Waqas Aftab

Professional Experience Summary

With a career spanning nearly two decades (2005–2024), I have progressively advanced from a Lab Engineer to Deputy Director, specializing in managing the development and delivery of mission-critical systems for defense and air traffic control (ATC) clients. My expertise lies in strategic planning, organizational development, and process improvements, coupled with extensive experience in product development lifecycle management and fast-paced R&D supervision.

Core Expertise

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Directed teams in organizational restructuring, process optimization, and implementing agile methodologies, significantly enhancing efficiency and product delivery timelines.
• Expertise in recruitment, hiring, and talent development to build high-performing teams aligned with technological advancements.
• Skilled in contract negotiation to secure favorable terms for critical projects.

Product Development Lifecycle Management

• Delivered state-of-the-art Command, Control & Reporting Centers (C2 & CRC) tailored for defense and ATC clients.
• Hands-on experience with the integration and fusion of multi-sensor systems, including:
  • Radar, IFF, Electronic Support/Attack Systems
  • Airborne Early Warning Systems
  • Ground-based Air Defense Systems
  • Tactical Data Link Systems

Advanced R&D and Technical Expertise

• Led innovative research on Bayesian and Machine Learning methods for Target Tracking, including:
  • Radar Trackers
  • Sensor Automatic Bias Alignment
  • Sensor Measurement Noise Modeling
• Developed Common Operating Picture (COP) systems 
• Conducted extensive system troubleshooting and test scenario generation.

Requirement Engineering & Validation

• Proficient in capturing and defining system requirements, developing detailed specifications, and conducting rigorous verification and validation activities.

Technical Programming and Documentation

• Extensive programming experience in MATLAB, C++, and Lab Windows CVI, supporting complex system simulations, algorithm development, and real-time applications.
• Authored comprehensive documentation, including technical manuals, user guides, and vision documents.

Key Achievements

• Successfully managed product development and delivery for seventeen major systems and multiple upgrades, enhancing innovation, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Transitioned the organizational development process from waterfall to agile methodology, reducing product timelines by 2.5x.
• Proposed and implemented a new recruitment and portfolio strategy, aligning with cutting-edge AI advancements, including integrating machine learning expertise.
• Spearheaded development of cloud-based air operations systems featuring common operating picture technology with advanced risk mitigation strategies.

My career demonstrates a consistent commitment to technological innovation, team empowerment, and excellence in system development, ensuring the delivery of high-impact solutions that meet the most demanding industry standards.

I hold a PhD from The University of Sheffield, where my research focused on "Using Machine Learning Methods for Object Tracking." During this time, I authored 11 publications, contributing to advancements in this field. During my MS in Control Systems Engineering, I wrote four research articles centred on Probability Hypothesis Density Filters for tracking radar targets, demonstrating my expertise in advanced tracking methodologies.