Celebrating 90 Years of Innovation and Impact
GTRI researcher Dr. Craig Arndt was recently awarded the “Expert Systems Engineering Professional” (ESEP) certification by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). This is one of systems engineering’s most respected and rare honors.
The INCOSE certification program distinguishes systems engineers for their skills and professionalism. There are three level of certification in the program, the ESEP being the highest level of certification. According to INCOSE, the Expert Systems Engineering Professional certification is only available to "a systems engineering leader with recognized systems accomplishments and have many years of systems engineering professional work experience."
“The ICOSE certification program is an important program to help evaluate and grow members of the systems engineering community,” said Dr. Arndt.
Craig Arndt, P.E., Ph.D., is a Principal Research Engineer in the Electronic Systems Laboratory (ELSYS) of GTRI. He also served as the Division Chief for the Human Centered Engineering Division.
Dr. Arndt has had a nearly 20-year career in the private sector following a long, distinguished military career in both the U.S. Navy and the Air Force Civilian Service.
Applicants for the Expert Systems Engineering certification must pass an oral interview with a small panel of INCOSE "certification application reviewers" on the applicants’ accomplishments and expertise. Applicants must also submit at least three references, who must attest to the applicants' qualifications.
A Career Leading the Cutting Edge of Systems Engineering
Dr. Arndt’s accomplishments are varied and impressive:
Dr. Arndt has authored and coauthored more than 100 papers and eight U.S. patents on topics including:
- Neural networks
- Face recognition and biometrics
- Artificial intelligence
- Systems Engineering
- Test and Evaluation
Dr. Arndt’s extensive experience includes developing and leading major defense technology programs and pioneering Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) applications in defense acquisition.
When asked to identify a highlight from his career, he could narrow it down to just one:
“I have led many critical defense programs across my career -- including the development of the MRAP vehicle for the Iraq conflict, and a wide range of biometrics technologies currently in use by the U.S. Army, Department of Homeland Security, and intelligence communities.”
In addition to his achievements since joining GTRI in the spring of 2021, Dr. Arndt has been an influential figure in both academia and industry. His leadership roles, notably as the Director of Homeland Security programs at the MITRE Corp., and his position as a Senior Fellow at the Defense Acquisition University, underline his comprehensive expertise in the field. Recognized internationally as an expert in biometrics technologies, Dr. Arndt has played a pivotal role in shaping technology policy and cybersecurity. Dr. Arndt's career as a senior executive in technology and defense highlights his commitment to advancing these sectors.
A master’s graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Dr. Arndt has maintained both direct and indirect ties to the U.S. military. Dr. Arndt has previously held key positions at the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) and as an Engineering Duty Officer in the U.S. Navy.
Dr. Arndt is currently working with the leadership of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Operational Test and Evaluation (OSD DOT&E) to implement Model-Based Systems Engineering and new knowledge management technology in the DoD test community.
Dr. Arndt’s career, which has had a profound impact on national security and technology development, is a shining example of the innovation and impact that system engineers can bring to bear and a testament to the quality of the researchers at GTRI, who “advance technology and provide innovative solutions” and “are the foremost innovators creating a secure nation, a prosperous Georgia, and a sustainable world.”
Writer: Christopher Weems
GTRI Communications
Georgia Tech Research Institute
Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.
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