Expertise
Program Management & Execution, International Programs, Relationship Building, Acquisition Strategy, Supply Chain Management, Congressional Interaction, Problem Solving, Government/Industry Relations
Profile
Mr. Jim Knox has over 40 years of leadership and program management experience in the defense industry and US Air Force (USAF), having successfully executed complex, international, multi-billion-dollar development and production programs—including risk reduction, multiple product variants, hardware and software upgrades, wartime quick reaction programs, and remote operations—at both the industry prime contractor and government levels. He has demonstrated success at three product centers and industry, engaging at the program office, supplier, Pentagon, and Congressional levels, providing both results and a positive image for the organization. Mr. Knox also has extensive USAF program director experience spanning counterair and area attack weapons; industry program director experience covers the full range of development and production weapon programs for USAF, US Navy (USN), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), NATO, and commercial customers.
Significant Career Accomplishments
Led AMRAAM to significant growth: software upgrades for AIM-120C, AIM-120C7, and AIM-120D variants; funded obsolescence mitigation program; classified programs; and international sales. Developed telemetry system supplier to improve congressional support and reduce unit cost.
Former RIM-162 NATO Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) program director accountable for development, production, and sustainment/depot repair programs, as well as a direct commercial sale coproduction program with Japan and FMS cases with other nations. Completed ESSM Block 2 risk reduction on time and led the program into the $500M EMD phase with agile development for hardware and software.
Structured the $560M strategic SkyFire Sec 804 Rapid Prototype Acquisition and began execution on IR&D.
Successfully completed operational test and fielding of the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2A capability and executed RAM Block 2B development on schedule despite Covid-related workforce and supplier issues and successfully entered developmental test.
Led AIM-120D to operational testing and initiated major electronic protection upgrades for AIM-120C7.
Program director for a classified, competitive, rolling downselect, strategic capture EMD program —developed the program’s win strategy and restructured the program to eliminate $130M in funding disconnects; reduced AUPP by 13%.
Developed, delivered and fielded new counter-terror weapon for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 98 days and 8% under budget, winning the highest acquisition awards in the USAF and Department of Defense (DoD).
Key Positions
Program Director, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), Raytheon
Program Director, Advanced Missile Systems, Raytheon
Program Director, NATO Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), Raytheon
Program Director, AMRAAM and Special Programs, Raytheon
Program Director, Classified Program (Strike Product Line), Raytheon
Program Director, Area Attack Weapons, Air Armament Center Area Attack System Program Office (AAC/YH)
Acting Program Director, Counterair Weapons & Deputy Program Director, Air-to-Air Weapons, Counterair Joint Systems Program Office, Air-to-Air Joint Systems Program Office (AAC/YA)
Chief, USAF Programs Division, Aeronautical Systems Center F-16 System Program Office (ASC/YPR)
Education
MS, Management Science, University of Dayton
BS, Physics, The Citadel
Strategic Leadership Program, Raytheon
Advanced Program Leadership, Raytheon
Executive Refresher Course & Executive Program Management, Defense Acquisition University (DAU)
Air War College
Air Command and Staff College
Program Management Course, Defense Systems Management College (DSMC)
Squadron Officer’s School
