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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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