David Ortiz, X8’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Principal Engineer oversees the firm’s engineering and design teams to develop innovative technical, operational and research solutions that meet complex customer requirements. His diverse background in laser physics, information assurance, cyberspace operations and organizational leadership enables him to engineer and advocate for enterprise-level cyber solutions, for the U.S. Government and private industry. David’s accomplished career began as a weapons officer in the Air Force, but he soon transferred to scientific research and development within the Intelligence Community. As a junior scientist he led research projects in optics and technical security where he designed his first invention for the U.S. Government by the age of 26. In 2003, he transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Reserve to focus his efforts on research, development and security implementation within the Federal Government. As a civilian scientist and reserve officer, he held positions in space launch analysis, cyberspace planning, security operations center design & management, cyber analysis, optical research, national cyber policy and cyberspace operations. He supports the Director of Joint Forces Headquarters – Cyber Forward as an IMA, advising on cyberspace operations, policy, planning and capabilities and mentoring rising cyber officers and airmen. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science in Information Assurance from Norwich University, The Military College of Vermont. David lends his volunteer time a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and most recently as the Club Officer for Maryland Alumni. Additionally, he is a published author and holds two patents in laser physics – one in detection, and the other in lens design for high speed data transfer.
