William L. Dean Jr., Ph.D.

Chief Systems Engineer & Defense Program Leader (SATCOM / C5ISR)

San Diego, CA | 757.354.3722 | deanjrwl@gmail.com | Linkedin

Active Security Clearance

Executive Profile

A dynamic and results-driven Chief Systems Engineer and Program Director with over two decades of distinguished experience leading the architecture, acquisition, and sustainment of the nation's most critical military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) systems. An expert in navigating both traditional (ACAT) and modern (MTA) acquisition frameworks, with a proven track record of delivering complex, multi-billion dollar C5ISR systems from concept to deployment. Combines deep technical expertise in systems engineering and cybersecurity with exceptional leadership in program management, federal contract oversight, and strategic stakeholder engagement across the DoD.

Core Competencies & Technical Expertise

  • Systems Engineering: Requirements Development & Analysis, System Architecture, MBSE, DoDAF, Risk Management Framework (RMF), Test & Evaluation (T&E), CONOPS Development, Lifecycle Sustainment (LCSP).

  • Program Management: Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA), ACAT I-III Programs, Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), Technical Data Package (TDP) Development, Budget & Timeline Adherence.

  • SATCOM Technologies: Protected & Wideband MILSATCOM, AEHF, WGS, PATS, NMT, GBS, ATIP, WAM, TMLRU, End Cryptographic Unit (ECU) design.

  • Network & Cybersecurity: Information Assurance (IA), Secure Network Architecture, VoIP & Circuit Emulation in low-bandwidth environments, DoD Cybersecurity Policy.

  • Leadership & Strategy: Cross-Functional Team Leadership, DoD Stakeholder Engagement (NAVWAR, NUWCDIVNPT), Personnel Management, Strategic Planning, Training & Curriculum Development.

Professional Experience

Chief Systems Engineer / Deputy Director of Navy Programs | KBR (Formerly LinQuest Corporation) (2013 - Present)

Serves as a chief engineering authority and program leader for critical Navy SATCOM programs, providing technical oversight and strategic direction for systems including the Mobile AEHF Terminal (MAT), Wideband Antijam Modem (WAM), Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT), and Advanced TDMA Interface Processor (ATIP).

  • Strategic Program Leadership: Acts as the primary Navy liaison to the Protected Antijam Tactical SATCOM (PATS) community, guiding the Navy's technical strategy through all three implementation phases and ensuring alignment with joint operational objectives.

  • Innovative Acquisition: Successfully pioneered a structured acquisition approach using Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) for the MAT program, accelerating development timelines while ensuring rigorous quality and performance standards.

  • Systems Engineering Excellence: Directed the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle for multiple ACAT and MTA programs. Led requirements validation, performance specification development, RMF application, and lifecycle sustainment planning (LCSP).

  • Technical Problem Solving: Spearheaded an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to resolve critical obsolescence issues, developing a comprehensive Technical Data Package (TDP) that enabled a successful system redesign and directly improved system availability (Ao).

  • Warfighter-Focused Design: Led the development and alignment of comprehensive test criteria (environmental, shock, vibration, HMI) to validate and verify system compliance and maximize usability for the warfighter.

  • Training & Readiness: Directed the design, development, and fielding of comprehensive training systems and curricula for NMT, ATIP, GBS, and other complex modem systems, now implemented in over 16 sites across 5 countries.

Professor of Technology | Western Governors University (2020 - 2023)

Selected for a leadership role in the College of Information Technology based on a proven track record of expertise across multiple technology domains.

  • Curriculum Development: Advised the Dean and Department Chair on curriculum requirements for the B.S. in Network Engineering, leading the development and validation testing for new courses and exams.

  • Academic Mentorship: As a Capstone Professor, successfully mentored over 500 students to degree completion across diverse programs, including Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Computer Science.

Principal SATCOM Engineer | Tele-Consultants Inc. (2006 - 2013)

Served as a key technical authority and Subject Matter Expert (SME) representing PMW/A-170, providing hands-on engineering support for system development, integration testing (DGSIT), and fleet installations.

  • Innovative Solution Design: Architected and designed a novel CISCO-centric VoIP and circuit emulation solution optimized for protected, low-bandwidth SATCOM environments, enabling new capabilities for disadvantaged users.

  • System Verification & Validation: Acted as the government engineering representative and test witness for the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT), playing a critical role in design verification, environmental testing, and ensuring compliance with shipboard installation requirements.

  • Operational Support: Provided real-time troubleshooting and on-the-job training to deployed sailors on critical SATCOM systems (TIP, X/Q/Ka-band, GBS, crypto), directly enhancing fleet readiness.

Electronics Technician (Radio) | United States Navy (2001 - 2005)

Managed and maintained all mission-critical communication systems aboard a U.S. Navy submarine, ensuring 100% operational readiness and secure communications in high-stakes operational environments.

  • Operated and maintained UHF, VLF, and EHF radio systems and managed all cryptographic equipment for secure voice and data transmissions.

  • Administered the submarine's LAN and played a key role in emergency operations, ensuring rapid restoration of C2 capabilities.

  • Trained and mentored junior personnel, fostering a culture of technical proficiency and operational excellence.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Information Technology | Capella University

  • Master of Business Administration, IT Management | Western Governors University

  • Bachelor of Science, Information Technology | Western Governors University

Certifications & Advanced Training

  • CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional)

  • CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

  • CompTIA Security+

  • CompTIA Network+

  • CompTIA Linux+

  • CompTIA A+

  • CNSS 4011 / 4013

  • CIW Database Design Specialist

  • CIW JavaScript Specialist

  • Microsoft Certified Professional

  • CISSP & PMP (In Progress, Anticipated 2025)