Meet Jim Lockard, a Sr. Government Contracts Manager located in San Antonio, Tx. He manages the Arrow 450 satellite contracts that support Airbus U.S. Space & Defense’s government business.

Lockard has been with Airbus U.S. Space & Defense for one year, focusing mainly on Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). He also serves a Navy Reservist and was promoted to Rear Admiral on Oct. 11.

“Being a Naval Aviator working in aerospace contracts gives me a unique perspective as an end-user,” he said. “The connection I have to our mission provides valuable context for the contracts I manage day-to-day.”

Prior to working at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Lockard worked as a government civilian acquisition program manager for the Department of the Air Force. Before that, he managed supply chain risk and compliance for a Fortune 100 financial services company. Lockard also was an active-duty naval officer before transitioning to the reserves.

“Working in contracts management for Airbus blends my love of aerospace with the fulfillment I get in a technical business role,” he said. “I also appreciate working on programs that positively impact U.S. National Defense.”

What Lockard enjoys most about working with contracts is how it requires a blend of business and commercial acumen while still being customer-facing.

“Sometimes in the contracts management discipline, the work can become routine,” he said. “But with our space missions, everything is dynamic. I appreciate the challenges and frustrations that come with that.”

Outside work, Lockard is an avid swimmer and enjoys watching his sons’ sports practices and games with his wife.

We congratulate Lockard on his promotion to Rear Admiral and are grateful for his service to our nation.