The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is David Ray, senior vice president of space at SAIC, and a finalist for the Space Executive of the Year, Private & Public category. Here, he shares key achievements and proud career moments.
What key achievements did you have in 2023?
The biggest achievement we are celebrating is the validation of our strategy to move from a service company with space customers to a space company. Part of that strategy was to pivot organically from traditional SETA/SEI services (systems engineering, technical assistance and systems integration) to development and solutions.
This expansion in focus adds value and capability to our space customers along with new parts of the space value chain. This approach resonates with our valued customers and is evidenced by SAIC’s successful capture and execution of the Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3) program with the Space Development Agency, where application updates can be pushed to on-orbit satellites.
We are at the center of an evolutionary push to change the way space systems are acquired and orchestrated over the coming decades. The evolution and value of software factories will be a game changer as constellations become more multi-mission and tiered architectures (LEO, MEO and GEO) rely on one another for the successful execution of future space missions.
Another notable example of our thesis in action is the Ground Based Radar Maintenance and Sustainment Service (GMASS) win, which enhances our nation’s defense. This work allows SAIC and its world class Digital Engineering capability to transition legacy systems to new architectures that allow for further decades of meaningful capability enhancements and integration with software-based architectures.
The ability to take legacy systems and extend their useful life and interoperability with new open architected systems is key to future space dominance.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
One of the things I’m most proud of over my 25 years in the military and industry is the impact that I have had on people and their careers. Developing talent has been a priority in my leadership approach and this focus has allowed me great success.
We are only as successful as the organization we build. I believe that no one person can do it alone. The people I have mentored continue to grow and prosper at various companies within the Aerospace and Defense Industry which brings me joy and validates my goal of ensuring that I continuously find people to add to my team that are better and smarter than me. I want to provide my peers the tools and runway to be creative and forward leaning in their leadership.
Most importantly, I want to champion them when others want them to do greater things not only within the company but across the industry. When I observe the industry, I can truly see the impact I have, hopefully, had on leaders who have crossed paths with me. This brings the greatest joy to my heart.