Management and IT consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton has announced the hiring of Dr. James F. Reilly II, PhD as an executive advisor for its aerospace consulting program. The retired astronaut and former director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will work with a variety of government and private-sector partners to develop innovative solutions for the space-related sector. The firm is looking to bring capabilities like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and visualization to help space organizations drive innovation in an increasingly complex domain.
Reilly brings an extensive history of leadership, expertise, and aerospace industry experience to the firm, where he will work with agencies such as the Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, as well as various intelligence agencies, universities, and commercial space businesses. As the USGS Director, he oversaw an operating budget of nearly $2 billion and was responsible for modernization programs that leveraged machine learning, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing to hasten the delivery of critical information. As an astronaut with NASA, he flew three spaceflight missions and participated in five spacewalks in addition to supporting the program as a mission specialist developing requirements, testing systems, and training.
Booz Allen Executive VP Andrea Inserra said, “As someone who has managed teams, critical systems, and projects in space and on the ground, Jim provides strategic guidance that will prove invaluable as we advance our space business forward… Moreover, his extensive multi-disciplinary background—encompassing engineering, operations, testing, system requirements, human factors, and beyond—will make him an unparalleled resource for both the firm and our partners as the space revolution accelerates.”
Reilly’s professional background also includes working with the University of Alabama’s In-Space Manufacturing Initiative, managing STEM higher education and professional development programs, providing space operations training to joint U.S. and allied forces, and working with private sector companies on R&D, quality control, technical services, and new product development. Reilly started his career as a geologist, conducting exploration missions across North America and Antarctica and applying new imaging technology to biological research and deep water engineering products, as well as serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
