In this episode of Micro Journeys, Daniel Marrujo sits down with Schoeller Porter, President of Nimbus Services, to explore how his unconventional journey from aerospace engineering to big data, emulation, and defense infrastructure is reshaping the future of microelectronics. With a deep-rooted curiosity in technology and an early passion for problem-solving, Schoeller discusses how foundational experiences—from working at Wolfram Research to leading projects with the F-35 program—prepared him to address some of the Department of Defense’s most pressing challenges.

The conversation dives into how Nimbus has spearheaded innovations in trusted cloud environments, digital twin modeling, and emulation infrastructure that support U.S. national security. Schoeller shares key insights into building systems for data traceability and reliability at scale, the evolution of secure collaborative design, and how digital tools are accelerating defense acquisition, sustainment, and mission readiness.

By linking computation with mission success, Nimbus is helping to future-proof defense platforms and sustainment systems. Through pilot programs with DARPA, AFRL, and the F-35 Joint Program Office, Nimbus has enabled a paradigm shift in how critical microelectronics are modeled, validated, and deployed.

• [06:45] How Schoeller’s childhood fascination with airplanes led to a career in aerospace engineering—and later into software and data infrastructure.
• [12:37] The launch of Wolfram Alpha and the complexities of building one of the first math-heavy mobile apps.
• [18:10] Lessons from early work in big data at TrueCar and why bad data is a universal challenge.
• [23:07] Building Nimbus’ trusted cloud platform for engineering data and tool access within DoD environments.
• [27:30] Why getting defense primes to collaborate on a single chip design was a groundbreaking moment.
• [37:49] How Nimbus supports the F-35 program with emulation and digital twin infrastructure for pre-fabrication validation.
• [43:42] The importance of microelectronics in sustainment, and how Nimbus enables cross-service interoperability.

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Schoeller Porter on LinkedIn
• 2025 Microelectronics Commons Annual Meeting
• Microelectronics Commons
• TSS Website 

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dr. Matt Casto, Chief Technology Officer at the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC), to trace his remarkable journey through defense innovation, trusted electronics, and semiconductor leadership. From his early aspirations of becoming an astronaut to building resilient, mission-critical systems for the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense, Dr. Casto shares a front-line view of innovation at the intersection of national security and microelectronics.

The conversation explores how Dr. Casto’s foundational experiences in electrical engineering and his tenure at the Air Force Research Lab shaped his approach to systems trust, assurance, and the need for collaboration between academia, industry, and government. He also offers candid insights into his time commuting to the Pentagon during the pandemic, and how that period sparked a broader realization about the fragility of supply chains and the importance of trusted electronics.

Now, as Chief Technology Officer at the MMEC, one of the CHIPS Act’s eight hubs, Matt is helping build a sustainable, role-based consortium to lower innovation barriers and accelerate secure technology delivery to the warfighter. The episode ends with a look at the lessons learned, what MMEC is doing differently, and why collaborative infrastructure is key to the future of U.S. microelectronics leadership.

• (01:28) Why Dr. Casto originally wanted to be an astronaut—and how that launched his engineering journey
• (04:36) How the Air Force Research Lab’s mission-focused culture hooked him for the long term
• (06:32) The importance of being a “keeper of the long-term vision” in defense R&D
• (14:06) How he bridged communication gaps between labs, operators, and decision-makers at the command level
• (26:03) Why analog, RF, and mixed-signal electronics are critical to secure systems
• (54:25) How MMEC’s role-based membership is creating a “no-excuses” model for innovation and national security

• Dr. Matt Casto on LinkedIn
• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• TSS Website 

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Stephanie Lin, Vice President of Microelectronics Commons at NSTXL, to explore her path from programming microcontrollers in high school to leading one of the U.S. Department of Defense’s most dynamic technology transition platforms. Stephanie reflects on the choices that shaped her career, her passion for engineering and economics, and the lessons learned across roles in government, real estate, and national security policy.

The conversation dives into the evolution of the microelectronics ecosystem, including Stephanie’s early exposure to both lab and program office environments, her time supporting NAVSEA and the Pentagon, and her insights into the foundations of the Microelectronics Commons initiative. She walks us through the key goals of Commons—from prototyping to risk reduction—and explains how OTA-based contracting through S2MARTS and NSTXL is helping shorten the valley of death in defense innovation.

Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of career pivots, systems-level thinking, and how a national microelectronics strategy is being shaped in real time. Stephanie also previews upcoming milestones and opportunities for deeper collaboration across government, industry, and academia.

 [01:54] Stephanie’s early exposure to microelectronics and why she chose to pursue a career in engineering

[08:28] How a government job offer during college launched her into program protection

[14:08] Career pivots: From DoD to real estate and back again

[21:23] Understanding 5200.44 and the policy foundations of microelectronics assurance

[25:26] What is Microelectronics Commons, and how does it close the valley of death?

[29:12] The relationship between NSTXL, S2MARTS, and the Commons program

[34:05] The six technology focus areas shaping Commons’ future

[36:56] Stephanie’s outlook on connecting prototyping with warfighter needs and industry adoption

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Stephanie Lin on LinkedIn
• 2025 Microelectronics Commons Annual Meeting
• Microelectronics Commons
• TSS Website 

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerry Reimers’ career journey spans from an unexpected pivot away from medicine to becoming a pivotal figure in U.S. military law, intelligence, and national security policy. In this episode of Micro Journeys, Jerry recounts how a scheduling mishap led him to political science and eventually into law, which became the launchpad for his time in the Navy JAG Corps and his deep dive into international and military law. What followed was a remarkable trajectory into national security and intelligence work that helped shape how the United States tracks and mitigates threats before they materialize.

The conversation dives into Jerry's work in identity intelligence and counter-IED (improvised explosive device) strategy, shedding light on how interagency collaboration and biometrics played a crucial role in “getting left of boom.” Jerry unpacks the challenge of connecting data across agencies, creating information-sharing ecosystems, and navigating the complex legal frameworks that underpin national security operations. From executive orders to stovepiped databases, Jerry outlines the persistent gaps and the systems now in place to prevent future breakdowns in coordination.

Tune in to hear how one person’s evolving path—from prosecutor to military lawyer, to intelligence officer and national security strategist—helped save lives, influence policy, and set enduring standards for interagency cooperation and identity intelligence.

• 1:10 – How Jerry’s accidental path led from biomedical engineering to political science and law
• 04:20 – The draw of the Navy JAG Corps and how "A Few Good Men" delayed his application
• 06:22 – What it’s like to practice all forms of law in the military
• 11:00 – How Jerry transitioned from Navy JAG to General Counsel for the Army’s Intel Center
• 18:48 – Identity intelligence and standing up interagency cooperation on counter-IED efforts
• 36:45 – How different U.S. agencies coordinate on biometrics and intelligence to prevent terrorism
• 57:00 – Jerry’s reflections on legacy, systems that outlast paper policies, and paying it forward

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Jerry Reimers on LinkedIn
• TSS Website

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From flying F-15s and dodging shadows over Egypt to pioneering post-quantum encryption, Pete “Shadow” Ford’s career is a masterclass in adaptability, critical thinking, and the power of asking the right questions. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Ford to explore the intersections of high-performance aviation, national defense, and cutting-edge technology. With stories ranging from gripping aerial combat exercises to his role as a translator between technologists and warfighters, Ford shares hard-earned insights from both the skies and the lab.

The episode dives deep into the world of experimental aircraft, life at the Air Force Academy, the role of camaraderie in elite defense units, and Ford’s transition into advanced technological domains such as microelectronics and quantum encryption. His unique vantage point—blending the experience of a pilot with the curiosity of a technologist—offers a rare look at how innovation and defense truly converge.

Pete’s solution to bridging critical gaps between scientists, policymakers, and warfighters is simple but powerful: humility, credibility, and approachability. By asking the right questions and engaging deeply with both the tactical and technical, Ford champions a new model for national security innovation.

• [00:30] How Pete “Shadow” Ford flew into the studio—literally—in his experimental four-seat aircraft.
• [06:56] Why Ford chose the Air Force Academy and how glider flying changed his life trajectory.
• [17:52] The story behind his legendary call sign "Shadow" and the MiG-21 shadow that nearly ended it all.
• [31:56] The difference between Air Force Weapons School and Navy Top Gun—and what it really means to be a graduate.
• [36:34] Bridging the gap between technologists and warfighters: what Ford learned at Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
• [54:44] How quantum computing and post-quantum encryption are reshaping the defense landscape.

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Pete Ford on LinkedIn
• TSS Website

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brandon Smith joins host Daniel Marrujo on Micro Journeys to discuss his journey and remarkable career from military service to microelectronics and defense consulting. Brandon reflects on his time in the Marines, where he specialized in electronics and radar repair, gaining hands-on experience with high-stakes technology in combat environments. His military service instilled a deep understanding of problem-solving under pressure and adaptability—skills that later shaped his approach in the microelectronics industry.

The conversation explores the growing challenges in modernizing military microelectronics, particularly as commercial semiconductor advancements outpace the needs of defense systems. Brandon highlights the struggle to keep essential technologies, such as those used in the B-52 bomber, operational despite aging components and supply chain limitations.

To tackle these issues, Brandon transitioned to consulting, where he now helps bridge the gap between government, industry, and defense innovation. His work focuses on fostering collaboration and policy-driven solutions to ensure the U.S. maintains its technological leadership in national security.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• [2:55] How Brandon ended up in the Marines
• [06:05] Brandon’s journey as a Marine
• [21:47] What Brandon did after returning from Iraq
• [31:01] Brandon’s time at the DMEA
• [47:07] Brandon’s pivot to consultancy

Let’s Connect:

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Brandon Smith on LinkedIn 
• TSS Website

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

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Welcome to Micro Journeys: The pulse of what’s next and the stories of the people who got us here. podcast that puts you on the front lines of U.S. defense innovation—one remarkable story at a time. Hosted by Daniel Marrujo of Trusted Strategic Solutions, this weekly series delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the trailblazers who’ve shaped the national security landscape through microelectronics, advanced technology, and strategic leadership.

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.