Simon Kristiansen

Experience

• 

  US Army

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2022

  As the Apache Pilot in Command, I served a key role managing cross-functional teams in delivering the various mechanical, technical, and planning inputs required for maintaining helicopter readiness for mission executions with short lead times throughout hybrid environments. My role included aligning the various inputs and coordinating the flight requirements to execute orders, coordinating the team's expertise in planning loads, fuel needs, routing, safety altitudes, and scheduling across hostile, fast-paced situations.I maintained the focus and decisiveness to quickly and appropriately respond to changing circumstances by coordinating and leading team members for quick responses to geopolitical challenges from the Middle East and North Africa. To drive the Army’s commitment to continuous process improvements, I led after-action-report meetings and encouraged my team to contribute their experiences for optimized individual and team performance.Through my open-door leadership style, I fostered trust, communication, and optimized mission readiness that resulted in team cohesion and optimized organization management while maintaining personal accountability for budgets exceeding $1M and specialized equipment valued over $120M. Show less I served as the Ground Force Commander with oversight of a cross-functional team, aligning individual and unit strengths to facilitate a mission-ready team serving counterterrorism operations.Initially established as a counterterrorism force, we combined US Special Operations Forces with multiple coalition forces, inter-agencies, and partner-nation counterparts to deliver a cohesive, unique, and lethal unit able to impactfully respond to US and coalition adversaries with deadly force on short-leads. Show less Supporting critical time-sensitive missions, I effectively collaborated with multiple agencies and civilian industry leaders to develop and implement rapid solutions that resolved material gaps in mission response. Optimizing team response, I served as the Soldier Survival Subject Matter Expert for the combat development directorate, assessing existing procedures and operations to identify opportunities for improvements and skill gaps. Within one year, I successfully managed and delivered 10+ projects that analyzed and delivered solutions positively impacting everything from cots to military labs. Show less I served multiple joint US and foreign special operations missions tasked with securing specialized US assets by driving tactical approaches throughout active, dynamic, high-threat environments that include the Middle East, North Africa, Nepal, and the Philippines. Contributing to mission readiness of a specialized team unit assigned to combat operations for 13 continuous years, I consistently delivered world-class performance through physical capabilities, superior operations knowledge, and through committed, purposeful, and proven warfare expertise.My expertise and results were recognized and resulted in my targeted selection as Special Operations Forces Team Leader and Member for high-risk specialized operations and training missions. Through my commitment to my team and my missions, I maintained 100% tactical competency in advanced marksmanship, close-quarter battle, unique explosive entry techniques throughout jungle, mountain, desert, water, austere, and urban environments during no-notice, worldwide crisis operations. Through an established reputation as a critical team contributor, I coordinated and executed coalition efforts that required advising, assisting, and accompanying over 100 host-nation soldiers through counterterrorism battles impacting global external terrorism operations. Show less

  • Aviator

    Jan 2016 - Jan 2022

  • Special Operations Team Leader, Special Operations Command

    Jan 2015 - Jan 2016

  • Research Staff

    Jan 2014 - Jan 2015

  • Advanced Special Operations Team Member, Special Operations Command

    Jan 2006 - Jan 2014
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  Liteye Systems (acquired by High Point Aerotech)

  Jul 2022 - Jun 2023

  • Project Manager

    Jul 2022 - Jun 2023

  • Project Manager

    Jul 2022 - Jun 2023
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  High Point Aerotechnologies

  Jun 2023 - May 2024

  Senior Manager of Army and Special Forces Pursuits High Point Aerotechnologies
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  Flatline Solutions LLC

  May 2024 - now

  Consultant