David Long - My Pioneers of Systems Engineering ( Post #11 )

Introduction

David Long, an American systems engineer, a distinguished figure in the world of Systems Engineering. Renowned for his visionary contributions and unwavering dedication to the field, David stands as an inspirational leader who has left an indelible mark on the realm of Systems Engineering.

During David Long's tenure as president of INCOSE from 2014-2015, I was president of the Spanish INCOSE Chapter ( AEIS ), so our collaboration and relationship was very close and fluid, in these first steps of the chapter, where everything was to be done, since it had been founded only in 2012. These were the years of creating the national management infrastructure: creating a national professional association AEIS, having legal advice, having a headquarter in Spain, starting activities, advertising the association, first CABs, having a bank account, etc.

David's Bio

David Long's journey into Systems Engineering was preordained, as he hails from a lineage of Systems Engineering, with his father serving as a prominent figure in the aerospace industry, particularly at TRW, now a part of Northrop Grumman. Under his father's guidance, he imbibed the invaluable perspective of viewing the world through a systems lens from an early age.

David 's father ( James E. Long) is rightly regarded as the progenitor of what we now recognize as model-based systems engineering (MBSE), having spearheaded groundbreaking work in the late 60s and early 70s, particularly in the domain of ballistic missile defense. This innovative work continued to evolve and progress through the decades, culminating in the founding of Vitech Corporation in the 90s.

For over 30 years, David Long has focused on helping organizations increase their Systems Engineering proficiency while simultaneously working to advance the state of the art. David was the founder and president of Vitech where he led the team in delivering innovative, industry-leading methods and software (CORE? and GENESYS?) to help organizations engineer next-generation systems.

An INCOSE Fellow and Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP), David was the 2014/2015 president of INCOSE.

David Long Source of Inspiration

MBSE has been a topic of discussion for over thirty years and it has been an INCOSE initiative since 2006.

He co-authored with Zane Scott "A Primer for MBSE" in 2011

and was indeed an important contribution to the field of Systems Engineering for several reasons:

• Foundation of MBSE: The book laid down the foundational principles behind MBSE. It provided a clear and structured framework for understanding the core concepts and principles that underpin the entire discipline of MBSE.
• Clarity and Common Understanding: MBSE, as a concept, was gaining traction, but there was a need for a common understanding of what it entailed. This primer helped bridge this gap by offering a concise and comprehensible explanation of key MBSE concepts. This clarity was essential for professionals to adopt MBSE practices effectively.
• Emphasis on Core Concepts: This primer emphasized fundamental concepts such as Model, Language, Behavior,Process, Architecture, and Verification and Validation. By dissecting these concepts and elucidating their significance in the context of MBSE, the primer provided a solid intellectual foundation for practitioners and researchers in the field.
• Promotion of Best Practices: Through the primer, the authors promoted best practices in MBSE. They encouraged professionals to think critically about the modeling process, language selection, behavioral modeling, and other aspects of Systems Engineering.
• Educational Resource: This primer served as an invaluable educational resource. It has been widely used in academia to teach students the principles of MBSE, helping to prepare the next generation of systems engineers with a strong theoretical foundation.

David is a frequent presenter at events worldwide delivering keynotes and tutorials spanning introductory Systems Engineering, the value of Systems Engineering, the advanced application of MBSE, digital engineering, and the future of Systems Engineering. His ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner through keynotes and tutorials helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.

David is actively involved in mentoring and educating the next generation of Systems Engineering Leaders in INCOSE , where he serves as a role model and provide guidance to aspiring leaders, nurturing talent and fostering growth within the field.

Thank you David Long

David Long's personal and professional journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to Systems Engineering, and he embodies the true essence of the discipline.

Personally , he encouraged me to think creatively and adapt MBSE concepts to my specific projects. His mentorship has illuminated my path in Systems Engineering, and his leadership example has been a constant source of inspiration for me. I have learned so much from his insights into Systems Engineering leadership principles.

In my opinion, for all of us, his profound understanding, inherited wisdom, and pioneering work have not only shaped the way we approach Systems Engineering but also continue to inspire and guide countless professionals in the field.

David Long has a global impact in the Systems Engineering community. This outreach is instrumental in building a more connected and collaborative global community of Systems Engineers, encouraging the exchange of ideas and best practices.

As an INCOSE Past President, David Long stands as a beacon of inspiration in Systems Engineering.