As director of business development for HII Mission Technologies, Bryan Wallace brings his technical expertise and strategic vision to advancing the company’s electronic warfare, cyber and space portfolio.
With roots as an aerospace engineer developing rocket systems under the Strategic Defense Initiative, Wallace’s experience lies at the intersection of innovation and national defense — continuously adapting to the evolving demands of modern warfare.
Below, Wallace discusses his path from engineering to business growth leadership, the mentors who shaped his trajectory and the technologies defining the future of defense. He also shares insights into where he sees the greatest opportunities across information warfare, directed energy and space — and why agility, collaboration and mentorship remain critical to the mission.
Can you provide a brief overview of your professional background and career progression?
I began my career as an aerospace engineer, initially focused on rocket systems funded by the legacy Strategic Defense Initiative, commonly known as “Star Wars.” Over time, I transitioned into developing small, lightweight electro-optical infrared and cyber solutions—technologies that offered agility and relevance in modern threat environments. About a decade into my career, I earned an MBA, which broadened my strategic perspective and helped pivot my trajectory toward business growth and capture. My transition into this path began at Raytheon, where I moved into roles focused on growth strategy. Today, I lead growth for HII’s Mission Technologies electronic warfare and cyber business.
Why was this the path you chose, and how influential was it to your career?
The consistent thread throughout my career has been the development of technologies critical to countering emerging threats. My introduction to this niche came through a mentor early in my career, and I’ve remained committed to this mission across various roles. The influence has been profound, shaping not only my technical focus but also my strategic approach to national defense.
Do you have a personal connection to the current mission you support? If so, please explain.
Absolutely. Like many others, I’m deeply concerned about the evolving nature of future engagements, which will likely feature unprecedented levels of non-kinetic operations and accelerated lethality. These shifts aren’t abstract — they affect all of us. That sense of urgency and responsibility drives my work every day.
What are your current top priorities and responsibilities? How do these relate to your company’s overall mission/growth strategy?
My top priority is driving growth while ensuring our offerings remain relevant to the Department of Defense as their operational and strategic needs evolve. This aligns directly with our company’s overarching mission: delivering all-domain solutions in service of the nation. Staying ahead of the curve in technology and strategy is essential to that mission.
Where do you and your team see growth opportunities in your current field or portfolio?
One area is focused cybersecurity and information warfare, a domain where requirements are evolving rapidly. Non-kinetic engagements are becoming central to defense strategy, and our ongoing conversations with Department of War stakeholders reflect the urgency and complexity of these needs.
Another is high-energy laser systems. This presents a game-changing advantage on the battlefield by dramatically reducing per-shot costs compared to traditional kinetic interceptors. HII is currently under contract with the Army to develop a prototype high-energy laser weapon system.
Space has also become a critical frontier in military competition, with space-based weapons and satellite constellations playing key roles in strategic defense. HII Mission Technologies was awarded a study contract under the U.S. Space Force’s Advanced Space Technology for Range Operations – Electromagnetic Range initiative. This program aims to enhance the National Space Test and Training Complex by developing integrated ground infrastructure and on-orbit capabilities to support electronic warfare test and training.
How are you and your team planning to prepare for these opportunities?
We’re actively shaping our portfolio to meet the demands of modern warfare. This includes:
- Investing in agile, scalable solutions for information warfare.
- Strengthening partnerships and teaming strategies to accelerate innovation.
- Aligning our internal capabilities with the evolving threat landscape through continuous engagement with our customer base.
How important is mentorship & networking in GovCon? Were they influential to your career?
Mentorship and networking have been absolutely pivotal to my career. From my early days as a junior engineer supporting SDI activities on Kwajalein to strategic whiteboarding sessions that shape teaming structures benefiting the U.S. government, relationships have influenced every major milestone. In GovCon, success is rarely achieved in isolation.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
While working in Southern California, I earned a hang glider rating—a nod to my love for flight and adventure.