Micro Journeys: The Pulse of What’s Next

Northrop Grumman Program Manager Brittany Battaglia joins host Daniel Marrujo for a deep dive into the evolution of microelectronics manufacturing, advanced packaging, and the future of on-shore capability in the United States. Brittany shares her winding career path—from business studies and global supply chain into highly technical program leadership—and how her cross-functional experience uniquely positions her to support the needs of today’s rapidly accelerating defense and commercial markets.In this episode, Brittany details the transformation occurring inside the Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center (NGMC), the rollout of its open access model, and why packaging and secure on-shore manufacturing have become essential to national security and technological competitiveness. She explains how Northrop’s “FedEx Flow” streamlines historically fragmented processes across fabrication, bumping, dicing, assembly, and testing—reducing complexity, cost, and delays for customers across the defense industrial base and emerging commercial partners.Ultimately, this conversation reveals how Northrop Grumman is tackling the bottlenecks in microelectronics with speed, state-of-the-art facilities, and a uniquely integrated ecosystem. Brittany outlines how NGMC’s approach delivers faster timelines, repeatable manufacturing, secure handling, and a single point of accountability—offering a scalable solution to one of the nation’s most pressing technology challenges.What You’ll Discover in This Episode0:45 — Brittany’s Path Into Microelectronics How a business background, graduate studies, and early supply chain work positioned her for a cross-functional career at Northrop Grumman.05:24 — The NGMC and the Future of Advanced Packaging A breakdown of the capabilities inside Northrop’s Microelectronics Center and why packaging has become the “thumbprint-sized” powerhouse of modern systems.11:20 — Why On-Shore Microelectronics Manufacturing Matters Brittany explains the security, efficiency, and strategic advantages of domestic fabrication and packaging.17:25 — Flexibility in Wafer Sizes and Materials How Northrop works across 150–300mm wafers and multiple material systems to support both legacy and next-gen technologies.23:06 — The “FedEx Flow”: Streamlining the Entire Product Lifecycle Why Northrop Grumman is eliminating multi-vendor handoffs and offering customers a single point of contact from fab to test.39:38 — Meeting Future Department of Defense Requirements How NGMC’s commercial-like processes, internal investments, and partnerships are accelerating timelines and meeting emerging mission demands.Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoBrittany BattagliaTSS Website

The latest episode of Micro Journeys welcomes Colonel Tim Helfrich, a career Air Force officer whose unconventional path—from Purdue ROTC to test pilot school, to leading next-generation air dominance programs—offers a rare look inside the evolution of U.S. airpower. Daniel Marrujo sits down with Col. Helfrich to unpack how the Air Force is transforming faster than ever before, exploring the breakthroughs in autonomy, modular aircraft architectures, and collaborative combat systems reshaping modern warfare. Through personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights, Helfrich reveals how Airmen today navigate shifting threats, emerging technologies, and a new era of acquisition speed.In this conversation, Daniel guides listeners into the central challenge facing the Air Force: how to stay ahead of rapidly advancing adversaries while fielding capability faster and at scale. Col. Helfrich explains why traditional “one aircraft, one mission” approaches are no longer enough and how unmanned systems, open architectures, and human-machine teaming are redefining what’s possible. His personal journey underscores the stakes—highlighting both the constraints of old systems and the promise of modular, autonomous, and rapidly upgradable platforms.Ultimately, the episode outlines a clear solution: move toward a flexible, system-of-systems framework that allows rapid integration, accelerated autonomy development, and collaborative pairing of manned and unmanned aircraft—giving Airmen the adaptability they need to counter today’s evolving threats.What You’ll Discover in This EpisodeHow a Purdue engineering student with no military family background fell in love with aircraft, service, and ROTC—launching a 24-year career he never planned for (01:00)Helfrich describes the intense, once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending the Naval Test Pilot School, learning across domains—from fighters to helicopters to ISR aircraft (3:45)The pivotal moment he realized he could make a greater impact leading acquisition programs and delivering real-world capability to operators (07:22)A clear explanation of autonomous aircraft that work alongside manned fighters, increasing mass, reducing risk, and creating flexible mission options. (10:00)A look at the Next Generation Air Dominance “family of systems,” emerging global threats, and how Airmen will operate in a fully connected, multi-platform environment (21:28)Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoColonel Tim HelfrichTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dr. Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor at the University of Arkansas and a leading figure in power electronics and semiconductor innovation. Fresh off a milestone week for the university, Alan gives Daniel an inside look at MUSIC — the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory — a first-of-its-kind facility designed to bridge the long-standing gap between R&D and low-volume silicon carbide production. Together, they explore how this new national asset is reshaping semiconductor access, accelerating innovation, and preparing the next generation of engineers and technicians.In the conversation, Daniel and Alan dig into the acute challenges facing the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem—from limited access to silicon carbide prototyping, to workforce shortages created by mass retirements and shrinking STEM enrollment. Alan explains why MUSIC fills a critical national void and how its design, educational mission, and partnerships position it as a backbone for future military, commercial, and research advancements.Ultimately, the episode reveals how MUSIC delivers a solution: a fully accessible, production-capable SiC fab that empowers students, startups, researchers, and established manufacturers alike. With hands-on learning, nation-spanning training programs, and compatibility with high-volume foundries, MUSIC stands as a transformative model for U.S. semiconductor resilience and growth.What You’ll Discover in This Episode00:49 — A milestone for U.S. semiconductor infrastructure02:28 — Why the U.S. never had a silicon carbide “sandbox”… until now04:29 — How MUSIC is building the next-generation semiconductor workforce07:04 — The power of “Learn By Doing” and how it’s transforming engineering education11:05 — The long-term vision: preparing for the next 30 years of innovation12:34 — How companies, researchers, and startups can access the MUSIC facility Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoAlan MantoothTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Dan Marrujo takes listeners deep inside one of the most secure and mysterious facilities in the United States — a Department of Energy lab where scientists are literally recreating the power of the sun. Joined by Larry Phair, veteran staff scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the conversation opens the blast doors to a world where cosmic rays, heavy ions, and cutting-edge nuclear science collide. From testing the endurance of satellites bound for orbit to exploring the edges of the periodic table, this episode blends wonder, engineering, and humanity’s relentless quest for discovery.At its core, this episode explores a bigger question: how does humanity build and test the technology that keeps our modern world — and our space exploration — alive? Larry explains how the cyclotron, once a relic of mid-20th century nuclear research, has evolved into a Swiss-Army knife for modern science. The discussion sheds light on how his team simulates radiation from space, creates beams from nearly every element in the periodic table, and pushes forward the search for entirely new elements — all from inside a bunker that most people will never see.Ultimately, the solution is a story of precision and persistence: by recreating the universe’s harshest environments inside controlled walls, scientists like Larry are helping humanity build technology strong enough to survive beyond Earth.🧭 What You’ll Discover in This Episode01:22 — A behind-the-scenes look inside a maximum-security Department of Energy facility and why its work is so secretive.01:53 — How the cyclotron began in the 1960s as a scientific “playground” for chemists and physicists — and how it evolved into a global testing hub.03:27 — The science of mimicking cosmic radiation on Earth — and why it’s crucial for space-bound electronics.07:03 — How beams are created, accelerated, and extracted — from hydrogen to uranium — using magnetic fields and voltage arcs.10:04 — The “Swiss-Army Cyclotron”: how one machine can handle multiple ion species simultaneously to perform dozens of experiments at once.13:18 — The race to discover new elements and the enduring legacy of Berkeley’s element-naming history.Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoLarry PhairTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dave Shahin of Northrop Grumman to explore the cutting-edge world of microelectronics and advanced packaging. From his early fascination with building things to his current leadership role at Northrop Grumman’s Microelectronics Center, Dave shares a journey that spans from ceramic engineering to semiconductor innovation — and ultimately to shaping the future of defense and commercial technology.Diving deeper, Dave discusses the critical role advanced packaging plays in connecting and integrating semiconductor components, enabling greater performance, miniaturization, and reliability. He explains how Northrop Grumman’s open-access manufacturing model is reshaping the U.S. defense and commercial landscape — creating trusted, onshore capabilities that bridge national security needs with commercial innovation.Ultimately, Dave reveals how Northrop Grumman is building a secure, scalable microelectronics ecosystem that partners across the industry to meet national priorities. Through flexibility, scale, and collaboration, the company is ensuring America’s semiconductor independence and leadership in next-generation technologies.What You’ll Discover in This Episode[01:01] Dave’s early fascination with materials and how it led him from glass art to ceramic engineering and microelectronics.[06:13] How Dave entered Northrop Grumman and began shaping its advanced packaging strategy through the Future Technical Leaders program.[10:41] What “packaging” really means in microelectronics — and why it’s vital for performance, reliability, and defense innovation.[17:38] How Northrop Grumman’s Florida facility is driving U.S. on-shoring efforts and securing the domestic microelectronics supply chain.[22:46] The formation of the Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center and its open-access model serving both defense and commercial sectors.[36:36] What’s next: Northrop Grumman’s expansion into 300 millimeter wafer post-processing and the future of advanced packaging.Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoDavid ShahinTSS Website

Admiral James Bynum joins host Daniel Marrujo for an extraordinary deep dive into a life defined by service, leadership, and transformation. From his early fascination with aviation to commanding F/A-18 squadrons, serving on Capitol Hill with Senator John McCain, and working within the White House Military Office, Admiral Bynum’s journey charts how purpose and adaptability can span from cockpit to Congress to the frontier of artificial intelligence. His story offers a window into the evolution of warfare, the complexity of decision-making, and the enduring human element at the center of it all.In this episode, Daniel and Admiral Bynum explore how technology is reshaping the landscape of defense and leadership. The conversation moves from the intensity of night carrier landings to the intricate world of military policy and the growing power of AI-driven decision systems. Along the way, Admiral Bynum reflects on the challenges of transition—how a lifelong commitment to national service evolves after retirement, and what it means to lead through both uncertainty and innovation.Ultimately, Admiral Bynum leaves listeners with a vision for the future: warfare executed at the speed of compute, where humans move from being in the loop to on it—trusting data, algorithms, and purpose-built systems to act with precision while preserving human judgment for when it matters most.What You’ll Discover in This Episode[00:13:02] – What it’s really like to land a fighter jet on a moving aircraft carrier at night [00:27:41] – Inside the Navy’s intensely competitive career structure and what it takes to rise to command.[00:33:38] – Working alongside Senator John McCain and how the experience restored Admiral Bynum’s faith in America’s democratic process.[00:38:34] – Behind the scenes at the White House Military Office — ensuring the President can act as Commander in Chief anywhere on Earth.[00:51:33] – The rise of AI in modern warfare and how decision-making is shifting from human control to algorithmic precision.[00:58:10] – Admiral Bynum’s vision of “warfare at the speed of compute” and what it means for the next generation of defense leaders.Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoAdmiral James BynumTSS Website

Danielle Casey, newly appointed President and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), joins Daniel Marrujo on this episode of Micro Journeys to share her journey across economic development in Albuquerque, Sacramento, Scottsdale, and now Las Vegas. Danielle discusses her experiences with military innovation hubs, federal funding ecosystems, and regional economic strategies that have shaped her approach to leading communities, diversifying economies, and attracting business investments.In this episode, Danielle dives into how cities can leverage their unique strengths while addressing challenges such as workforce limitations, infrastructure needs, and local resource constraints. She discusses strategies for aligning private industry, local government, and chambers of commerce, using Southern Nevada’s incentive programs, niche industries, and long-term relationship building as examples of effective economic development in action.The solution, Danielle explains, lies in intentional community-building, thoughtful research, and strategic engagement with companies and partners to foster economic diversification and sustainable growth.What You’ll Discover in This Episode:[22:21] Danielle’s experience connecting military innovation hubs in Albuquerque to regional economic growth.[30:36] How LVGEA plans to define and measure success in diversifying Las Vegas’ economy.[35:29] Incentive programs like EB-5 and inland ports that reduce risk for businesses relocating to Southern Nevada.[39:31] Hidden gems of Las Vegas, including the Arts District and local restaurants, that contribute to the city’s appeal.[43:41] How LVGEA attracts businesses through outbound prospecting, local brokerage networks, and strategic relationship building.[46:08] Danielle’s upcoming role as Chair on the board of directors for the International Economic Development Council and its global influence.Let’s Connect:Daniel MarrujoDanielle CaseyTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Steve Crago, Director of the California DREAMS Hub, to discuss his remarkable career journey spanning marathons, microelectronics, and national defense innovation. From qualifying for the Boston Marathon to advancing computing architectures at USC’s Information Sciences Institute, Steve’s path reveals how personal discipline and professional vision intersect to shape both technology and leadership.The conversation dives into the formation of the Microelectronics Commons Hubs under the CHIPS and Science Act, highlighting California DREAMS’ focus on radio frequency technology. Steve explains how decades of collaboration across Southern California’s universities, defense primes, and innovators have led to a hub built on trust, competition, and cooperation. At the heart of this transformation is Mosis 2.0, a pioneering platform designed to give innovators—from small startups to defense partners—access to critical fabrication and prototyping capabilities.Ultimately, Steve shows how the DREAMS Hub and its partnerships are ensuring that U.S. microelectronics innovation remains strong and sustainable beyond 2028, by fostering collaboration, building infrastructure, and opening access to those who need it most.What You’ll Discover in This Episode:[00:46] Steve’s marathon journey—including qualifying for the Boston Marathon 12 times.[03:57] How his PhD research on computer architectures laid groundwork for today’s AI and memory systems.[08:58] His first DARPA project at USC ISI—using FPGAs for defense applications.[12:43] How Polymorphous Computing Architectures paved the way for multi-core processing and AI acceleration.[18:23] The vision and structure of the California DREAMS Hub and its focus on RF microelectronics.[31:26] What Mosis 2.0 is, and how it democratizes chip prototyping for startups and innovators.[39:57] The future of the Microelectronics Commons program beyond 2028 and why sustainability matters.Let’s Connect:Daniel MarrujoSteve CragoTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Carl “Schaef” Schaefer to reflect on a remarkable career that spans combat missions, Pentagon leadership, and shaping the future of U.S. airpower. From the shock of having a missile locked on his aircraft, to the grind of 3 a.m. wake-ups and 13-hour days, Schaefer shares both the adrenaline and the sacrifices of a life in service. His stories carry lessons on resilience, responsibility, and the unrelenting pace of military operations.The conversation dives deeper into the transformation of the Air Force — from Cold War tensions to the rise of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. Lt. Gen. Schaefer opens up about balancing personal struggles, such as nearly failing out of the Academy and leaving a newborn child for a year-long deployment, with professional triumphs, like commanding multinational missions with dozens of aircraft. At its core, this episode asks how America can maintain military dominance in a rapidly shifting technological landscape.The solution, Schaefer emphasizes, lies in adaptability: learning fast, leading with humility, and embracing innovation — whether in personal growth or national defense.What You’ll Discover in This Episode:(2:15) How Lt. Gen. Schaefer nearly failed out of the Air Force Academy — and the study habits that turned everything around.(9:50) The personal cost of military service: leaving a 4-month-old baby behind for a year-long deployment to Korea.(25:04) Leading 30+ aircraft and 19 nations in complex missions over Yugoslavia.(24:10) What it feels like to have a missile locked on your jet — and the maneuvers that saved his life.(38:40) The Air Force’s modernization challenge: keeping deterrence while upgrading an aging fleet.(44:25) Why the future of airpower is a blend of autonomy, AI, and manned aircraft.Let’s Connect:Daniel MarrujoLt. Gen. Carl SchaeferTSS Website