Marques Nelson

GEOINT & Space Systems Leader | Principal Engineer | Product & Program Management | Driving Intelligence Solutions at Scale

San Antonio, Texas, United States

About

Geospatial intelligence and space systems leader with ~two decades of experience delivering mission-critical capabilities across the Department of Defense, Combatant Commands, and the commercial space sector. I specialize in bridging operational intelligence, geospatial analytics, and software systems engineering to develop and scale solutions that support national security missions. Currently serving as a Principal Software Systems Engineer at Vantor, I lead the development and integration of geospatial and intelligence-driven software solutions, aligning product strategy, engineering execution, and mission requirements. My work focuses on delivering scalable GEOINT capabilities that enable decision advantage across complex operational environments. Prior to transitioning into industry, I held multiple leadership roles across the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, including Senior Technical Advisor, Collection Manager, Mission Manager, and Training Advisor. I have led distributed teams, developed operational concepts (CONOPS), managed intelligence collection strategies, and built enterprise-level training programs in coordination with organizations such as NGA and the Intelligence Center of Excellence. My experience spans: Multi-INT Integration, ISR, Targeting and All-Source Collection Management Space and remote sensing operations Software systems engineering and product ownership Program and mission management at the theater and national level Training development, certification, and workforce modernization Published article on Targeting Intelligence Modernization: https://mipb.ikn.army.mil/issues/intel-support-to-targeting/perspective “Skill is fine, and genius is splendid, but the right contacts are more valuable than either.”

Experience

  • Principal Software Systems Engineer at Maxar Technologies
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Senior Intelligence Operations & Analytics Manager at U.S. Army North (5th Army)
    Jul 2023 - Present · 3 yrs

    - Lead multi-discipline intelligence operations and intelligence collection strategy in support of homeland defense and theater-level missions, integrating multi-source intelligence to enable senior leader decision-making - Direct cross-functional teams responsible for geospatial analysis, collection management, and mission execution across complex operational environments - Develop and implement spaced based collection strategies and priorities aligned with Combatant Command objectives, optimizing ISR asset utilization and intelligence outcomes - Serve as primary advisor to senior leadership on GEOINT capabilities, operational risk, and intelligence-driven planning - Coordinate across joint, interagency, and national partners to synchronize intelligence efforts and deliver mission-critical insights

  • Geospatial Intelligence Officer at US Army
    Oct 2017 - Present · 8 yrs 9 mos

  • Senior Technical Program Manager (Departmental Requirements Officer) at Army Departmental Requirements Office (ADRO)
    May 2022 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Principal Training Advisor at Army GEOINT BN, Intelligence & Security Command
    Dec 2019 - Jul 2023 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    Manage and supervise all Army GEOINT training for operational employment. Develop GEOINT courses and curriculum. Coordinate with NGA College & the Intelligence Center of Excellence for certifications and training standards.