James O'Connor
James T. O'Connor
Mission Support & Enterprise Strategy
Current Role
James O'Connor serves as Principal Advisor for Mission Support & Enterprise Strategy at FissionPoint Assurance, bringing sophisticated analytical capabilities and deep technical expertise in naval nuclear propulsion, sonar systems, and advanced manufacturing processes. With a distinguished career spanning U.S. Navy nuclear reactor engineering and defense program management, James provides critical insights to clients navigating complex technical, operational, and programmatic challenges across the nuclear enterprise and advanced defense systems.
His unique combination of mechanical engineering expertise, MBA-level data analytics proficiency, and hands-on experience with U.S. Navy nuclear systems positions him to deliver comprehensive technical assessments, program evaluations, and strategic recommendations. James specializes in bridging technical engineering requirements with business strategy, predictive modeling, and vendor capability assessments—ensuring clients achieve operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and programmatic success in high-consequence environments.
Professional Certifications
GD&T Standards & Specifications
CAD Systems Proficiency
Six Sigma Green Belt
Lean Manufacturing & Agile
Professional Affiliations & Leadership
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Education & Academic Credentials
Master of Business Administration
Mechanical Engineering
Areas of Expertise
Career Highlights
Program Manager
Ultra Maritime
Leads manufacturing and acquisition oversight for acoustic sonar arrays supporting U.S. Navy undersea warfare systems, managing complex support contracts, cost-schedule performance assessments, and technical solution development. Directs the entire acquisition lifecycle, from drafting and reviewing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to evaluating vendor submissions and supporting technical reviews across multidisciplinary teams. Maintains comprehensive reporting frameworks, stakeholder briefings, and milestone tracking systems to ensure program delivery, quality compliance, and mission alignment across all phases of execution.
Reactor Plant Mechanical Engineer
Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding
Conducted research, testing, and maintenance on mechanical valves, electrical actuators, and critical systems supporting U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier nuclear power plants, ensuring operational readiness and safety compliance. Developed and revised U.S. Navy technical drawings, maintenance manuals, and visual aids using GD&T principles and ASME Section VIII specifications, while evaluating vendor readiness through cross-functional collaboration. Performed advanced regression diagnostics and statistical analysis to identify system performance trends, delivering actionable recommendations that improved reliability and supported continuous improvement initiatives across the naval nuclear fleet.
Manufacturing Engineer
Collins Aerospace - Raytheon Technologies
Developed predictive models and cost-efficiency improvements by analyzing manufacturing cycles, product designs, and material utilization patterns across private and military aerospace projects. Drove process optimization and operational efficiency through Lean principles, ACE (Achieving Competitive Excellence) events, and direct collaboration with floor operators and maintenance technicians. Analyzed production challenges systematically, identifying root causes and implementing design or process modifications to reduce defects and enhance throughput. Coordinated material planning and supplier engagement to ensure seamless operations, on-time delivery, and quality standards across complex aerospace manufacturing lines.
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