Archie Johnson

Title:
Principal Engineer

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Master’s Degree from Liberty University in Business Management and Leadership.

How did you get into the job you have now?

My last assignment in the US Space Force was at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) working for the Mission Operations Directorate.  During that time I engaged with several offices working on sensitive space programs developing requirements for spacecraft mission partners to interface with the NRO. My current role was looking for someone with this unique experience to aid in the development of a new mission area.

Favorite planet?

Besides Earth, my favorite planet has to be Mars.  Named for the Roman god of war, it has had the most number of space missions flown to it and it’s been the subject of some of my favorite sci-fi movies.

Hobbies outside of work?

Hobbies for me include projects around the house, travel whenever possible and hanging out with my family usually during scouting events or performances for marching band or any other activities they are into at the time.

Why did you choose SSI? I received a recommendation from a trusted colleague that SSI was a company of technical experts that I should look into. I chose SSI after learning that I could drive solutions in critical national security space mission areas. That coupled with the fact that SSI’s experts are also high quality individuals who care for one another, more than satisfied my aspirations for an employer.

Bio:

I enlisted in the US Air Force as an Electronic Warfare Systems Electrical-Mechanic in 2000.  After 11 years on the flightline, I earned a commission as an Officer and worked in the missile fields of North Dakota prior to starting a career in the Space Operations community in Colorado. My wife, two kids and I had a wild ride during our 23 years in the Air and Space Force. After retirement, we chose to settle in Northern Virginia and are currently getting our kids ready for their college adventures.  We love being part of the team at SSI.