David Porter

David Porter (BSCSC ’74) has found an unusual application for his computer science degree — he has worked in the defense contracting business since his graduation from NC State. An early fascination with military history led him to apply his talents to solving problems of defense and security, and his computer science expertise has been valuable in creating simulations to test new ideas and systems for military uses. This somewhat unusual combination has resulted in a rewarding career for Porter.

Since 1993 Porter has worked at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, which mainly builds weather, photo and communications satellites. Lockheed Martin’s products have strong impacts on contemporary life. “Every time you get satellite-relayed television, news and weather information, pictures transmitted from other planets or the Hubble space telescope, that is Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company in action,” said Porter. The main weapons system Lockheed Martin Space Systems builds is the Theatre High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system, which is designed only to destroy incoming missiles.

	David Porter is the manager of the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Battle Laboratory in Sunnyvale, California.

At Lockheed Martin, Porter is the manager of the Missiles and Space Battle Laboratory, a simulation/virtual reality laboratory. “The laboratory is used to explore systems concepts,” he said. “We answer such fundamental questions as ‘If we build what we think you asked for, is that what you really want?’” This way ideas and systems can be tested without building expensive equipment.

A special project in Porter’s last class at NC State in 1974 helped launch him into his career. “Our class project was a contract,” he explained. “ I would advise students to take as many ‘project’ courses as they can in college. When I was at NC State, I received excellent training and an initial resume through projects completed for courses. By the time I graduated, I had already written a compiler, a database, a graphics system and a natural language interface — all on schedule and within budget.”

David Porter lives in Mountain View, California, with his wife, Sue Lindner, and son Cameron. He enjoys international folk dancing, folk music, war gaming, writing fiction and poetry and cooking. His favorite vacation spot is the Balkan Music and Dance Workshop in Mendocino, California.

Porter advises students interested in government work to consider obtaining a high-level security clearance by working on contracts where a clearance is required. “Security clearances are not for everyone,” he said, “but they can open doors for employment. If you choose to go into government research, having a clearance can make you more employable, is worth more pay and can help your company get government contracts. Clearances are easier to get when you are young and have less background to verify.”

Porter also advises students to take technical writing courses in school. “No matter what you do after school, you will have to propose it, report on it and document it,” he said. “Every time you write something down, it is an advertisement for you and your work. Be able to make it a good one.”

— rudd —