Mark Stephen
About Mark Stephen
Mark Stephen serves as the Director of Lasers & Advanced Concepts at General Atomics, where he has worked since 2017. He has a strong background in defense, leadership roles in laboratory settings, and extensive experience in space systems and directed energy.
Work at General Atomics
Mark Stephen has served as the Director of Lasers & Advanced Concepts at General Atomics since 2017. In this role, he leads initiatives focused on advanced laser technologies and their applications within the defense sector. His leadership is instrumental in driving innovation and development in directed energy systems. Based in Washington, DC, he oversees various projects that align with the company's strategic objectives in defense technology.
Education and Expertise
Mark Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of South Carolina. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Engineering Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his extensive experience in space systems and directed energy technologies.
Background
Mark Stephen has a progressive career in the defense industry, with a focus on both development and production leadership. He has held various leadership roles in laboratory settings, contributing to advancements in military technology. His military service includes a tenure as a Colonel in the United States Air Force, where he gained significant experience in launch systems and science and technology management.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Mark Stephen has made notable contributions to military operations and technology. He played a key role in convincing General Schwarzkopf to deploy JSTARS as a Military Science Advisor. Additionally, he provided a lifesaving rescue beacon for downed pilots during DESERT STORM. His advocacy for alternative fuels was recognized when he successfully convinced Representative John Peterson to support a position on this initiative as an Air Force Tech Lead.