DR. ANDREW D. WILLIAMS

Dr. Andrew ‘Andy’ Williams is the Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space at the Air Force Research Laboratory responsible for integrating and executing AFRL’s space science and technology investments to deliver cutting edge technical capability to the U.S. Space Force. 
 
Prior to his selection as the D-TEO, Williams served as the Space Mission Area Lead for AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate, coordinating the lab’s customer engagement strategy and ensuring synchronization with the tech needs of USSF, Space Operations Command, and Space System Command. He also led engagements with partners in the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, industry, and academia. 
 
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Williams joined AFRL as a Palace Acquire Intern in 2003. In 2006, he launched a new research program in spacecraft thermal control and within three years, he grew the program to $35 million and leading five experiments flying on sounding rockets, the International Space Station, and NASA's Zero-g Aircraft. In 2009, he became Deputy Program Manager for Integrated Structural Systems, and in 2013, he took over as PM where he led a team of 34 scientists and engineers executing a $140 million research portfolio ranging from basic research to tech transition in deployable structures, thermal control, structural sensing, and 3D printing. Williams has also served as author or co-author of 35 peer-reviewed articles and conference publications.

EDUCATION
2002   Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University
2005   Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado
2016   Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering, University of New Mexico
 
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. June 2003 – July 2006, Palace Acquire Intern, AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland AFB, NM
2. July 2006 – November 2009, Thermal Systems Lead, AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV)
3. November 2009 – August 2013, Deputy Program Manager, Integrated Structural Systems, AFRL/RV
4. August 2013 – April 2018, Program Manager, Integrated Structural Systems, AFRL/RV
5. April 2018 – October 2018, Section Chief, Advanced Power and Integrated Structures, AFRL/RV
6. October 2018 – November 2021, Space Mission Area Lead, AFRL, Kirtland AFB, NM
7. November 2021 – Present, Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space S&T, AFRL/SD
 
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
2009 Air Force Research Laboratory, Junior Civilian Engineer of the Year
2011 Science, Technology & Engineering Award for Exploratory or Advanced Tech Development
2016 Federal Laboratory Consortium; Notable Tech Development Award for Roll-Out Solar Array
2017 Associate Fellow in the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
2017 R&D 100 Award for the Roll-Out Solar Array
2017 Federal Laboratory Consortium; Notable Tech Development Awards for High Strain Composites
2017 Federal Laboratory Consortium; Notable Tech Development Awards for Oscillating Heat Pipes
2018 RNASA Stellar Team Award for the Roll-Out Solar Array
2018 R&D 100 Award for Oscillating Heat Pipes

(Current as of March 2022)