David Bradley

Vice President, Space & Strategy
Leonardo DRS

Dave Bradley brings more than 30 years of experience in the defense and aerospace industry to his role as leader for Leonardo DRS strategic space pursuits. His decades of experience working within the Space domain have given him an in-depth understanding of both the technologies and the customer requirements that drive this critical area of national defense.

As the Leonardo DRS Vice President of Space and Strategy, he is focused on maximizing the company’s internal research and development investments for a wide-ranging portfolio of mission solutions. This portfolio includes current and next-generation space mission systems, space mission payloads, and enabling space avionics.

In addition to helping to shape DRS’ strategic space initiatives, Bradley also leads the DRS Space Systems line of business, located in Cypress, California. Here he oversees programs that include the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer, Tranche 3 Infrared Mission Payload, GEO weather satellite programs such as GOES and Himawari, and a range of classified programs.

Prior to his years as a senior leader in the defence industry, Bradley spent more than 15 years working within multiple government program offices in the Greater Los Angeles area, providing both technical and programmatic insights. In this capacity, he helped various government space program offices, activities that included: developing assured-access-to-space programs of record; overseeing advanced classified satellite systems; and participating in cutting-edge mission payload development. He worked several multi-agency and multi-authority mission systems and helped bridge the gap between Title 10 and Title 50 Space Mission Systems. He has worked closely with the USAF, USSF, DARPA, NRO, RCO and other agencies, providing critical mission systems and capabilities.

Bradley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from San Diego State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California.

Bradley has long been an active volunteer in the space community, including: NDIA West Coast Division and Space Division Board of Directors; Air Force Association’s Shriever Chapter; AFCEA; and SCAPR. In addition, he has helped lead the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Association of the United States Army’s annual Space: Enabling Muti-Domain Operations Symposium. Bradley has served at both the National and local levels of AIAA.

Outside of the Aerospace and Defence Industry, he is also committed to giving back to the local community, where he is currently serving as an elected member of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council.

Dave is married and the father of two sons, who are both currently in college in Oregon and Arizona.

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Related Sessions

Salon Breakfast: Leonardo DRS

Thursday, April 16, 2026

7:15 am - 8:30 am

Track: By Invitation Only

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