A career defined by trailblazing leadership in national security, space systems, and intelligence engineering has positioned Liz Young as a respected voice advancing the nation’s reconnaissance capabilities. In her role as a retired rear admiral and senior technical leader, she has shaped programs that remain central to the country’s satellite operations. As director of systems engineering at the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Virginia, she led initiatives that strengthened engineering standards, advanced critical launch readiness practices, and unified technical efforts across the organization’s mission architecture.
Ms. Young’s academic background underpins her influence in the fields of space systems and engineering. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland while serving on active duty as a midshipman. She went on to complete a Master of Science in physics at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, a milestone that directly supported her early work on advanced sensors and space-related technologies. Her professional training includes program management and systems engineering certifications from the United States Department of Defense, credentials that enabled her to lead major acquisition efforts and guide complex technical programs.
In her leadership role at the National Reconnaissance Office, Ms. Young managed broad engineering portfolios that included satellite development, launch assurance, and the establishment of standards that elevated system reliability. She founded the Directorate of System Engineering, an effort that improved coordination across directorates and ensured consistency in engineering baselines. She also managed CEO Space, directing satellite operations essential to global communications, and supporting critical military missions. Her ability to navigate large-scale engineering challenges positioned her as a central figure in the advancement of next-generation reconnaissance platforms.
Before overseeing systems engineering, Ms. Young was appointed program manager of a satellite initiative within the Signals Intelligence Directorate. She directed cost, schedule, and performance for a satellite system vital to maritime domain awareness and actionable intelligence for naval operations worldwide. Her leadership ensured that program objectives aligned with national security priorities and delivered timely, actionable capabilities to military partners.
Earlier roles at the National Reconnaissance Office included serving as deputy program manager and chief systems engineer for advanced concepts within the Imagery Intelligence Directorate. She led a comprehensive assessment of emerging technologies and guided research efforts that informed future intelligence system designs. This period solidified her position as a leader at the intersection of engineering innovation and mission readiness.
Ms. Young’s expertise also shaped key programs within the Space Field Activity at what was then the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. She was the deputy chief systems engineer for an imagery intelligence initiative central to national defense efforts. Her work required deep coordination across agencies and a thorough understanding of evolving intelligence requirements. She also contributed to the development of unmanned aerial vehicle systems in her role with Naval Air Systems Command, advancing capabilities that have since become essential to modern military operations.
Ms. Young’s early technical experience began at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, where she supported the Naval Space Technology Program and led a team that created biological warfare sensors used during the first Gulf War. Those sensors became foundational for modern detection technologies, demonstrating her ability to apply scientific knowledge to urgent national security needs.
From the outset of her career, Ms. Young navigated barriers to women’s advancement within the Navy. She entered the United States Naval Academy during a period when combat and aviation roles were restricted for women, prompting her assignment as a general unrestricted line officer. Determined to contribute to aviation-related missions, she secured a rare waiver to transition into an aerospace engineering duty officer role, becoming one of only two women granted such approval before policy changes opened additional pathways.
Ms. Young’s civic involvement reflects her ongoing commitment to national security and scientific progress. She serves as chair of the advisory board at the National Reconnaissance Office and holds additional advisory positions with the United States Space Force and State Dynamics Laboratory. She contributes her expertise to Lockheed Martin Space and remains active in conservation as a volunteer photographer with Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. Her support for environmental and charitable organizations underscores her dedication to service beyond her military and technical career.
Ms. Young’s legacy is defined by resilience, leadership under pressure, and contributions that strengthened the nation’s intelligence and space capabilities. Her career reflects a commitment to innovation, excellence, and mentorship that continues to influence future generations across both military and civilian fields.