MICRO JOURNEYS PODCAST
About Dan Marrujo
Daniel Marrujo is a former Chief Strategy Officer and former Director of the Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) at the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA).
Mr. Marrujo began his career at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ., developing missile guidance systems for their advanced programs. He then moved to DMEA, in his hometown of Sacramento, CA., working for the Trusted Integrated Circuit (IC) program office. In conjunction with working on the Trusted IC program, he began working towards the development of DMEA’s reliability capabilities and was selected to lead the National High Reliability Electronics Virtual Center (HiREV).
Mr. Marrujo also established the NRO’s VS&E program which has executed a number of solutions protecting National Security. As a subject matter expert, he has provided his technical expertise in multiple DARPA, IARPA and National Security Space programs. His focus areas are Microelectronics Obsolescence, State of the Art Microelectronics Acquisition, State of the Practice Microelectronics Sustainment, Advanced Packaging, Supply Chain Risk Management, Semiconductor Reliability, Semiconductor Reverse Engineering and Semiconductor Radiation Effects.
In 2016, Mr. Marrujo was selected as DMEA’s Chief Strategy Officer, directly supporting the DMEA directorate. In this position, Mr. Marrujo works with DMEA senior leadership to define and represent the integrated DMEA message and strategic path forward for future engagements.
Latest Episodes
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo welcomes Dr. Jennifer Buss, CEO of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. Dr. Buss shares her journey from earning a PhD in biochemistry to leading one of Washington D.C.’s most respected science and technology policy think tanks. Along the way, she highlights how the Institute bridges the gap between government, business, and science to anticipate the challenges society will face in the years ahead.
The conversation dives into the role of the Potomac Institute as both a “think” and “do” tank—an organization that doesn’t just provide reports, but actively helps shape and implement meaningful policy options. Dr. Buss reflects on lessons from her career, including her early projects in semiconductors, her work with NASA on astronaut healthcare, and her insights into how following technology can often predict the trajectory of global events. She also discusses the Institute’s unique apolitical stance, its ability to convene thought leaders across sectors, and its ongoing mission to be ahead of its time.
At its core, the episode reveals how the Potomac Institute equips policymakers with data-driven insights to navigate uncertainty and prepare for the future. The solution, as Dr. Buss explains, lies in building trusted networks, staying apolitical, and tackling society’s biggest problems head-on.
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Mark Adams, President and CEO of Penguin Solutions (formerly Smart Global Holdings), to explore his incredible trajectory—from college football at Boston College to the upper echelons of the tech industry. Mark shares his transition from sales leadership to executive roles at Lexar, Micron, and now Penguin Solutions, offering a rare view into what it takes to transform businesses, navigate volatile industries, and position companies for once-in-a-generation opportunities like artificial intelligence.
Digging deeper, the conversation turns toward Adams’ pivotal role in reshaping Micron’s approach to memory markets, pushing beyond commoditization to strategic customer segmentation. He reflects on lessons from leading multiple acquisitions, shaping high-margin specialty memory markets, and the balancing act between engineering-driven culture and market-savvy leadership. Now at Penguin, Adams leads the company through a strategic rebrand and repositioning—shifting from a memory-heavy holding company to a high-growth, solution-first infrastructure provider at the cutting edge of AI deployment.
Tune in to hear how Mark’s leadership, board service, and personal mission of legacy-building continue to shape Penguin’s future. From boardroom decisions to coaching high school football, this is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership and industry foresight.
In this episode of Micro Journeys, Victoria turns the mic on host Daniel Marrujo for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable career path—from an early fascination with engineering to becoming the founder of Trusted Strategic Solutions (TSS). Daniel shares how his background in microelectronics and defense has shaped his approach to bridging gaps between government, industry, and technology innovation. Daniel dives into the pivotal moments that defined his career, including his early work at Raytheon, his decade-long tenure at the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), and his instrumental role in supporting the CHIPS Act. He explains why building connections between warfighters and engineers is essential, how TSS helps government and industry navigate complex requirements, and why radiation testing for advanced electronics matters for national security.
Ultimately, this conversation highlights the critical need for collaboration and strategic foresight to maintain U.S. leadership in microelectronics. Daniel explains how TSS is positioned to meet emerging challenges, align technologies with mission requirements, and accelerate impactful innovation for defense and beyond.
