Thomas Shields
About Thomas Shields
Thomas Shields serves as the Program Director at Telephonics and has extensive experience in engineering and program management within the United States Air Force and its Reserve. He holds a Master of Science in Systems Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
Current Role at Telephonics
Thomas Shields serves as the Program Director at Telephonics, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing various programs and initiatives within the company. His work is based in Farmingdale, New York, where he contributes to the development and management of advanced technologies, particularly in the field of radar systems.
Experience at US Air Force Reserve
Since 2020, Thomas Shields has worked as the Lead Engineer IMA for the US Air Force Reserve, focusing on AF NetOps and Sustainment SPO. His role involves technical leadership and engineering support for operations within the Air Force Reserve, leveraging his extensive background in engineering and program management.
Previous Positions in the United States Air Force
Thomas Shields has held multiple positions within the United States Air Force. He served as Engineering Branch Chief and Assistant Director of Operations from 2017 to 2019 at Ft George G. Meade, MD. Prior to that, he was a Program Manager from 2011 to 2016 in Chantilly, VA, and worked as a Mission Director from 2016 to 2017 at the same location. His experience also includes serving as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer from 2008 to 2011 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL.
Educational Background
Thomas Shields earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology-Graduate School of Engineering & Management, completing his studies from 2010 to 2013. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Clarkson University, where he studied from 2004 to 2008. His educational background supports his extensive expertise in engineering and program management.
Leadership in Defense Programs
In his career, Thomas Shields has served as capture lead and proposal manager for various Department of Defense and international programs. He leads strategic planning for next-generation ISR sensors for both manned and unmanned aircraft, managing internal R&D efforts focused on radar systems. His leadership in these areas demonstrates his commitment to advancing defense technology.