Charlene Jacka

About Charlene Jacka

Hello, I’m Charlene Jacka. I lead technical teams through complex growth and build the operating systems that help organizations make clear, fast decisions.Many groups struggle to separate real opportunity from background noise as technology moves faster than their processes can support. My work focuses on closing that gap.At SpaceWERX, I run engineering and operations for a $450M+ portfolio and strengthen how teams evaluate and transition emerging capabilities. I work directly with companies to define operational metrics, refine concepts of operations, and improve their path to adoption. I also shape the internal systems that keep the organization aligned and able to move at speed.Before this role, I redesigned the commercial evaluation process at Space Systems Command, cutting review cycles from months to minutes and structuring the flow for more than 800 companies. Earlier, at AFRL, I led multinational hybrid architecture work integrating 280+ sensors across nine allied nations into fielded exercises.I focus on steady execution, clear communication, and teams that operate with confidence rather than friction. My goal is to continue advancing organizations that need disciplined judgment and strong technical leadership.If this matches the work you’re driving, I’m open to connecting.

Experience

1. Chief Engineer

   Spacewerx

   Aug 2024 — Present · Albuquerque, NM, US

   Lead engineering and operations for a $450M+ portfolio and set the technical criteria shaping investment decisions across 285 companies.• Tightened processes and evaluation methods, improving selection quality and strengthening transition pathways.• Built partnerships across NASA, DoD, academia, and commercial sectors to support early adoption and operational pull.• Created new models for matching PEO needs to technology in the pipeline and designed a U.S.–international incubator that aligned early-stage companies with defense users.

Education

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  MAS, Space Science

  2008 — 2010

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Master of Science - MS, Missile and Space Systems Technology

• BG5 Business Institute

  BG5 Business Consultant, Career Exploration/Awareness Skills

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Master's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering

• Florida Institute of Technology

  Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc), Space Science

  2002 — 2006