Joe Sears

About Joe Sears

Robotics Systems Engineer specializing in autonomous maritime systems, unmanned vehicle integration, and advanced navigation solutions across DoD, Navy, aerospace, and research environments. I bring over 20 years of multidisciplinary engineering experience spanning robotics, autonomy, sensor fusion, inertial navigation systems (INS/IMU), embedded systems, enterprise networking, and complex system-of-systems integration.I’ve contributed to next-generation unmanned maritime programs including the Sea Hunter and Sea Hawk MDUSV\'s, the Mine-Counter Measures (MCM) MUSV, and the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) sUSV. I support the development, testing, and integration of the Navy\'s cutting-edge, UMAA compliant software architecture, called the Autonomy Baseline (ABL) software. My work includes autonomy software provisioning, sensor and subsystem integration, hardware diagnostics and repair, and full lifecycle testing, verification, and validation—often during multi-platform fleet operations with dozens of unmanned systems operating simultaneously.In previous roles, I supported high-visibility defense and aerospace programs such as the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, CH-53K platform developments, NOMARS USX-1, NORAD, GPS modernization efforts, and SPAWAR/NIWC networks. My background also includes extensive environmental testing (thermal, vibration, centrifuge), predictive maintenance model development, GNSS/INS engineering, PID controller modeling, and digital twin simulations.As a former small business owner, Army NCOIC, and long-time mentor and robotics team leader, I thrive in environments where leadership, hands-on engineering, rapid problem solving, and team coordination are essential. I’m passionate about developing safe, reliable, and innovative autonomous systems that extend the reach and capabilities of human operators—at sea, in the air, and across complex operational environments.

Experience

1. Computer Engineer Autonomy Systems Engineer

   Naval Sea Systems Command Navsea

   Jul 2025 — Present

   NSWC Carderock Division Data Science & Analytics Carderock Data Mastery Program (CDMP)Supporting the use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Automation across the broad spectrum of programs at NSWC Carderock, that ultimately drives the continuous advancement of data-driven practices across Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) to improve decision making, operational excellence, and efficiency, solidifying our competitive edge to \'Expand the Advantage\'.

Education

• United States Army Signal School

  Fort Gordon, GA, Advanced AM/FM/SATCOM Communications

  1986 — 1987

• UC Irvine

  Post-Master’s Professional Certificate, Embedded Systems Engineer

  2019 — 2020

• San Diego Mesa College

  Computer and Information Sciences

  1998 — 2000

• Kennesaw State University - Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

  Master of Science - MS, Intelligent Robotic Systems

• Certified Careers Institute

  Electronics and Computer Repair

  1990 — 1992

• Penn State University

  Master of Engineering (M.E.), Systems Engineering

  2017 — 2018

• National University

  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.S.), Electrical and Computer Engineering

  2012 — 2016

Skills

• Data Center
• Disaster Recovery
• Matlab
• San
• System Deployment
• Servers
• Robotics
• Firewalls
• Systems Integration
• Computer Hardware
• Microsoft Exchange
• Network Engineering
• Testing
• Active Directory
• Xp
• Storage Area Networks
• Windows Server
• Hardware
• Software Installation
• Information Assurance
• Telecommunications
• Embedded Systems
• Windows Xp
• System Architecture
• Networking
• System Administration
• Security
• Computer Security
• Virtualization
• Routers
• Dod
• Vpn
• Network Security
• Integration
• Security+
• Military
• Tcp/Ip
• Switches
• Firmware
• C++