In 2005, Dr. Beckner joined TechSource as a member of the Board of Directors. He began assisting with high-level support for Complex Transformation research and initiatives in areas such as the Pit Disassembly and Conversion Facility, the Chemistry and Metallurgy Replacement Nuclear Facility, and major environmental test facilities in 2006.
Dr. Beckner has over 55 years of broad experience in advanced nuclear fission, fusion, and waste management technologies; solar energy; and fossil energy; as well as in the management of large R&D programs. He also has experience in defense and defense technology issues, technology transfer programs, and nuclear safety programs.
Dr. Beckner began his career at Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) in Albuquerque as a technical staff member and rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Energy Programs in 1983 and Vice President of Defense Programs in 1986. In 1990, he moved to the U.S. Department of Energy as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs.
He left government service for the post of Vice President of Technical Operations in the Energy and Environment Sector for Lockheed Martin Corporation; he then served as the Deputy Chief Executive for the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the United Kingdom. He returned to government service in 2002 as the Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, responsible for all nuclear weapons activities.
Dr. Beckner grew up in Clayton, NM, and attended Baylor University where he received a B.S. in Physics. He was awarded his M.S. and Ph. D. in Physics from Rice University. He is a Fellow of American Physical Society and a member of Strategic Advisory Group, Strategic Command.