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 Inside Access, host Daniel Marrujo catches up with Odaro Huckstep, Director of Defense Engagement at Colorado State University (CSU), to talk about the university’s engagement at African Lion 2026.
Odaro explains how CSU is working to bridge academic research with fielded military work using the university’s drone research center. He walks us through the university’s Rapid Prototyping Lab and shares how the facility and drone center are already supporting SETAF-AF’s interests.
The conversation also digs into the “Valley of Death,” and the challenge of getting new systems fielded. What used to be a stall point has shifted with many of the roadblocks cleared. CSU initiatives are at the forefront of that shift. By embedding researchers directly in field exercises like African Lion, it’s moving technology from concept to warfighter faster than ever before.
In this episode of Micro Journeys Inside Access, host Daniel Marrujo speaks with Private First Class David Pomeroy, 173rd Airborne Brigade, U.S. Army at African Lion 2026 about an amazing piece of technology they are developing to keep soldiers out of harm’s way while breaching a difficult situation. Throughout the conversation, PFC Pomeroy explains how the unit built an off-road drone, detailing the design and intended functionality.
The episode dives into the drone’s capabilities and explains how, when paired with autonomous vehicles, it can help soldiers in a tough spot. With this innovative tech, PFC Pomeroy’s team hopes to eliminate operator risk and operator faults to keep soldiers out of the breach and safe.
The prototype design hinges on advancing technology and basic principles. Built on a repurposed RC car with a 3D-printed frame and rail system, the device is designed to carry explosive charges to a wire obstacle, allowing soldiers to conduct a breach from a safe distance. The RC car serves as the base that holds the 3D-printed railings and their connectors. Right now, the device is best suited for mechanized units and still needs manual operation. but the idea is to mass-produce the drones and send them out on separate missions.
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo speaks with Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle, Jr. (U.S. Army, Retired) to discuss his book, When the Map Runs Out, his 35-year Army career capped by command of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, and the leadership lessons he carried throughout it all. Drawing on his experiences, he unpacks what it takes to become a leader and what it means to follow when uncertainty is inevitable. He tells Dan about his time at Ranger School, his experience serving two tours with the 10th Mountain Division, and the coaching work he’s doing post-retirement.
When Dan asks about the inspiration behind his book, Lt. Gen. Beagle, Jr. (Ret.) explains his passion for leadership and the desire to speak on it from a different perspective. He shares a pattern he observed while commanding at Fort Leavenworth that led him to realize just how many senior officers were struggling with uncertainty. He compared their experience to a map running out, explaining that when plans and frameworks stop matching the terrain in front of the leader, deeper problems arise.
The map metaphor became the foundation of his book. Throughout its pages, he shares his solution for finding clarity and the tools leaders need to move forward: leaning on peers, staying honest, and anchoring decisions to purpose rather than rank or title.
