Rob McDaniel

Thermal Matrix uses infrared imagers and advanced image processing techniques to detect person-borne threats including explosives and weapons. We have experience with the US DoD and Agencies as well as domestic and international industrial, security and police customers. Our technology includes both patent-protected intellectual property as well as proprietary software. We are working to grow the company through a combination of internal and external investment to apply cutting-edge processing to the problem of protecting people from the growing threat of terrorism.

Took over a troubled subsidiary of an Elbit-affiliated business in the US. Cut unnecessary expenses, moved to a larger facility and increased Marketing and R&D while increasing sales and EBIT during a difficult market. Revamped business model to provide complete infrared imaging solutions based on SCD technology vs. selling only detector products. Emphasized customer applications engineering support to become “designed-in” and improved after-sales support. Increased customer loyalty and number of customers every year. Implemented multi-year order agreements with major customers to stabilize yearly sales and build backlog. These actions resulted in an average CAGR of over 18% for the prior 7 years.

Successfully acquired Quantum Imaging Inc. as part of a strategy to increase our addressable US defense market and increase EBIT by becoming a vertically integrated supplier of cameras with organic design and production capabilities.

Expanded sales from $20m/yr to $100M/yr and orders from $30M/yr to over $100M/yr, increasing backlog and profit. Complete P&L responsibility as well as new business pursuit and program execution for an organization developing and producing and supporting advanced sensor systems for DoD and international military applications. Products include Dismounted and Vehicle-mounted Observation, Targeting and Fire Control Systems; Force Protection systems; Advanced FLIRs; Laser Rangefinders and Designators; IR Countermeasures and Night Vision Goggles. Significant interaction with international, US Government and prime contractor customers. Major program wins include 3 major USMC thermal imaging programs, 3 laser programs and 3 international fire control programs as well as R&D.

Responsible for development of next-generation electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems for Self-Protection (countermeasures), Laser Communications, and Precision Targeting. Developed a strategy for AS&T’s EO/IR systems development that supports both division-level and company-level strategic plans. Started a new organization and created an effective team that then developed and executed tactical action plans, resulting in multiple new R&D contracts representing over $40M in new EO/IR systems orders in the first 24 months of operations, with significant wins in the areas of Self-Protection, LADAR systems, and Laser Communications. Several of these programs transitioned to Line-of-Business organizations.

Responsible for day-to-day operations of the division with 300 technical personnel. AS&T’s mission is to develop next generation (5-10 years) technologies which will grow into future products. Responsibilities included programmatic and technical performance on a wide range of programs. Technical areas of cognizance included Signal Processing, Information Operations, Antennas & Receivers, Lasers & Electro-optics, Advanced Sensors and Acoustic Technology.

Additionally responsible for special initiatives. For example, directed the successful start-up of BAE SYSTEMS IEWS’ new Washington Technical Office, located in Arlington, VA.

Led development of next-generation technology for new electro-optical fire control and missile seeker products as well as upgrades of existing systems. Areas developed included advanced multi-spectral sensors, as well as advanced components, algorithms and processors. Technologies included systems analysis and modeling; advanced optics, stabilization and tracking systems; advanced uncooled detector arrays; and image fusion algorithms and processing. Extensive experience in systems engineering, program management, and customer contact.

Led development of infrared missile threat warning and imaging sensor systems for a variety of applications. Experience included EMD and development programs, with contact with both US and foreign customers. Two of the programs transitioned successfully to production. Programs successfully completed included: the Panavia Tornado ECR aircraft Infrared Imaging System which allows real time imaging and targeting in a combined Reconnaissance/”Wild-Weasel” type aircraft; a stabilized FLIR with a moving-target tracking capability, Laser Designator, and extensive autonomous/automatic controls which was successfully deployed by the USMC during Desert Storm; the AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System for USMC helicopters; and a Dual Mode Missile Warning system that used a multispectral, scanning, infrared sensor integrated with a Doppler radar.

Engineering manager responsible for all programs dealing with submarine periscopes, vehicle sights and gun directors, using optical, infrared, laser, stabilization and ESM technologies. Included customer interface, both foreign (Israel, Egypt) and US.

Principal Investigator for Electro Optics Department IR&D programs that investigated acousto-optic signal processors, advanced infrared detector arrays, and Infrared Search and Track (IRST) signal processing. As part of government-funded programs, investigated IRST signal processing and countermeasures susceptibility. Also developed flight test plans and instrumentation for the F-15 IRST system.

Developed wide-band recording and readout devices for advanced optical signal processors used in SIGINT applications.