Jake Carter

Bio

Dr. Robert J. “Jake” Carter is an interdisciplinary research engineer and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with extensive leadership and technical experience spanning nuclear detection, embedded electronics, aerospace systems, and national security applications. He holds a PhD in Energy Science and Engineering and BS/MS degrees in Electrical Engineering, complemented by senior-level military education through Air War College, Joint Forces Staff College, and NATO staff programs. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dr. Carter leads R&D in electronics and embedded systems for nuclear material detection and characterization, including analog/digital design, program management, and reactor antineutrino monitoring. Previously, he served as Senior Manager for the Air Vehicles Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, overseeing 550 personnel and a $195M development portfolio focused on unmanned aircraft systems and advanced avionics. His earlier roles include research engineering positions at NASA Langley, The Aerospace Corporation, and IBM Semiconductor Development, where he contributed to aerospace controls, satellite targeting automation, and large-scale memory development. A retired airline pilot and federal law enforcement officer, he has decades of operational experience across AWACS, high-performance trainers, and widebody (777, 747) commercial jets. He continues to fly general aviation aircraft holding ATP and CFII FAA certifications. Dr. Carter is also the author of numerous technical publications from ORNL, USAF, and DOE on nuclear detection, neutron systems, avionics, nuclear weapons delivery systems, and semiconductor technologies.

Professional Experience

• Programming & Scientific Computing: C++, Python, LabVIEW; data analysis, embedded systems software, and scientific modeling workflows.
• Electronics & Embedded Design: KiCAD schematic capture and PCB layout; microcontroller integration; custom detector electronics for nuclear sensing applications.
• Mechanical & System Integration: SolidWorks and FreeCAD 3D modeling for detector housings, electronics enclosures, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Radiation Modeling & Analysis: GADRAS for gamma/neutron detector response modeling, spectral fitting, and nuclear material characterization. Limited Geant4.
• Digital Architecture & Memory Systems: Semiconductor memory design, high-speed digital architecture, data-acquisition hardware, and buffering systems for radiation instrumentation.
• Nuclear Detection Instrumentation: Design, integration, and testing of neutron/gamma detectors, embedded readout systems, and fieldable nonproliferation sensors.
• Project & Program Management: Multi-project planning, resource allocation, milestone tracking, and delivery of R&D programs on schedule and within budget.
• Contract & Subcontract Management: Definition of technical scope, oversight of subcontractor performance, evaluation of deliverables, and alignment with ORNL R&D objectives.
• Leadership & Organizational Management: Senior Air Force management experience leading large technical organizations; cross-functional team coordination; strategic planning; mission-focused decision-making.

Awards

United States Air Force Awards:

Senior Pilot Badge

Space Operations Badge

• Satellite command & control (C2)
• Missile warning and space surveillance
• Space launch and range operations

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Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Air Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Air Force Acheivement Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters

National Defense Service Medal

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award

National Defense Service Medal with bronze star

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Education

• U. of Tennessee, PhD, Energy Science & Engineering, 2024
• U. of Ohio/Dayton, M.S. Electrical Engineering, Highest Honors, 1985
• U. of Tennessee, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Honors, 1978

Professional Service

Division Electrical Inspector

Professional Affiliations

• Society of Petrochemists and Well Log Analysts
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
• National Association of Flight Instructors

Specialized Equipment

Aircraft-mounted Systems (ARIA Antenna Control System)

Publications

Other Publications