Joseph F. Burns joined the FAA in Feb 2013 as an Electrical Engineer, prior to that he came to the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center as a contractor after 19 years as a DOD employee where he had supported USAF and US Army projects. He has 23 years of experience on FAA and Dept. of Homeland Security Test & Evaluation projects with skills in avionics & navigation systems, calibration, National Airspace System Communications Infrastructure, Weather radar, Airport Security, Air Traffic Control Surveillance, and Program Management. He served 33 years in the USAF on active and reserve duty retiring in 2008 as a Chief Master Sergeant.
He holds a master’s degree in Aviation/Aerospace Operations & Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics from Villanova University. He is a member of the Aviation STEM Team at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center and a frequent volunteer and speaker promoting STEM education.