Expertise
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Defense Acquisition, PPBE, Technology Transition, Commercialization, Government Capture & Business Development, Program Risk Management, Strategic Communication, Modeling & Simulation, Stakeholder & Partner Engagement, Systems Engineering, Data Architecture, Knowledge Graphs, Logistics & Sustainment
Profile
Scott Ruppel is a seasoned leader with extensive experience guiding large, multi‑disciplinary teams and turning complex technical challenges into clear, actionable outcomes. He has a strong blend of operational and sustainment expertise with a deep knowledge across requirements; acquisitions; program planning, budgeting, and execution (PPBE), and systems engineering. Scott is known for strategic communication at senior levels and a robust technical background spanning weapon system development, modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), and program and risk management,
Significant Career Accomplishments
Built defense ecosystem knowledge graph to include 5,000 organizations, 22,000 points of contact (POCs) and over 1,000 relationships.
Shaped direction of fundamental research at MIT AI Accelerator, forging new strategic partnerships with Air Force Research Labs, Test Pilot School, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and NVIDIA to raise program profile. Crafted strategy to systematize tech transition and led education push make researchers aware of tools/techniques. Identified mechanism to enable swift integration of demos and prototypes in exercises—unlocking stakeholder “pull.”
Led development of Material Leader decision tool to match budget options to Joint Staff validated requirements. Informed $80B nuclear enterprise investments, shaped Department of Defense (DoD) resource allocation for modernization and deterrence.
Managed $4B production contract of premiere 5th generation fighter for three services and seven international partners. Implemented aggressive withholds to drive quality standards compliance; 55% reduction in foreign object damage (FOD) related findings.
Led team of 210 Airmen and 75 contractors responsible for UH-1N, H-60, MC-130J, and CV-22 fleet maintenance. Led theory-of-constraints review of CV-22 maintenance—increased schedule effectiveness 40% with novel solution.
Key Positions
Founder, CEO, Skysight Solutions
Director, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) MIT AI Accelerator, Department of the Air Force (DAF)
Chief, Analysis Branch, Joint Staff Force Structure, Resource & Assessment (J8)
Material Leader, F-35 Joint Program Office
Commander, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Program Element Monitor; SAF/AQQ, Pentagon
Education
MS, National Resource Strategy Management, Eisenhower School, National Defense University
MS, Military Arts and Science, Air Command and Staff College
MBA, Finance, Wright State University
BBA, Finance, University of Wisconsin-Madison
