360° PULSE FEBRUARY 2024

Job Growth

We have had the privilege of welcoming two new members to our team. Each of them brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and curiosity that aligns perfectly with our core values of innovation, synergy, and know-how. 

In the dynamic realm of high-resolution imaging technology, Steve Feller stands out as a visionary and a seasoned expert. Recently joining Circle Optics as a Senior Computer Engineer, Feller brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His journey has been marked by significant accomplishments, including leading the commercialization efforts at Geometric Data Analytics, Inc., steering operations as Director at Aqueti, and playing a pivotal role in the development of advanced camera systems ranging from 2 to 10 gigapixels under the auspices of a $25 million DARPA AWARE imaging program grant at Duke University. Feller is not just an addition to the team but a strategic move to enhance the company’s prowess in aerospace, autonomous systems, and entertainment verticals, promising new horizons in situational awareness and immersive experiences. 

We have recently transitioned our very first intern into a full-time role within our company. This marks a momentous occasion for us, as it reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture where potential is recognized, cultivated, and seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our team. Please join us in welcoming Mitchell Baller, Imaging Software Engineer. Adding him to our team is a testament to our belief in providing opportunities for growth and development, and it reinforces our dedication to building a team that is not only skilled but also deeply aligned with our vision and values. We are excited to continue this journey, working together to innovate, inspire, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible. 

Circle Optics wins $1.7M for the SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge (TacRS)  

SpaceWERX, in partnership with Space Safari, recently announced the 19 awardees of the 2023 SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge! The TacRS Challenge generates cutting-edge ideas and state-of-the-art capabilities that will enable the United States Space Force to more rapidly and flexibly respond to emerging on-orbit threats by 2026. Out of 302 proposals Circle Optics has been named one the TacRS Challenge awardees. Founder and CEO Zak Niazi comments, “The US Space Force needs to field capabilities rapidly that could deter conflict in the INDOPACOM region in 2026. We need to have the ability to quickly fly over space assets launched by adversaries and characterize them, in situations where we don’t have time to launch our own assets to precisely match their orbits. Circle Optics is developing a capability for Space Safari and the SDA that will allow satellites already in orbit to fly by and characterize threats, with wide field of view vision systems that capture visual data of the threat, to characterize and develop a response.”

360° Pulse Feature

Ashley Chung, a former Unlimited Contracting Officer and Branch Chief of Air and Space Operations in the U.S. Air Force, has made a significant impact at SBIR Advisors, guiding tech startups like Circle Optics to secure over $5 million in Defense contracts. Her transition from the military to a civilian advisory role reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting national security, leveraging her expertise to navigate the complex DoD acquisition bureaucracy and articulate solutions that align with DoD needs. Chung’s strategic approach and ability to foster relationships with DoD stakeholders are key to SBIR Advisors’ success in securing contracts, as she emphasizes clarity, specificity, and innovation in proposals while maintaining a strong focus on understanding and aligning with client needs.

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