Robert Baker

About Robert Baker

Systems Engineer with a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering and a foundation in Marine Engineering, bringing a unique blend of operational, technical, and acquisition experience.Currently lead cross-functional teams within the U.S. Coast Guard to develop operational requirements and system capabilities for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Manned Aircraft, and boats, while driving the transition to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital requirements management. Develop models in SysML and UAF using Cameo and elicit requirements using DOORS.Serve as a Level Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Project Management Professional (PMP), with experience managing complex ship repair and professional services contracts and collaborating with Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) to deliver mission-focused capabilities.Applying mission engineering methodologies to define, analyze, and deliver operational outcomes across complex systems. Background as a licensed Merchant Mariner and Marine Engineer with hands-on engineering experience, providing a strong understanding of real-world system performance and operations.

Experience

1. Systems Engineer

   U.S. Coast Guard

   Dec 2023 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Lead cross-functional teams to develop operational requirements for mission systems, ensuring testability and traceability to mission needs and stakeholder priorities.• Drive adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), developing SysML and UAF models in Cameo to support system design and analysis.• Spearhead transition from document-based to digital requirements management using DOORS, improving traceability and requirements quality. • Apply mission engineering methodologies to define and evaluate system capabilities across operational scenarios. • Serve as Level Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), develops statements of work (SOW), manage contractor performance and ensuring alignment with technical and mission requirements. • Oversee FFRDC efforts, providing technical direction and validating deliverables.• Develop early-stage models and simulations to inform system design and performance tradeoffs.

Education

• United States Merchant Marine Academy

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Marine Engineering

  2013 — 2017

• University of Virginia

  Master of Science - MS, Systems Engineering

• HarvardX

  CS50P - Introduction to Programming with Python