Brandon Smith joins host Daniel Marrujo on Micro Journeys to discuss his journey and remarkable career from military service to microelectronics and defense consulting. Brandon reflects on his time in the Marines, where he specialized in electronics and radar repair, gaining hands-on experience with high-stakes technology in combat environments. His military service instilled a deep understanding of problem-solving under pressure and adaptability—skills that later shaped his approach in the microelectronics industry.
The conversation explores the growing challenges in modernizing military microelectronics, particularly as commercial semiconductor advancements outpace the needs of defense systems. Brandon highlights the struggle to keep essential technologies, such as those used in the B-52 bomber, operational despite aging components and supply chain limitations.
To tackle these issues, Brandon transitioned to consulting, where he now helps bridge the gap between government, industry, and defense innovation. His work focuses on fostering collaboration and policy-driven solutions to ensure the U.S. maintains its technological leadership in national security.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
[47:07] Brandon’s pivot to consultancy
[2:55] How Brandon ended up in the Marines
[06:05] Brandon’s journey as a Marine
[21:47] What Brandon did after returning from Iraq
[31:01] Brandon’s time at the DMEA