Steven Smith

About Steven Smith

I\'m a recently retired Special Forces Communications Sergeant with over 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, including 13 years within Special Operations Forces. I bring a strong drive to solve complex challenges and an instinct for transforming data and information into clear, actionable solutions. Observing situations holistically and quickly assessing what works best allows me to create practical solutions that are efficient and easy to implement. I’m always searching for ways to improve processes, aiming for greater efficiency and effectiveness in every task.As an adaptive thinker and problem-solver, I am dedicated to achieving meaningful outcomes and contributing to causes larger than myself. While I don’t seek the spotlight, I am deeply motivated to bring value to the mission and my team. I thrive in environments where I can support others, and I find true satisfaction in collective successes. For me, team victories are personal victories. I am a committed teammate, focused on finding solutions that add lasting value to both individuals and the organization.My approach is to identify what can be refined and to optimize systems and methods to stay one step ahead. This involves fine-tuning improvements to deliver consistent, high-quality results.Gallup Strengths: Activator | Relator | Command | Belief | Self-AssuranceActive: DoD TS-SCI

Experience

1. Business Development Manager

   Orbital Composites

   Jan 2025 — Present

   At Orbital Composites, I drive business development initiatives across the defense and aerospace sectors, focusing on edge manufacturing, autonomous systems, and scalable composite structures. • Forged strategic partnerships with AFWERX, SOFWERX, SpaceWERX, USSOCOM to accelerate adoption of Orbital’s deployable manufacturing technologies. • Expanded DoD pipeline by positioning Orbital’s UAS and edge manufacturing solutions with SOCOM, USASOC, EUCOM and INDOPACOM stakeholders. • Led engagements and pilots with military innovation units, translating emerging technologies into operational demonstrations for contested and austere environments. • Developed and captured opportunities supporting unmanned systems, ISR integration, and rapid manufacturing concepts, contributing to Orbital’s growth in defense markets.I leverage my background in Special Forces communications, ISR, and program leadership to bridge cutting-edge technologies with mission-critical applications, ensuring Orbital’s solutions directly address warfighter needs.

Education

• Fayetteville Technical Community College

  Associate of Arts - AA, General Studies

  2017 — 2020

• University of Charleston School of Business

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Organizational Leadership