Executive leadership, project management, engineering, and problem solving skills with strong technical and business credentials. Extensive experience in requirements analysis, contract negotiations, proposal preparation, customer relationship management, and program development of advanced technologies and major aerospace systems.

Wide breadth of expertise includes:
– Strategic Planning
– Cross-Functional Team Building
– Financial Management
– Program Execution
– Systems Engineering
– Test & Evaluation
– Executive Communications

James Shaw is the Director of Central Engineering at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Central Engineering is a major source of the instrumentation used in scientific research at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. He designs, fabricates, tests, and supports state-of-the-art instruments for space and ground-based astronomical and astrophysical data collection as well as related ground support and laboratory equipment. Mr. Shaw has extensive system engineering, test, and program management expertise. Before joining SAO, he led a large government and industry team in a successful airborne radar development program at Hanscom Air Force Base. James retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Colonel. He holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (Operations Research) from the University of Houston, a Masters of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas. Mr. Shaw is also a graduate of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School and the Defense Acquisition University Executive Program Manager Course. He holds the highest government Acquisition Professional Certification in Program Management and Test & Evaluation.