Air Force Software Engineering Groups (Factories)

AI/MLAutonomyAerospace & SatelliteDual-Use
Written By Geoff Orazem

Technology Focus Areas: Space & Satellite, Nuclear, AI/ML

Business Support: They provide a variety of support models:

  • Direct Contracts: Traditional contracting for specific capabilities

  • Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs): Joint R&D initiatives

  • Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs): Flexible partnership structures

  • Academic Partnerships: University research collaborations

  • Industry Advisory Panels: Strategic guidance and technology roadmapping

Executive Summary

The Air Force operates three major Software Engineering Groups (SWEGs) that serve as the Department of Defense's premier organic software development organizations. These "software factories" - the 309th SWEG at Hill AFB, the 402nd SWEG at Robins AFB, and the 76th SWEG at Tinker AFB - collectively manage over 4,800 personnel and execute hundreds of millions of dollars in software development across critical weapon systems. Under the newly unified Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) Software Directorate, these groups provide comprehensive software capabilities from embedded flight programs to cybersecurity solutions for the nation's most advanced military platforms.

1. Links to Open Solicitations and Opportunities

Primary Solicitation Portals

Current Active Opportunities

  • AFSC/SWX Experimentation Division Support (SMARTEC): Multi-year contract for software directorate experimentation division supporting space, threat modeling, C2, and joint simulation environments

  • Advancing Artificial Intelligence Multiple Award Contract (AAMAC): Draft RFP for comprehensive AI/ML engineering services

  • Software Factory Ecosystem Partnerships: Ongoing opportunities through Platform One and DevSecOps initiatives

2. Main Websites and Official Portals

Unified Software Directorate

  • Primary Website: software.af.mil - Air Force Software Ecosystem portal

  • AFSC Software Directorate: afscsoftware.dso.mil (access restricted)

Individual Group Websites

Social Media and Professional Networks

  • LinkedIn: Individual group profiles for 309th, 402nd, and 76th SWEGs

  • Facebook: Groups maintain active social media presence (some consolidating under AFSC Software Directorate)

3. Technology Focus Areas

309th Software Engineering Group (Hill AFB, Utah)

Primary Focus: Fighter/Attack Aircraft, Space Systems, Nuclear Systems

  • Aircraft Platforms: F-35, F-16, F-22, A-10

  • Space Systems: Milstar Satellite Communications

  • Nuclear Systems: Minuteman and Sentinel ICBM systems

  • Emerging Technologies: AI/ML integration, DevSecOps, multi-systems engineering

  • Specialized Programs: SkiCAMP (Platform One partnership), Edge Team for R&D

402nd Software Engineering Group (Robins AFB, Georgia)

Primary Focus: Electronic Warfare, Cargo/Rotary Wing, Special Operations

  • Aircraft Platforms: F-15, C-5, C-130, C-17, SOF aircraft

  • Core Technologies: Real-time software systems, embedded systems

  • Platforms: Aircraft, drones, UAVs, ships, hundreds of related systems

  • Mission Areas: Remote control systems, equipment testing, diagnostic systems

76th Software Engineering Group (Tinker AFB, Oklahoma)

Primary Focus: Bombers, C2 Aircraft, Tankers

  • Aircraft Platforms: B-1, B-2, B-52, E-3, KC-135

  • Mission Systems: All cruise missiles, command and control systems

  • Advanced Capabilities: Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Computing (ARVRC)

  • Research Areas: Digital avionics, radar systems, cognitive radar applications

Cross-Platform Technologies

  • DevSecOps: Enterprise-wide secure development practices

  • Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning: Embedded across all platforms

  • Cybersecurity: Comprehensive cyber defense and resilience

  • Digital Engineering: Modeling, simulation, and digital transformation

  • Cloud Technologies: Integration with Platform One and Cloud One

4. Company Partnerships and Collaboration Types

Partnership Categories

Large Defense Contractors

  • Northrop Grumman: $495M engineering support contract (July 2025)

  • Lockheed Martin: F-35 and missile systems integration

  • Boeing: Bomber and tanker aircraft support

  • Raytheon: Weapon systems and radar technologies

Technology Integrators

  • ECS Federal: Specialized support for 402nd SWEG operations

  • Yakshna Systems: Systems engineering for 402nd SMXG

  • Applied Research Laboratories: University-affiliated research centers

Small Business Partners

  • SBIR/STTR Recipients: Phase I/II awards for innovative technologies

  • Local Technology Companies: Regional partnerships in Utah, Georgia, Oklahoma

  • Startup Ecosystem: Connections through AFWERX and innovation programs

Collaboration Models

  • Direct Contracts: Traditional contracting for specific capabilities

  • Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs): Joint R&D initiatives

  • Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs): Flexible partnership structures

  • Academic Partnerships: University research collaborations

  • Industry Advisory Panels: Strategic guidance and technology roadmapping

5. Support and Financial Assistance Programs

Direct Contract Opportunities

  • Prime Contracts: Multi-million dollar software development contracts

  • Subcontracting: Opportunities through major defense contractors

  • IDIQ Contracts: Indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity vehicles

Small Business Support

  • SBIR/STTR Programs: Connected to broader Air Force innovation ecosystem

  • Small Business Set-Asides: Dedicated contracting opportunities

  • Mentor-Protégé Programs: Large contractor partnerships with small businesses

Innovation Programs

  • Technology Transfer: Access to government-developed technologies

  • CRADA Partnerships: Cost-sharing research and development

  • Academic Research: University partnership opportunities

  • Internship Programs: Student and early-career development initiatives

Financial Assistance Types

  • Cost-Plus Contracts: Full cost recovery for approved expenses

  • Fixed-Price Contracts: Predetermined pricing for defined deliverables

  • Time and Materials: Hourly-based service contracts

  • Hybrid Arrangements: Combination of contract types based on program needs

Support Services Provided

  • Technical Mentorship: Government engineer guidance

  • Facility Access: Use of specialized government laboratories and equipment

  • Security Support: Assistance with clearance processes and facility security

  • Testing and Validation: Access to military-grade testing environments

6. Organizational History and Evolution

309th Software Engineering Group

Establishment: Evolved from maintenance organizations in early 2000s Key Milestones:

  • 2021: Opened $15M "TINA" facility (Building 2721) - 75,000 sq ft of interconnected trailers

  • 2020 & 2024: Won DoD Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper Award for Software Maintenance Excellence

  • 2024: Launched Ecosystem Director role under Enos Cummings

  • Current Size: 2,100+ personnel including engineers, computer scientists, cybersecurity specialists

402nd Software Engineering Group

Lineage:

  • Established: 402nd Software Maintenance Group on January 31, 2005

  • Activated: March 4, 2005

  • Redesignated: 402nd Software Engineering Group on July 10, 2019 Assignments:

  • 402nd Maintenance Wing (2005-2012)

  • Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (2012-present) Recognition: Won 2019 Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper Award Current Size: 1,200+ personnel in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, IT

76th Software Engineering Group

Historical Context: Part of 76th Maintenance Wing heritage dating to WWII Evolution: Transitioned from traditional maintenance to software-centric operations Redesignation: Became part of Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex in 2012 Current Size: 1,500+ scientists, engineers, and cyber/IT professionals Recognition: Multiple DoD awards for software excellence and innovation

AFSC Software Directorate Unification

Formation: 2023-2024 consolidation of all three SWEGs Leadership: Lt. Gen. Stacey Hawkins (AFSC Commander) and Lt. Gen. Shaun Morris (AFLCMC Commander) Purpose: Single storefront for software customers, increased collaboration, innovation prioritization Structure: Unified command while maintaining individual group specializations

7. Company Case Studies and Success Stories

309th SWEG Partnership Examples

SkiCAMP Initiative

  • Partner: Platform One (Air Force DevSecOps)

  • Outcome: Continuous development and deployment of mission applications

  • Impact: Accelerated delivery of warfighter capabilities through modern DevSecOps practices

Edge Team Collaborations

  • Purpose: Interface with external mission and commercial partners

  • Activities: Technology scouting, capability assessment, innovation integration

  • Results: Faster adoption of commercial technologies into military applications

402nd SWEG Success Stories

Project Synergy High School Partnership

  • Partners: Houston and Bibb County high schools

  • Program: Internship program with Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex

  • Impact: Building future software engineering talent pipeline

  • Expansion: Model being replicated across other locations

Grace Hopper Award Recognition (2019)

  • Achievement: DoD-level award for software maintenance excellence

  • Impact: Validated 402nd SWEG's capabilities and methodologies

  • Follow-on: Increased customer confidence and contract opportunities

76th SWEG Innovation Examples

Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Computing (ARVRC) Project

  • Innovation: First AR/VR project for 309th SWEG organization

  • Achievement: Female-led technological breakthrough

  • Applications: Training systems, maintenance procedures, mission planning

Digital Avionics Research

  • Partnerships: IEEE conferences, academic institutions

  • Publications: Research papers at Digital Avionics Systems Conference

  • Impact: Advancing state-of-the-art in avionics software development

Cross-Group Collaborations

Software Factory Ecosystem Project

  • Participants: All three SWEGs plus Air Force Materiel Command

  • Structure: Integrated project teams across organizations

  • Goal: Technology sharing, collaborative development, unified approaches

  • Status: Active implementation with measurable collaboration improvements

8. Government Program Outcomes and Sales Results

309th SWEG Achievements

Financial Performance

  • 2020 Award Period: Executed record $280M in spending authority

  • Cost Savings: Reduced expenses by $18M while maintaining capability delivery

  • Contract Growth: Consistent year-over-year increases in program value

Mission Impact

  • Platform Support: A-10, F-16, F-22, F-35, Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent

  • Space Systems: Milstar satellite communications, space command and control

  • Nuclear Systems: Minuteman III and Sentinel ICBM software modernization

402nd SWEG Program Results

Platform Sustainment

  • Aircraft Types: F-15, C-5, C-130, C-17, Special Operations aircraft

  • Mission Readiness: Maintained high availability rates across supported platforms

  • Technology Modernization: Legacy system updates and capability enhancements

Industrial Impact

  • Workforce: 1,200+ personnel in largest industrial complex in Georgia

  • Economic Impact: Significant contributor to Warner Robins regional economy

  • Technology Transfer: Multiple successful transitions to operational use

76th SWEG Operational Success

Bomber Fleet Support

  • B-1 Bomber: Software sustainment and modernization programs

  • B-2 Stealth Bomber: Classified software development and maintenance

  • B-52 Modernization: Legacy system updates for extended service life

  • E-3 AWACS: Command and control software development

Missile Systems

  • Cruise Missiles: All cruise missile software maintenance and development

  • Command and Control: C2 software for strategic and tactical systems

  • Test Systems: Automated test equipment and diagnostic systems

Collective AFSC Software Directorate Impact

Department of Defense Value

  • Annual Budget: Hundreds of millions in combined software development

  • Customer Base: All military services plus other DoD agencies

  • Global Reach: Supporting operations worldwide through software capabilities

Innovation Metrics

  • Awards: Multiple DoD-level recognition for software excellence

  • Patents: Numerous technology patents and intellectual property developments

  • Publications: Regular contributions to technical conferences and journals

Warfighter Impact

  • Mission Readiness: Direct support to global military operations

  • Capability Enhancement: Continuous improvement of weapon system effectiveness

  • Cost Avoidance: Significant savings compared to contractor alternatives

9. Key Personnel Profiles

309th Software Engineering Group Leadership

Jim Diamond - Director, 309th SWEG

Role: Overall leadership and strategic direction for 2,100+ person organization Background: Extensive experience in Air Force software development and engineering management Achievements:

  • Led organization to two DoD Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper Awards (2020, 2024)

  • Oversaw $280M in program execution with $18M cost savings

  • Championed TINA facility development and software campus expansion Recognition: Congratulated personally by Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett for 2020 award

Enos Cummings - Ecosystem Director/Director of Engineering

Role: Coordinates partnerships with SBIR companies, universities, local/state governments Background:

  • Civil service career began 1989 at Hill AFB as electronics mechanic intern

  • Progressive leadership roles including Flight Chief, Interim Squadron Director

  • Expert in F-16 avionics, Automatic Test Equipment Subject Matter Expert Current Focus: Expediting development and adoption of innovative tools, processes, and technologies Vision: Creating collaborative solutions to Air Force challenges through partnership leverage

Melissa Jones - Director of Staff

Role: Strategic planning and workforce development for 309th SWEG Focus Areas: Talent recruitment, retention, and skills expansion Challenge Management: Addressing increasing customer demand while maintaining technical excellence Philosophy: Creating environments where workforce can expand skills without fear of failure

Dan Richardson - Deputy Director (as of 2020)

Role: Operational oversight and strategic planning Leadership Philosophy: Emphasis on organizational recognition and team appreciation Achievement: Led organization's response to DoD Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper Award recognition

402nd Software Engineering Group Leadership

Bobby Hager - Director (Recent Appointment)

Background: Appointed by Lt. Gen. Stacey Hawkins, AFSC Commander Ceremony: Announced at Museum of Aviation with significant leadership presence Role: Leading 1,200+ personnel across multiple software development programs Focus: Electronic warfare, cargo/rotary wing, and special operations software

76th Software Engineering Group Leadership

Geoffrey Dolinger - Acting Director of Academic Research and Partnerships

Role: Define collaborative research goals and plan academic engagement Education: University of Oklahoma Background: AF Researcher and PhD Candidate in AI/ML applied to radar (Cognitive Radar) Experience:

  • Supervisor for Advanced Development Team (emerging technology)

  • Test Design and Electronics Analysis Team leadership

  • Project analysis, complexity scoping for 20+ engineer teams Partnerships: Key partnership formation with EDDGE - Advanced Development

Brian E. Linley - Safety Leadership (556th Software Engineering Squadron)

Recognition: 2023 Air Force Materiel Command Voluntary Protection Program Coin Role: Volunteer Safety Representative for 556th Software Engineering Squadron (3 years) Achievements:

  • Supported Squadron re-accreditation efforts

  • Initiated 4 separate safety actions improving personnel safety

  • Prepared VPP Guide for future squadron safety representatives Impact: Demonstrated wingman spirit across entire Tinker AFB community

AFSC Software Directorate Senior Leadership

Lt. Gen. Stacey T. Hawkins - Air Force Sustainment Center Commander

Role: Senior leader overseeing unified Software Directorate Achievements: Led creation of unified AFSC Software Directorate structure International Cooperation: Signed cooperation agreements with UK Ministry of Defence Focus: Strategic sustainability and tactical capability improvement

Lt. Gen. Shaun Morris - Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Commander

Role: Partner in Software Directorate unification Achievement: Co-unveiled new Software Directorate at "Tinker and the Primes" event Focus: Innovation prioritization and collaboration enhancement

Conclusion

The Air Force's three Software Engineering Groups represent a unique organic capability within the Department of Defense, combining military mission understanding with cutting-edge software development expertise. Under the unified AFSC Software Directorate, these organizations continue evolving to meet emerging threats while maintaining their specialized focus areas. With combined annual budgets in the hundreds of millions and over 4,800 personnel, they provide critical software capabilities across the full spectrum of Air Force and Space Force operations.

Their success in winning multiple DoD-level awards, executing complex modernization programs, and fostering innovation partnerships demonstrates their value as both military organizations and technology leaders. For companies seeking to work with these groups, opportunities exist across the full spectrum from small business SBIR awards to major prime contracts, with the unified directorate structure providing clearer pathways for engagement and collaboration.

Geoff Orazem
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