Keven Blackman

About Keven Blackman

Versatile and results driven AI and software engineering leader with over 22 years of experience driving enterprise scale transformation across defense, intelligence, and scientific domains. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, implementing AI driven architectures, and delivering complex IT solutions on time and within scope. Adept at building and mentoring high performing engineering organizations, aligning advanced technology strategies with mission and business objectives, and fostering innovation through collaboration and automation. Recognized for architecting scalable AI ecosystems, integrating automation frameworks, cloud based solutions, and building pipelines that enhance decision-making and accelerate digital transformation.

Experience

1. Senior Software Engineering Manager

   RTX

   Apr 2023 — Present

   Chief Engineer for the Earth Prediction Innovation Center: https://epic.noaa.gov:• Led cross-functional engineering teams to deliver scalable, cloud-native platforms (AWS, Azure, and GCP), improving release predictability and product quality while aligning technical strategy to business priorities.• Drove architectural modernization and adoption of microservices, CI/CD, and automated testing, reducing deployment lead time and increasing system reliability and maintainability.• Built and developed high-performing engineering organizations through intentional hiring, coaching, performance management, and clear career growth frameworks, improving engagement and retention.• Partnered closely with Product, Security, UX, and Operations to translate business outcomes into actionable engineering roadmaps, balancing innovation, risk, and delivery commitments.• Established data-driven engineering metrics (quality, velocity, availability, defect rates) and used them to guide investment decisions, remove delivery impediments, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.• Spearheaded technical leadership for a nationally critical initiative, overseeing 70 developers across 8 agile, cross-functional teams.• Led multi-agency collaborations and public-private partnerships, delivering cross-domain AI engineering solutions that unified science, software, and infrastructure.• Drove adoption of AI-driven tools and processes, implementing clear KPIs to measure ROI, productivity gains, and user engagement across teams.• Designed and implemented strategic roadmaps aligning cutting-edge software engineering practices with long-term scientific and business goals.• Orchestrated staffing strategies and task prioritization based on evolving customer mission needs.• Championed a culture of technical excellence, agile delivery, and innovation, bridging the gap between R&D and operational readiness.• Leadership team pushing the first operational AI numerical weather model at NOAA.

Education

• University of Illinois Springfield

  Master of Science - MS, Computer Science

  2017 — 2021

• University of the Cumberlands

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Information Technology

• Hawaii Pacific University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Computer Science

  2007 — 2015