Robert J. Keisler

Director, Software, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence (5.4/5.6)

Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC)

Mr. Robert Keisler is the Senior Science and Technology Manager (SSTM) and Director of
Software Engineering, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Naval Information
Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic and, supporting the Department of the Navy (DON). He serves
as NIWC Atlantic's managing executive and senior technical expert for software engineering;
data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI); intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(ISR); and electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) delivering competitive advantages for
the Naval warfighter.
Mr. Keisler, as a NIWC Atlantic engineering director, leads a workforce of over 800 engineers,
scientists, mathematicians, and information technology specialists, including a cadre of over 100
data science and AI professionals. He directs resource planning, recruitment, and talent
development efforts, while enhancing software, data, and AI literacy across the organization. He
champions innovation investment, oversees technical execution, and establishes engineering
excellence through technical authority and strategic leadership, ensuring capabilities align with
and support warfighter priorities and needs. As a pioneer in Federal government data and AI
workforce, he advises and supports workforce strategies and goals for higher echelons including
partnerships with national and international organizations, industry, and academia.
Mr. Keisler champions and sets NIWC Atlantic’s strategic technology vision for AI, driving
innovation, setting standards, building teams, and advancing AI capabilities within the
organization. He shapes internal AI research and development and prioritizes intrapreneurial
investments, driving growth and delivering cutting-edge technology to the warfighter. He advises
the DON on AI strategy, policy, governance, and solution implementation, accelerating AI
initiatives in alignment with mission objectives.
Mr. Keisler entered Federal civil service in 2004. He is a native of South Carolina. He is a
graduate of Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer
Engineering. He earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from The Citadel and the
College of Charleston. He holds a Level 3 Acquisition certification in Engineering.

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