Jeff Ridder

Jeff Ridder has an extensive work experience in the defense and research field. Jeff is currently serving as the Chief Scientist for Autonomy Systems at Scientific Systems, where they focus on delivering collaborative autonomy systems and technologies to the warfighter. Prior to this, they worked at Raytheon Technologies as a Senior Engineering Fellow, leading teams to develop groundbreaking capabilities in distributed battle management, autonomy, and AI/ML applied to real-world problems. Jeff also held the position of Senior Engineering Fellow at Raytheon and worked on projects with various Department of Defense organizations and internally funded R&D. Jeff Ridder has also worked as a Research Scientist at Evidence Based Research, where they led a team developing quantitative analytical methods for assessing future joint communications network architectures. Jeff operated as a self-employed consultant at Innovating Systems, Inc., providing expertise in modeling & simulation, machine learning, and electronic warfare to government and industry clients. Earlier in their career, they worked as a Staff Scientist at System of Systems Analytics, Inc., leading the development of agent-based technologies and optimization algorithms for combat planning, and as an Electronics Engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where they researched electronic warfare system-of-systems and battle management concepts.

Jeff Ridder has pursued their education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jeff first completed their Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering. Subsequently, they went on to obtain a Master's Degree in the same field of study. Finally, Jeff Ridder pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering.