Public profile

O-3 · Air Force · 2018 – 2026

Chris
Trautman

Pilot & Aviation Program Manager

Sacramento, CA

Open to work

Summary

I'm a pilot and aviation operations leader with 1,500+ flight hours and FAA certifications, transitioning from Air Force Special Operations. I've directed 24/7 flight operations for teams of nearly 200 personnel and managed $15 million unmanned aircraft programs from planning through execution. My background combines hands-on piloting with strategic program management, interagency coordination, and technical expertise in cybersecurity and software development. I hold active TS/SCI clearance and bring proven leadership in high-stakes, safety-critical environments.

Impact

1,500+

Total Flight Hours

$15M

Program Budget Managed

187

Personnel Directed

Experience

  1. 2026-Present

    Transitional Intern

    7 Eagle Group · Sacramento, CA

    • Engaged in a transitional internship focused on leveraging military experience in aviation and program management to support organizational objectives. Developed skills in project management and operational integration while adapting to civilian sector challenges.
  2. 2026-2026

    SUAS Program Director

    AFSOC, USAF · Clovis, NM

    • Managed program execution and resource allocation for over $15 million in Adaptive Airborne Enterprise systems.
    • Led 24/7 operations, mission planning, and scheduling for 187 personnel.
    • Coordinated training, resources, and global mission requirements while improving team performance.
  3. 2024-2025

    Senior Strategic Planner

    PACOM, DOW · Camp Smith, HI

    • Developed strategic plans and operational frameworks to enhance mission effectiveness within the Pacific Command. Collaborated with interagency partners to ensure alignment with national security objectives and operational readiness.
  4. 2024-2024

    Training Program Manager

    AFSOC, USAF · Clovis, NM

    • Oversaw training program management for aircrew personnel, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing operational readiness. Coordinated training resources and mission requirements, significantly improving team performance in high-stakes environments.
  5. 2019-2024

    Assistant Director of Flight Scheduling

    AFSOC, USAF · Destin, FL

    • Managed flight scheduling operations for a large team, ensuring efficient airspace utilization and mission readiness. Implemented strategic scheduling practices that enhanced operational efficiency and supported complex mission requirements.
  6. 2018-2026

    MQ-9 Pilot

    AFSOC, USAF · San Antonio, TX

    • Executed advanced piloting operations for the MQ-9 aircraft, conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Demonstrated leadership in mission planning and execution, ensuring compliance with FAA and DoD regulations while maintaining high operational standards.

Skills

Aviation Operations

FAA Private Pilot Certification · FAA Instrument Rating · FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft · Instructor Pilot · Airspace Scheduling · Flight Operations Management · 1,500+ Total Flight Hours

Program Management

Program Management · PMP Certification · 24/7 Operations Direction · Operational Readiness Inspections · Budget Management - $15M Programs · Interagency Coordination · Personnel Leadership - 187+ Staff

Enterprise Systems & Logistics

ERP/Logistics Systems - SAP · Defense Property Management Systems · Transportation Management Systems · Property Accountability Systems · Travel Management Systems · Automated Information Systems

Cybersecurity & Network Engineering

CISSP Certification · CCNA Certification · CCIE Certification · TS/SCI Security Clearance · Information Security

Software Development & Programming

JavaScript · TypeScript · C/C++ · Python

Education and certifications

Degree · 2023

Certificate, Computer Science

massachusetts institute of technology

Degree · 2018

Minor, Aerospace Studies

Florida State University

Degree · 2018

Bachelor of Political Science, Political Science

Florida State University

Cert ·

CCNA

Cert ·

FAA Part 107

Cert ·

CISSP

Cert ·

CCIE

Cert ·

PMP

Cert · 2025

Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE)

USAF

Cert · 2025

Squadron Officer School

USAF

Cert · 2024

Joint Intrepid Leadership Course

Cert · 2019

Private Pilot License/ Instrument Rating

Service record

Branch
U.S. Air Force
Rank
O-3
Years served
2018 – 2026
Specialty / MOS
K18S
Security clearance
Top Secret/SCI