• STEM Hero Awards •

Captain Jorge E. Díaz guides a 90-member multi-functional team in the system engineering, test and evaluation of next-generation, modernized GPS user equipment valued at over $3 billion. He oversees all technical aspects of the Military GPS User Equipment portfolio supporting over two million US and Allied users. He directs the User Equipment Division System Engineering team, managing the technical baseline, conducting requirements analyses and risks assessments, and piloting engineering review boards. He also leads the complex GPS testing of next-gen secure aviation receivers for the entire U.S. military.

Prior to assuming his current role, Captain Díaz was the Project Engineer of the Mission Protection Branch, Remote Sensing Systems Directorate at Los Angeles Air Force Base. He was responsible for ensuring the $30.3 billion RemoteSensing enterprise met Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements.

Captain Díaz earned admission to the Air Force Language Enabled Airmen Program.  As part of the program, the Air Force sent him on assignment to Spain for In-Region Training to deepen his understanding of his Hispanic culture and language.  He succeeded to such a degree as to be competitively selected as a Foreign Area Officer for the United States Southern Command.  

In this role, Captain Díaz is set to earn a second master’s degree in Latin American Regional Security Studies from the Naval Post Graduate School.  Following completion of his degree he will advise senior military leaders in Latin America on political-military matters with nations, provide cultural expertise, build and strengthen long-term relationships with foreign leaders, and develop cooperative military relations using his engineering, linguistic, and cultural skills.  

Captain Díaz has earned numerous recognitions for his service, including an Air Force Commendation, National Defense Service, Global War on Terrorism Service, and Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medals, as well as an Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.

A native of Puerto Rico, Captain Díaz received his commission in 2011 upon graduating from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He earned his M.S. degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2016.