Speakers

Vincent Thiele grew up in Texas and was the first in his family to leave the state for college, where he graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Computer Science. He specialized in Robotics, with a focus on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

Mr. Thiele joined the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock, Combatant Craft Division after graduating, where he served on the acquisition team of a variety of programs, ranging from Standard Ship’s Boats to Special Warfare systems. In 2014, he led the development Unmanned Surface Vessels for the Navy as part of ONR programs, which led to the creation of the Craft Automation and Control System (CACS), standardizing vessel control. CACS has been installed on numerous manned and unmanned platforms, including the MCMUSV, LRUSV prototypes, and LCU 1600 class craft.

As a Leader, Mr. Thiele established a PMS 406 USV IPT focused on developing an autonomy certification program alongside the NAVSEA Technical Warrant Holder community. He also served as the PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants S&T Directorate Autonomy Lead, where he managed a diverse portfolio across the Navy’s R&D Enterprise. He assumed the role of the ONRG Science Advisor to the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in September 2024.