James Shoemaker
Program Manager
Tactical Technology Office
Dr. James R. Shoemaker rejoined DARPA in 2024 as a program manager in the Tactical Technology Office, having previously served as a DARPA program manager from 2000 to 2006 while on active duty in the Air Force. He has extensive experience in the Department of Defense focused on rapid research and development demonstrations and fielding, focused on space and aerospace systems, science and technology, system engineering and integration, technology transition, and acquisition. His other interests include complex systems, atomic and molecular physics, and novel sensors.
Prior to returning to DARPA, Shoemaker supported special programs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. He is a retired Air Force officer and served in numerous acquisition and scientific roles.
Shoemaker holds a doctorate in physics and a master’s degree in nuclear science from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.