James C. Chitko
Chantilly
Summary
Director-level aerospace and space systems professional with 25+ years of experience leading design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations of complex satellite systems. Proven technical authority for spacecraft bus–payload integration, AI&T, launch campaigns, and transition from pathfinder missions to production constellations. Experienced leading large, distributed engineering teams and industry delivering mission-critical capabilities under aggressive cost, schedule, and performance constraints. Senior military leader transitioning to industry, bringing modern, agile execution approaches aligned with the new-space ecosystem.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office
U.S. Navy / National Reconnaissance Office
Chantilly
06.2022 - Current
- Technical and execution authority for a $3.5B+ satellite portfolio spanning 50+ R&D, pathfinder, and first-of-its kind major system acquisition programs.
- Lead a distributed organization of 110+ engineers partnering with primes, commercial suppliers, and DOW/IC stakeholders.
- Direct spacecraft system design, payload–bus integration, satellite-level AI&T, launch readiness, and on-orbit sustainment.
- Oversee spacecraft bus and payload contractors and suppliers, owning system specifications, ICDs, SOWs, assembly, integration and test requirements, and acceptance.
- Chair SRR, PDR, CDR, and integrated satellite readiness reviews; partner with launch providers to align cost, schedule, and mission assurance.
- Secured $1B+ in additional funding through a 10-year satellite technology roadmap.
- Delivered multiple on-orbit demonstrations transitioning three efforts into operational systems.
- Resolved complex cross-disciplinary technical risks preserving schedule and performance.
Deputy Director, Low Earth Orbit Systems Program Office
U.S. Navy / National Reconnaissance Office
Chantilly
12.2000 - 06.2022
- Directed 120+ personnel responsible for development, integration, launch readiness, and sustainment of a $6B+ remote space-based sensing system.
- Led on-orbit checkout, anomaly resolution, and long-term sustainment.
- Accelerated on-orbit checkout by four months, saving $20M.
- Secured $200M for resilience upgrades ensuring uninterrupted mission performance.
Program Manager, Advanced Sensor Technology Program Office
U.S. Navy
Washington
06.2019 - 12.2020
- Led accelerated development of advanced sensor technologies using tailored acquisition and agile execution.
- Delivered operational prototype two years ahead of schedule; secured $300M in follow-on funding for development and transition of an operational system.
Government Flight Test Director / Officer in Charge
U.S. Navy
Dallas
10.2014 - 06.2019
- Directed 300+ personnel executing flight test for advanced ISR systems; oversaw sustainment of a $1B+ aircraft fleet.
- Reduced test timelines by six months through industry collaboration.
Education
M.S. - Systems Engineering
Naval Postgraduate School
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering
U.S. Naval Academy
United States Naval Test Pilot School - Distinguished Graduate
Skills
- Satellite System Architecture (LEO / MEO / GEO)
- Spacecraft Bus–Payload Integration
- AI&T
- Environmental Test & Commissioning
- Pathfinder Missions & Production Constellations
- Launch Campaigns & Mission Assurance
- Supplier & Prime Contractor Oversight
- SRR
- PDR
- CDR
- Agile & Iterative Development
- Digital Engineering
- MBSE
- $B-Scale Portfolio Leadership
Certification
- DAWIA Program Management Level III
- DAWIA Test & Evaluation Level III
- PMP
Core Expertise
- Satellite System Architecture (LEO / MEO / GEO)
- Spacecraft Bus–Payload Integration
- AI&T, Environmental Test & Commissioning
- Pathfinder Missions & Production Constellations
- Launch Campaigns & Mission Assurance
- Supplier & Prime Contractor Oversight
- SRR / PDR / CDR
- Agile & Iterative Development
- Digital Engineering & MBSE
- $B-Scale Portfolio Leadership
Timeline
Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office
U.S. Navy / National Reconnaissance Office
06.2022 - Current
Program Manager, Advanced Sensor Technology Program Office
U.S. Navy
06.2019 - 12.2020
Government Flight Test Director / Officer in Charge
U.S. Navy
10.2014 - 06.2019
Deputy Director, Low Earth Orbit Systems Program Office
U.S. Navy / National Reconnaissance Office
12.2000 - 06.2022
M.S. - Systems Engineering
Naval Postgraduate School
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering
U.S. Naval Academy