As manager of Partnered Technology for Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems in Eagan, Minn. for nearly ten years, Steve Ernst has developed processes for his division that have consistently enabled them to lead the corporation in bidding and awards of SBIR/STTR contracts. These same processes are now being shared across Lockheed Martin’s lines of business. Ernst was also appointed to lead an entrepreneurial group at Lockheed Martin. This group applied defense technology to precision agriculture and is currently performing business development for advanced technology.
Ernst began his career as a software engineer, where he worked in production, engineering, line management and technology management. He has held management positions in business development, technology management and product development and earned his MBA in Venture Management. It is this synergy between his real world experience and academic background that fuels his passion for working with small innovative companies and the people associated with them.