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 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.
From a small-town kid in Paris, Tennessee, to a decorated Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, Dave “Trashman” Hicks has led an extraordinary life. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dave to explore his path—from his time at the Air Force Academy and flying the legendary A-10 Warthog, to combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, to strategic war gaming at the Pentagon. Along the way, Dave shares candid stories about leadership, adaptability, and the moments that defined his service.
The conversation dives into his call sign’s unusual origin, the evolution of Air Force technology, the art and skill behind precision flying without GPS, and the controlled chaos of close air support missions. Dave also lifts the curtain on high-stakes war games, offering insight into how the U.S. military anticipates future conflicts and adapts strategy.
Now retired from the Air Force, Dave has transitioned to flying in the private sector while continuing to work on bridging the gap between emerging technologies and operational needs. His story is a masterclass in leadership, decision-making under pressure, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing world.
