Dr. David Ellis is the director of strategic development for BAE Systems, Inc., Space & Mission Systems. In this role, he leads the strategic capabilities development and strategic planning around technology positioning for future needs of the business in support of the Military Space business area as well as certain sector strategic operations functions. This includes work in advanced technology development, participating in customer funded R&D projects with the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD), as well as scope and definition of critical internal research and development projects. Ellis also leads external partnership efforts related to technology. He is the chair of the Space & Mission Systems technology council and leads the sector’s cross collaboration efforts with other sector technology groups.
Prior to this role, Ellis led advanced technology development for the payload engineering area and business development for the National Space strategic business unit. Ellis brings over 20 years of experience in electronics systems and aerospace. He was previously with Qualcomm Government, developing advanced communications systems as well as Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems.
Ellis holds a B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering, a M.E. in engineering management, and a Doctorate in strategic leadership. His dissertation focused on the interactions between strategic leadership actions and innovation performance in high tech organizations. He is also a member of the Project Management Institute with PMP certification.