Available to hire
I am a strategic technical leader with over 25 years in defense, aerospace, and technology, focused on turning complex challenges into actionable plans and delivering sustainable growth. I have steered multi-billion-dollar programs, built high-performing teams, and driven product development from concept to production while weaving together strategy, operations, and international security cooperation.
I thrive at translating mission needs into executable programs, coordinating cross-functional partners across government and industry, and mentoring teams to achieve operational excellence. My passion is creating measurable impact by aligning technical excellence with strategic objectives, all while nurturing strong relationships with stakeholders around the world.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Founder & Chief Executive Officer at RAGE Innovations
January 1, 2022 - PresentFounded and lead all executive functions including strategy, development, operations, and finance. Created 12 robust SBIR proposals for NASA, USAF, DARPA, and Navy. Manages revenue planning with a 5-year projection plan and integrates Salesforce with program management software. Acts as Integrated Product Team director overseeing prototype development through product transition to production.
Senior Director, Space Programs at MTSI
December 31, 2023 - October 23, 2025Subject matter expert in program management and acquisition support with an operational and technical focus. Deep understanding of USAF and USSF initiatives enabling delivery of first-of-its-kind space capabilities. Experienced with developing, designing, building, and integrating space hardware and software. Focal leader to advance SSC coordination with leaders.
Director, Airborne Systems at Mercury Systems
December 31, 2022 - October 23, 2025Leads airborne business for a multinational defense contractor with 275+ STEM employees. Achieved a 20% annual revenue increase (from $87M to $104M); coordinated 14 proposals and 4 new product designs in 1 year. Provides strategic insight for 5 prime and 12 subcontracts of complex military equipment.
Acquisition PM Specialist at US Air Force HQ
December 31, 2017 - October 23, 2025Represents AF acquisition during OSD Oversight Reviews and Better Buying Power initiatives; manages $67B budget; delivers error-free acquisition reports to OSD on time; improves communication/awareness of Pentagon activities with PEOs and AFLCMC agencies. Co-created an AF-wide Should Schedule process/policy.
Chair, RDT&E Panel at US Air Force HQ
December 31, 2015 - October 23, 2025Managed RDT&E Panel actions in AF Corporate Structure and directed $28B FYDP programming activities. Brokered deal between AF and OSD over $216M Test & Evaluation reduction; saved 9 'National Treasures' valued at $175M. Negotiated 303-program AF FY15 OCO requests with FM & AQ3-LTRs, producing $5.8B capability to COCOMs. Charted path for the FY13 sequester, CFLI review saved 675 programs and eliminated $1.6B in redundancy.
Chief, Foreign Military Sales Programs at US Embassy
December 31, 2014 - October 23, 2025Led multi-agency team of 71 US government, Iraqi, and contractor personnel and managed 15 FMS cases valued at $2.2B. Performed strategic planning and policy activities supporting the Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq mission. Managed sustainment of C-130s, T-6 trainers, and AT-6C aircraft for the Iraqi Air Force.
PEM, Air Force Test & Evaluation at HAF/TE
December 31, 2012 - October 23, 2025Oversaw a $1.5B FYDP Combat Development program, including 58 AC/9k annual flying hours. Managed $423M (FYDP) Major T&E & Threat Simulator investments; $8M (FYDP) OSD-funded projects. Led Test & Evaluation strategic planning and roadmaps; Air Staff focal point for Air Force EW consortium.
Director of Operations at Air Force Flight Test Center
December 31, 2009 - October 23, 2025Directed operations of a 130-person squadron evaluating the effectiveness of new and upgraded EW air systems. Operated $700M of test infrastructure for survivability test programs and transitioned I&M programs to operations. Directly supervised 15 personnel; provided acquisition career guidance, training, and mentorship. Guided daily operations to plan, execute, analyze, and report on testing of EW systems with an annual budget over $14M.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer at RAGE Innovations
January 1, 2022 - PresentFounder and CEO responsible for strategy, development, operations, and finance; authored 12 SBIR proposals for NASA, USAF, DARPA, and Navy; manages revenue planning with a 5-year projection and Salesforce-based program management tools; leads Integrated Product Team directing prototype-to-production transitions.
Senior Director, Space Programs at MTSI
December 31, 2023 - October 23, 2025Subject matter expert in program management and acquisition support with an operational and technical focus; aligns USAF/USSF initiatives to deliver first-of-a-kind space capabilities; responsible for space hardware/software integration and cross-organization collaboration.
Director, Airborne Systems at Mercury Systems
December 31, 2022 - October 23, 2025Leads airborne systems business for a multinational defense contractor (275+ STEM employees); driven 20% annual revenue growth; coordinated 14 proposals and 4 new product designs within one year; oversees 5 prime and 12 subcontracts and drives strategy for electronics, mission computing, and data storage solutions.
Acquisition PM Specialist at US Air Force HQ
December 31, 2017 - October 23, 2025Represents AF acquisition during OSD Oversight; delivers error-free acquisition reports on time; enhances Pentagon communication with PEOs and AFLCMC; helped create AF-wide Should Schedule policy.
Chair, RDT&E Panel at US Air Force HQ
December 31, 2015 - October 23, 2025Managed RDT&E Panel actions within AF Corporate Structure; directed $28B FYDP programming; brokered a deal between AF and OSD over $216M T&E reduction; negotiated AF FY15 OCO requests; charted a path to mitigate sequestration impacts.
Chief, Foreign Military Sales Programs at US Embassy
December 31, 2014 - October 23, 2025Led a 71-person multi-agency team and managed 15 FMS cases valued at $2.2B; performed strategic planning and policy work to support the Security Cooperation-Iraq mission; managed sustainment of multiple aircraft and training assets.
PEM, Air Force Test & Evaluation at HAF/TE
December 31, 2012 - October 23, 2025Oversaw a $1.5B Combat Development program; managed $423M Major T&E & Threat Simulator investments; led T&E strategic planning; served as Air Staff focal point for EW consortium.
Director of Operations at Air Force Flight Test Center
December 31, 2009 - October 23, 2025Directed operations of a 130-person squadron evaluating effectiveness of new and upgraded EW air systems; operated $700M test infrastructure; supervised 15 personnel; provided acquisition career guidance and mentorship; oversaw daily test planning, execution, analysis, and reporting.
Education
Executive Mergers & Acquisitions at Columbia University
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023Public Policy & Administration at Northwestern University
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012Flight Test Engineering at USAF Test Pilot School
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006Information Systems Management at University of Nevada
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2001Electrical Engineering at University of Michigan
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1999Executive Mergers & Acquisitions at Columbia University
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023Public Policy & Administration at Northwestern University
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012Flight Test Engineering at USAF Test Pilot School
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006Information Systems Management at University of Nevada
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2001Electrical Engineering at University of Michigan
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1999Qualifications
Project Management Professional (PMP)
January 1, 2020 - October 23, 2025Program Management, Level III
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009Test & Evaluation, Level III
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009System Program Research & Development Engineering, Level III
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007Project Management Professional (PMP)
January 1, 2020 - October 23, 2025Program Management, Level III
January 1, 2009 - October 23, 2025Test & Evaluation, Level III
January 1, 2009 - October 23, 2025System Program Research & Development Engineering, Level III
January 1, 2007 - October 23, 2025Industry Experience
Government, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Computers & Electronics, Transportation & Logistics, Software & Internet
Artist/Painter Website and works examples.
Cheers, Eric Rucker
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