ABOUT

Orion ADS personnel have a proven and extensive track record of project management, applied systems engineering, Logistics and related “Ilities” Engineering disciplines. We are experienced helping clients transition systems through all product life cycle phases (research, advanced concept development, development, qualification, Design-To-Production-Transition (DTPT), production, fielding and operations, sustainment, and disposal.

Michael Pfenning

President/Founder

Mike is the founder and President of Orion Aerospace & Defense Systems, Inc. He has more than 40 years experience developing and fielding complex defense systems technologies. This includes more than 25 years of program and executive management leadership with teams successfully conducting research & development and transitioning those system technologies through production, and support phases. Mike has functioned in the following capacities within the defense industry and still performs many of these functions as an individual contributor for Orion ADS.

Field Service Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Logistics Engineer
Technical Writer
Technical Trainer
Systems Engineer
Researcher (Electro-optics technology)
Logistics Manager
Pursuit & Proposal manager
Program Manager
Executive Manager/Officer
Board roles including secretary, and chairman

Before establishing Orion ADS, Mike was previously employed by BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Loral Infrared & Imaging Systems, and Honeywell Electro-Optics. Prior to his Industry career, Mike served in the United States Marine Corps as an Electro-Optic and Radar Reconnaissance Systems Avionics Technician – Semper Fi Tueffelhunden. When Mike is not in the office or traveling on business, he enjoys hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, camping, scuba diving and just being in the great outdoors.

Kristopher Furlonge

Chief Systems Engineer

Kris is the Chief Systems Engineer for Orion ADS and manages the East Coast operations. He has been with the company since 2009. Kris has more than 35 years experience as technical professional/leader in the development of complex electro-optic and robotic systems for commercial and military applications. His experience has spanned system definition, prototype build, integration/test, and rapid transition to production/fielding phases of product development.

Kris has functioned in the following capacities over his career in the defense industry and still performs most of these functions as an individual contributor for Orion ADS.

Systems Engineer
Researcher (Electro-optics technology)
Engineering Functional Manager
Logistics Engineer
Technical Writer
Technical Trainer

Thomas Medrano

Engineer

Tom has been with Orion ADS for over four years as a Systems Engineer and Logistician. He has an intricate role for the design, development, production, testing, and maintenance of embedded systems (microcontrollers, RTOS, loT, etc.). Tom has in-depth knowledge of troubleshooting internal and external network technologies. He has a degree in Computer Engineering from University of Houston. Outside of work, Tom enjoys hiking and spending time with family.

Cody Williams

Engineer

Cody is a Systems Engineer at Orion ADS providing logistic and engineering support. He also supplies hardware/software analysis and design influence in areas of human interface. Cody has been practicing Mechanical Engineering in metallics/composites design, design validation, vibration analysis, shock attenuation, and solid modeling since 2016. He is well versed in a variety of MIL-STDs including -810, -209, and -1472. Cody also has experience supporting both customers and production concurrently to achieve the best end result. Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, hunting, hiking, and playing baseball or ping pong.

Jennifer Morris

Engineer

Jennifer is a Systems Engineer and Logistician at Orion ADS. She has a background in technical writing and research for academia and has authored several scientific articles. She has strong knowledge of Technical Manual Development and XML Scripting. Jennifer has worked in manufacturing and design of specialty products for Space-Flight applications. She has a degree in Energy Systems Engineering from Oregon State University. In her free time, she is usually out with her husband and dogs enjoying the natural beauty of Oregon’s outdoor spaces.

Zamien Perez

Engineer

Zamien is a Systems Engineer at Orion ADS. "Z" served in the USMC for 8 years, along with over 10 years of experience in aerospace maintenance operations. He has a strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, quality assurance, and project management. Zamien has experience working alongside the DOD for 11 years with SpaceX and The Boeing Company. In his free time, he is out working on cars/motorcycles, playing rugby or baseball, hiking, fishing, power lifting, and family time.

Luke Holste

Engineer

Luke is a Systems Engineer at Orion ADS supporting logistical and system engineering efforts. He has a strong understanding of the design, manufacturing, and validation of automotive systems, ranging from electrified drivelines to tapered roller bearings. Luke has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Grand Canyon University. Outside of work you can find Luke relaxing with his wife and kids or reading a good book.

Linda Gray

Creative Director

Linda is the Creative Director at Orion ADS. She has over 25 years of experience within the field of marketing and graphics design. Linda oversees and is an individual contributor for the development of deliverable Technical Manuals (TM) and training materials. She is responsible for 2d, 3d, video based technical illustrations, graphical content, page layout, and publishing. Linda is also responsible for marketing communications and branding at Orion ADS. Prior to joining Orion ADS, she worked in the Environmental Civil Engineering Industry as a creative director and manager within marketing. Outside of work, you can find her on the Pickleball court and/or enjoying the outdoors.

Brandon Pollard

Technical Illustrator

Brandon has 12 years of experience in graphic design. He has a keen eye for developing detailed technical illustrations within 2D and 3D platforms. Brandon graduated from The Art Institute of Portland with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He is a proud veteran who served for 10 years in the U.S. Army. With his military background, he has a strong understanding of Orion ADS services. Outside of work, Brandon is an avid hockey player and enthusiast by working with the local community to grow youth and adult hockey programs.

Leonore "Leni" Pfenning

Operations Manager

Leni has over 25 years of experience as the Operations Manager of Orion ADS. She oversees many of the company’s day-to-day office operations including general accounting, cost accounting, human resources and several other critical administrative functions. In addition to her role with Orion ADS, she is also a practicing Registered Nurse (RN) which ideally positions her to take care of Orion ADS employee benefits, along with working as an on-call and semi-retired capacity cardiac nurse at Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Oregon. When she is not working, Leni keeps busy with pickleball, family and outdoor activities.

Contact

Email: info@orionads.com
Phone: 541.899.5677
Toll Free: 877.214.7416

Links

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