Spectra Aerospace & Defense is a trusted and growing platform of C5ISR companies – CALCULEX, Galleon Embedded Computing, and ArgonFDS - bringing over a half-century of rugged, mission-ready, battle-tested experience to bear in aerospace and defense applications. From high-speed data acquisition, data recording and secure, high-density storage, to computing and rugged, clear display of mission data, Spectra delivers the products and subsystems needed for the most demanding military air, land, and sea platforms. With our comprehensive portfolio of rugged products, systems, and solutions, the Spectra family of companies’ customized end-to-end solutions for the C5ISR market help military end-users achieve mission success. Simply put, Spectra's rugged solutions Capture, Process, and Display your mission-critical data in the harshest environmental conditions. In the air, at sea, on land, and in space; We simplify integration.

CAPTURE

Data Acquisition

Sensor Recording

PROCESS

Mission Computing

Encrypted Storage

NAS & File Serving

Processing & Routing

DISPLAY

Displays

Peripherals

Tablets

Workstations

Engineering Excellence: Bao Ngo recognized for technical leadership and team collaboration

 

June 4, 2025  

 
The senior mechanical engineer was recognized with an ArgonFDS 2025 Values Award

ArgonFDS recognized Bao Ngo, Senior Mechanical Engineer, with a 2025 Values Award at the company’s 35th anniversary celebration May 29. Ngo was nominated by several colleagues for his outstanding demonstration of company values through technical excellence and collaborative leadership. He was presented the award at the company’s 35th anniversary celebration on May 29 by ArgonFDS Vice President and General Manager Jaime Torres.

 

Technical innovation and integrity

Nominators said Bao has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to data-driven analysis and modeling throughout his work on a major program.

“Bao consistently leads by example in his role as a senior mechanical engineer, demonstrating a strong commitment to data-driven analysis and modeling,” noted ArgonFDS Director of Engineering Douglas Austin in his nomination. “He successfully developed thermal models and conducted thorough thermal analysis to meet the product’s performance criteria in accordance with the acceptance test procedure. He then validated his analysis through successful environmental chamber testing.”

 

Embracing change and innovation

As ArgonFDS expands its use of contract manufacturers, Bao has aided this transition by streamlining processes and improving cost-effectiveness.

“Bao has proactively supported the process by generating draft drawings for prospective vendors and efficiently managing inquiries from multiple sources on the same design,” another colleague observed.

In a notable example of innovative problem-solving, Bao was called out for redesigning an entire back panel to enable a more cost-effective sheet metal solution. That included updating tolerances to eliminate the need for machining while still meeting all system-level performance requirements.

 

Leadership through teamwork

Bao’s leadership qualities became particularly evident when he stepped in during a colleague’s absence.

“He not only ensured continued progress on the other team member’s projects, but also effectively coordinated with others to maintain momentum across all programs,” his nominator shared. “Bao’s leadership fostered strong collaboration, and his peers responded with respect and teamwork — ensuring that no project experienced delays during this period.”

 

Commitment to accountability and continuous improvement

Bao’s work ethic was highlighted during critical testing phases:

“During the thermal validation and verification of the AT84 tablet, Bao devoted over 12 hours in a single day to affixing thermocouples and performing critical testing to ensure system integration could proceed on schedule. The following day, he promptly analyzed the test data and delivered technical guidance to the electrical team.”

His drive for continuous improvement is evident in his process enhancement initiatives.

“Bao has proactively identified several opportunities to reduce labor content within the engineering change note process. One notable improvement is his implementation of scanning and attaching redlines of proposed changes during the peer review phase — prior to review by the configuration control board,” providing better documentation and stakeholder input integration.

 

Beyond technical excellence

Colleagues also praised Bao’s initiative in advancing thermal analysis capabilities:

“Bao started doing thermal analysis with his solid works at home and has done so for programs that both he and other engineers were working on. We are now seeing some of these projects come to life. We are getting real results and will continue to improve our fin design to provide the most power out of the smallest package.”

His collaborative approach extends across all projects:

“I have work with Bao directly major programs as well as on other tasks. He is always willing to help and use his expertise to help others.”

Ngo has been with ArgonFDS since 2024. Married with two young children, he and his family like to travel, try different kinds of foods and go on hikes. An amateur photographer, he likes to photograph people, take macro photos of insects and capture natural landscapes

Bao Ngo exemplifies ArgonFDS’s commitment to technical excellence, innovation, and collaborative teamwork, making him a deserving recipient of recognition in the 2025 Values Award program.

 

About the ArgonFDS Values Award

The ArgonFDS Values Award is an annual peer-to-peer recognition program honoring team members who exemplify the organization’s core values. Recipients are nominated by their colleagues for consistently demonstrating ArgonFDS values in their daily work, interactions with team members and engagement with customers, suppliers and stakeholders. This award celebrates those who best represent what our organization stands for through their actions and commitment to excellence.

 

WordPress Lightbox