As SkyWater Technology closes its acquisition of Infineon’s Fab 25 in Austin, Director and CEO Thomas Sonderman joins host Daniel Marrujo to discuss what this milestone means for the future of domestic semiconductor innovation. With facilities now operating in Minnesota, Florida, and Texas, SkyWater is carving out a new model for microelectronics: one that centers on foundational semiconductors, advanced packaging, and long-term national impact. Sonderman lays out how SkyWater’s “Technology as a Service” model is redefining what a foundry can be.

In this episode, Sonderman explains how SkyWater balances commercial opportunity with national security by bringing critical manufacturing capabilities back onshore. From thermal imaging and superconducting films to MEMS-CMOS integration and quantum-ready fabrication, SkyWater’s U.S.-based model supports defense, automotive, and AI applications with speed, security, and scale. Daniel and Tom also explore how workforce development and public-private partnerships are creating long-term talent pipelines—starting as early as high school.

As demand for edge computing, AI, and quantum technologies explodes, SkyWater is positioning itself as a cornerstone of America’s tech ecosystem. With a CapEx-light model, multi-site redundancy, and a customer-funded innovation engine, the company is primed to lead the charge in secure, scalable, and sustainable semiconductor production.

• [00:22] SkyWater acquires Infineon’s Fab 25 to boost domestic 200mm foundry capacity
• [04:30] How SkyWater evolved from an IDM to a Technology-as-a-Service foundry
• [10:30] RAD-Hard innovation, CMOS and MEMS for defense, medical, and imaging applications
• [17:45] Public-private partnerships and workforce development in Florida’s NeoCity
• [23:00] $127M CHIPS Act modernization program and co-investment strategy
• [36:00] SkyWater’s roadmap: fan-out packaging, panel-based systems, and the future of 3D integration

• Daniel Marrujo
• Thomas Sonderman
• 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 retired Lieutenant General Andy "Sparky" Croft for a captivating deep dive into a 34-year career in the United States Air Force. From humble beginnings as a struggling biochemistry student at UCLA to commanding over 38,000 personnel across multiple Air Force wings, Croft shares the pivotal moments, mission-critical lessons, and personal anecdotes that shaped his service and leadership journey.

Croft walks listeners through his unexpected entry into the Air Force, his evolution into an elite F-15 fighter pilot, and the rigorous training that defined his operational excellence. He also reflects on commanding complex air operations in Iraq, managing Southern Command’s multifaceted geopolitical challenges, and the role of AI and resilient communications systems in future military readiness. His perspective bridges tactical air combat, strategic command, and the human side of military service.

The episode concludes with Croft’s forward-looking insights on national security, satellite resilience, and mentoring future leaders. His story is a powerful reminder of how adaptability, discipline, and leadership can shape mission success—and lives—across generations.

00:03 – How a failed biochemistry major stumbled into ROTC and discovered a love for flying 

04:10 – The grueling path from pilot school to securing a coveted F-15 fighter assignment 

08:12 – Why post-flight debriefs are the "secret sauce" of Air Force excellence 

14:00 – Commanding airstrikes over Iraq and living in a shipping container for a year 

20:00 – The logistics and leadership behind overseeing 38,000 Air Force personnel 

27:10 – Sparky's final command post at SOUTHCOM and its geopolitical complexities 

34:00 – Simulated dogfights, Russian MiGs, and why training trumps tech 

42:33 – Why resilient, decentralized communications will define the next era of national defense

• Daniel Marrujo
• Andy  Croft
• TSS Website 

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

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

In this special minisode of Micro Journeys, Daniel Marrujo sits down with Lt. Gen. Mark Weatherington to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the recent Operation Midnight Hammer. From the pinpoint precision of the GBU-57 “bunker buster” to the evolving role of integrated defense systems like Golden Dome, Weatherington reveals how advanced platforms like the B-2 and custom-designed munitions give the United States a unique strategic advantage. This rapid-fire conversation uncovers the tech, training, and tactics that shaped one of the most significant missions in recent memory.

Key Topics Covered:

• The precision engineering of the GBU-57 MOP and how it bores through rock
• Integration of pilot training with advanced weapons systems
• Real-time tactical adjustments in modern military operations
• Why no other nation matches this depth of tech-enabled strike capability
• The evolution from Israel’s Iron Dome to the U.S. Golden Dome initiative

Let’s Connect:

Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn

TSS Website

Mark Weatherington on LinkedIn

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

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

From cutting-edge defense systems to reshaping global energy infrastructure, Russ Garcia’s career has been anything but ordinary. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Russ, now CEO of Menlo Micro, to trace the arc of a career that began in laser labs and radar systems and now finds him leading innovations in microelectromechanical switch technology. With a personal history steeped in engineering and mentorship, Russ brings a unique perspective to building technologies that have moved from Cold War defense systems to powering the AI age.

Diving deeper, Russ unpacks the origin and potential of Menlo Micro’s "Ideal Switch"—a breakthrough in hardware miniaturization and energy efficiency originally developed within GE’s R&D labs. He explains how this micro switch, born from a desire to reinvent the 150-year-old circuit breaker, now sits at the intersection of defense, energy, and AI. With applications ranging from nuclear submarines to distributed data center grids, the Ideal Switch is shaping the physical backbone of the technologies transforming our world.

By championing dual-use technology and rethinking conventional approaches to manufacturing, Russ is helping to reshape how we think about scale, sustainability, and supply chains. His story isn’t just about one innovation—it’s about building a resilient future through strategic thinking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how old systems can give way to new possibilities.

[03:24] The early laser lab job that sparked Russ’s passion for experimentation and hardware innovation

[08:21] From radar systems to GPS miniaturization—Russ’s pivotal moments in military-grade communications

[11:49] Why the "buy and build" strategy at Microsemi helped redefine the company and Russ’s role as an integrator

[22:03] The story behind Menlo Micro's Ideal Switch and how it reinvents the circuit breaker

[30:57] Menlo’s breakthrough with DIU and the future of energy-efficient defense technologies

[39:15] Menlo's expansion into AI, RF test and measurement, and why its innovations matter across industries

[50:05] How manufacturing simplicity and scalability position the Ideal Switch for global infrastructure impact

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Russ Garcia
• TSS Website 

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

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

From combat flights over Afghanistan to overseeing two-thirds of the U.S. nuclear triad, retired Lt. Gen. Mark "WX" Weatherington has shaped some of the most critical defense strategies of our time. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Weatherington for a wide-ranging conversation on military innovation, deterrence theory, and the operational realities of running America’s bomber fleet. With firsthand experience across Air Force Global Strike Command, NORAD, and strategic cyber operations, Weatherington reflects on what it takes to defend a nation in the age of AI, hypersonics, and digital warfare.

Diving deeper into the nuances of military modernization, Weatherington explains the behind-the-scenes challenges of sustaining decades-old aircraft, advancing technologies like the B-21 Raider, and coordinating kinetic and non-kinetic strategies across a global battlefield. He also discusses the evolving landscape of unmanned systems, the increasing importance of microelectronics, and the overlooked role of sustainment in national security planning.

His message is clear: the mission can’t succeed without adaptability, anticipation, and collaboration between government, industry, and allies. Whether you’re flying a 36-hour bomber mission or securing satellite communications from a cyberattack, success depends on more than firepower—it depends on foresight.

01:12 – Why Weatherington believes in staying active for mental clarity and longevity

06:55 – How his Air Force journey began with a dream to fly and evolved into command leadership

10:20 – Weatherington on transitioning from piloting B-1 bombers to leading strategic cyber operations

13:35 – The growing importance of information warfare and non-kinetic threats

18:45 – What it’s like to fly a 36-hour mission—and the infrastructure it takes to support it

22:50 – Breaking down the U.S. nuclear triad and the modernization of aging missile systems

33:40 – The sustainment crisis: how a 30-cent part can ground a billion-dollar system

45:15 – Could AI and digital twinning revolutionize maintenance, readiness, and cost-efficiency?

51:05 – Weatherington's take on the rise of unmanned systems and future force structures

Let’s Connect:

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.

From aspiring Air Force Academy cadet to DARPA program manager and global public diplomacy speaker, Michael Hsieh’s journey is anything but conventional. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Hsieh to trace the unexpected path that led him from quantum computing labs to shaping innovation culture around the world. With stories that span from personal turning points to high-stakes national security programs, Hsieh unpacks the motivations, mentors, and missions that defined his career.

As a former DARPA program manager, Hsieh reflects on the agency’s culture of high-stakes innovation and its role in driving technologies that have changed the world. He shares insights into programs designed to detect social media manipulation, encrypt entire algorithms, and uncover signals of geopolitical unrest using open-source economic data. Now, as part of the U.S. State Department’s public diplomacy program, he brings those experiences to audiences worldwide—helping shape global conversations around science, trust, and innovation.

Ultimately, Hsieh believes the most powerful work happens when personal values align with national purpose. From AI matchmaking to international policy dialogue, he illustrates how seemingly unrelated experiences can build toward a legacy of service, discovery, and global impact.

• 00:54 – Michael discusses how AI is transforming relationship matchmaking and lowering divorce rates.
• 03:11 – Michael shares how his early goal of attending the Air Force Academy shifted after being medically disqualified.
• 11:37 – Michael recalls how 9/11 influenced his decision to pursue quantum computing for national security.
• 19:55 – Michael talks about joining DARPA and launching programs that used public data to detect terrorist activity.
• 27:26 – Michael explains the Social Media in Strategic Communication (SMISC) program for identifying bot activity.
• 33:47 – Michael outlines his work on encrypting entire programs using homomorphic encryption.

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Michael Hsieh
• TSS Website

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

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

In this compelling episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Greg Van Dyk—a visionary technologist, fusion energy entrepreneur, and retired Air Force leader—at the Hard Conference. From his early life on a Wisconsin dairy farm to directing billion-dollar defense acquisition programs and shaping the national conversation on microelectronics and fusion energy, Greg's career embodies the intersection of technical depth, public policy, and relentless innovation. The conversation explores the multi-decade journey that brought him to the forefront of energy and manufacturing transformation.

Greg shares the behind-the-scenes story of his pivotal role in the Department of Energy’s analysis of alternatives for onshore microelectronics production—a foundational study that helped pave the way for the CHIPS Act. He details the political and industrial inflection points that drove renewed domestic investment in semiconductors and why that effort mirrors the critical need for progress in the fusion energy space. With clarity and vision, Greg breaks down the promise of fusion, the enabling technologies making it viable today, and the scaling and supply chain hurdles yet to be solved.

As he embarks on his second 20-year career, Greg’s goal is bold: build the world’s largest fusion supply chain company, deliver carbon-free energy everywhere, and revitalize U.S. manufacturing at a scale not seen since World War II. Tune in to hear a rare blend of engineering insight, defense strategy, and entrepreneurial drive aimed at solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

• [01:50] How growing up on a dairy farm influenced Greg’s ethos of building and service
• [07:33] Why a nuclear engineering background led Greg into microelectronics policy and production
• [10:30] The fight to convince Congress and the Pentagon to invest in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing
• [17:54] How the CHIPS Act impacts not just fabs, but the entire American workforce and education system
• [27:31] Why fusion energy may be the global power solution for the next 200 years
• [40:46] The real fusion race: it's not just who builds first, but who can scale fastest globally
• [47:57] Greg’s next mission: building the largest fusion supply chain company in the world

Let’s Connect

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Greg Van Dyk
• 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 Ken LaBel, one of the most respected figures in the world of radiation effects for space and defense electronics. With a decades-long career that spans NASA, missile defense, and strategic radiation-hardened electronics, Ken shares the moments that defined his professional path—from helping prove the Big Bang Theory to shaping policies on advanced packaging and testing limitations for modern microelectronics.

The conversation dives into the evolution of radiation engineering from an afterthought to a core systems discipline. Ken explains how critical collaboration, mentorship, and rigorous testing are in safeguarding both space-based scientific missions and high-reliability defense systems. He also unpacks how mission needs—whether scientific exploration or survivability in nuclear environments—demand distinct approaches to risk, reliability, and radiation resilience.

Ultimately, Ken's journey exemplifies how deep expertise, humility, and a collaborative mindset can influence the trajectory of entire sectors. His legacy spans technical leadership, cross-agency integration, and community-building—all while keeping things refreshingly human (yes, there’s a story about Belgian beer).

• [01:20] Ken explains the significance of winning the Pete Haas Award and how it reflects his collaborative work across NASA, DOE, and military agencies.
• [08:45] The early career pivot that launched Ken into radiation effects: how a boss’s challenge and a mentor’s guidance shaped everything.
• [14:54] Understanding space radiation—galactic cosmic rays, solar flares, and trapped particles—and their wide-ranging impact on electronics.
• [26:15] Lessons learned from the Hubble Space Telescope and how radiation effects became a system-level concern.
• [37:30] Ken recounts receiving a call from Nobel laureate Dr. John Mather and how knowing who to ask is sometimes the greatest expertise.
• [31:29] Why advanced packaging is the next big challenge for radiation testing and the urgent need for expanded test facilities.
• [57:20] The importance of integrated, cross-agency roadmapping and how silos can undermine technological readiness and mission success.

• Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn
• Ken LaBel
• 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 Jack Kang, SVP of Business Development, Customer Experience, and Corporate Marketing at SiFive, to explore the fascinating trajectory of his career—from building CPUs at Marvell to helping lead the charge on RISC-V technology at SiFive. Jack shares how his early education and hands-on experiences at UC Berkeley shaped his technical foundation, and how a pivotal moment as a teaching assistant under computing legend Dave Patterson set the course for his professional evolution.

As the conversation unfolds, Jack reveals the inner workings of some of the biggest moments in his career, including his role in winning the Nintendo Switch design at NVIDIA and the massive implications of the RISC-V open standard. He demystifies key concepts like the difference between open standards and open source, and explains why this distinction is critical in shaping the future of microelectronics, particularly in aerospace, defense, and edge AI computing.

Ultimately, Jack paints a compelling picture of a technology that isn’t just disrupting the industry—it’s enabling sustainability, security, and long-term innovation. RISC-V is more than a buzzword, it's the foundation for a scalable, programmable future in computing, with SiFive at the helm.

• [02:10] How Jack’s curiosity and hands-on experience at UC Berkeley led him into computer architecture
• [07:04] Transitioning from digital design to business development and product strategy at Marvell
• [13:55] The multi-billion-dollar Nintendo Switch win and the lessons it taught about scalable graphics
• [18:53] What SiFive is and how RISC-V is redefining the ecosystem for hardware-software interface
• [20:10] The critical difference between open source and open standard—and why it matters
• [31:06] How RISC-V and SiFive won NASA's High Performance Space Compute (HPSC) program and why it's a game-changer
• [44:53] How SiFive’s vector core solution helps bridge AI acceleration with long-term programmability

🔗 Follow Daniel Marrujo on LinkedIn

🔗 Connect with Jack Kang on LinkedIn

🔗 Learn more about SiFive

🔗Learn more about TSS

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, 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.