implementation, and performance of the Aireon space-based ADS-B surveillance system. Michael also coordinates with ANSPs, standards groups, sub-contractors, and investors.

Prior to their current role, Michael held the position of Senior Director of System Engineering at Aireon LLC from April 2014 to March 2022. In this role, they had overall responsibility for technical specification, design, implementation, and performance of the Aireon space-based ADS-B surveillance system. Michael also managed technical and development activities with various stakeholders.

In addition to their work at Aireon LLC, Michael has also worked as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University in 2016, where they taught for one semester. Prior to that, they worked as an Associate Principal Engineer at Exelis from March 2008 to April 2014. In this role, they developed advanced satellite-based ADS-B simulation capability, provided innovative solutions for complex problems, and managed risk through trade studies and analysis.

Before Exelis, Michael worked as an NRC Research Fellow at National Academy of Sciences & ARO from June 2007 to February 2008, and as a Visiting Scientist at Research Triangle Institute from January 2007 to February 2008. Michael also held research positions at Duke University, serving as an ECE Postdoctoral Research Associate from September 2006 to June 2007, and as an ECE Research Assistant from August 2002 to August 2006.

Throughout their career, Michael has also been involved in academia, holding positions as an Adjunct Faculty at Elon University in 2006 and as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University in 2009. Michael has also worked in the private sector, serving as a DDRAM Yield Analyzer at Infineon Technologies in 2002 and as a Simulation Programmer at Rannoch Corporation from June 2001 to January 2002.

Overall, Michael Garcia has a wealth of experience in the aerospace industry, academia, and research, with a focus on ADS-B surveillance systems, technical specification, design, implementation, and performance evaluation.

Michael Garcia began their education at Quince Orchard High School from 1994 to 1998. Michael then attended George Mason University from 1998 to 2002, where they earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. Following this, from 2002 to 2006, Michael pursued a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University. Most recently, in 2020 to 2021, they participated in the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School Executive Education.