1996
Founding as Sheet Dynamics Ltd.
Stu Shelly and Tom Sharp were doing research work at the university, and they wanted to apply their work to real-world problems.
Decades of Experience in High-Stakes Defense AI and Software Solutions
The gap between prototype and deployment is where most defense projects stall. And it’s where mission-focused engineering matters most.
Etegent has bridged this gap across DoD ML programs and deployed systems. We focus on delivering AI and software solutions with speed, validated performance, and accuracy. These systems are designed to deliver validated insights that support human decision-making in operational environments.
Etegent has bridged this gap across DoD ML programs and deployed systems. We focus on delivering AI and software solutions with speed, validated performance, and accuracy. These systems are designed to deliver validated insights that support human decision-making in operational environments.
1997
Entry into Government Contracting
Entered government contracting through an SBIR contract with the U.S. Air Force, developing vibration control and monitoring solutions for flexible space structures.
1999
ISS Experiment Selection
Selected to conduct zero-gravity vibration control experiments aboard the International Space Station.
2002–2004
Commercial Expansion
Expanded into commercial markets by delivering rapid prototyping solutions to Procter & Gamble, optimizing design processes and reducing costs.
2004
2004
Algorithm Development for Missile Defense
Began collaboration with Ball Aerospace and NASIC, developing efficient algorithms for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) processing in missile defense applications.
2006
2006
NLign Aircraft Inspection Software Development
Developed early versions of NLign, a non-destructive aircraft inspection application, through a U.S. Air Force SBIR program.
2009
Formation of NLign Analytics Division
Formed the NLign Analytics division to commercialize aircraft inspection software developed through SBIR efforts.
2010
Company Rebrand
Renamed the company. Etegent Technologies is born.
2011
Initial ISR Solution Delivery (Wright-Patterson AFB)
Began delivering Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) solutions, establishing core capabilities in machine learning, simulation, and software development.
2012
ISR Division Launch and Dayton Expansion
Launched the ISR division and opened a Dayton, Ohio office to support growth and deepen defense engagement.
2014
First NASIC Prime Contract Award
Secured first prime contract with NASIC, delivering mission-critical software.
2016–2018
MLOps Advancements for NGA Deployment
Enhanced MLOps tools to reduce data requirements and accelerate deployment of operational ML systems.
2019–2020
SAR ML Leadership and Phase III IDIQ (NASIC)
Recognized as a leader in SAR ML, securing multiple awards including a Phase III IDIQ for region monitoring.
2021
NLign Analytics Spin-Off
Spun off NLign Analytics as a wholly owned subsidiary.
2021
Launch of Early MLOps Tooling
Introduced MLOps tools to accelerate development and deployment of mission-ready ML solutions.
2022
Missile Defense Expansion with Space Systems Command
Expanded missile defense portfolio with real-time OPIR background suppression algorithms.
2023
External Adoption of MLOps Platform (AFRL, NASIC)
Achieved first external adoption of Etegent’s MLOps platform.
2023
NGA Contract for Next-Gen OPIR Algorithms
Selected to deliver next-generation OPIR processing for missile defense.
2024
Phase III Missile Defense Contract (SSC)
Awarded Phase III contract to advance ML models for missile defense.
2024–2025
SAR System Health Monitoring Deployment
Delivered health monitoring software for operational SAR ML systems.
2026
Expanded NASIC Partnership (Phase III IDIQ)
Expanded partnership to scale health monitoring across operational ML systems.
OUR CORE PRINCIPLES
What Grounds Us
Many AI systems never make it to deployment. Not because the models fail, but because solutions built in controlled settings struggle with integration, data constraints, and operational requirements.
We create AI and software solutions for defense missions with deployment in mind from day one: in operational environments, under real constraints, and with human-in-the-loop workflows that ensure outputs can be verified, understood, and acted on.
These principles shape how we design, build, and deliver systems that provide reliable insights to inform human decision-making.
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Speed Over Red TapeMost AI and software systems slow down the moment it leaves the lab. It’s buried in reviews, handoffs, and process.
We don’t treat deployment as a phase. It’s the goal from the start.
That means smaller loops, faster validation, and systems built to work today. -
Explainability and Model TransparencySystems that operators can’t understand are unlikely to be trusted or used.
We design for clarity from the start: traceable outputs, visible reasoning, and results that can be examined, validated, and challenged by the people using them.
Because in high-stakes defense environments, “accept the model without explanation” isn’t an option. -
Trust Is Built Into Every SystemTrust isn’t something you add after deployment.
It’s built through verification, data lineage, and testing under real conditions, not ideal ones.
We assume systems will be questioned. That’s why we include continuous model monitoring, performance tracking, and diagnostics to identify drift, data shifts, and failure modes before they impact mission outcomes. -
Partnership Built Around Your MissionWe’re not here to lock you into our way of working.
We build around your constraints: your data, your systems, your environment.
Because if you can’t operate it, adapt it, or own it, it’s not a real solution.
Who We Work With
From tracking missile activity to detecting behavioral anomalies or accelerating deployment pipelines, we work backward from your mission — not forward from our product.
01
Region Monitoring
We work with teams responsible for real-world outcomes, where systems must perform and decisions have consequences. Our AI and software systems deliver validated insights that support human decision-making.
Program Managers Accountable for System Delivery and Performance
You’re accountable for outcomes and expected to justify every decision behind them. There’s no room for systems that “usually work,” or systems that can’t be trusted when it matters.
We build AI and software systems for defense missions that you can stand behind: validated, traceable, and ready for deployment. These systems deliver transparent, explainable outputs that support human decision-making, so you can move forward with confidence, not caveats.
We build AI and software systems for defense missions that you can stand behind: validated, traceable, and ready for deployment. These systems deliver transparent, explainable outputs that support human decision-making, so you can move forward with confidence, not caveats.
R&D Leaders Moving Systems From Lab to Field
You’re responsible for turning research into real capability. And you can’t afford to lose time, funding, or credibility along the way. Most projects stall between prototype and deployment. That gap is where momentum disappears. We design for deployment from the start: helping you move from lab to field with systems that hold up outside controlled environments, so progress doesn’t stop at the prototype.We design for deployment from the start: helping you move from lab to field with systems that hold up outside controlled environments, so progress doesn’t stop at the prototype.
Analysts Who Need Outputs They Can Trust
You’re expected to move quickly but still explain and defend the decisions you make. Unclear outputs and false positives slow you down and introduce risk.
We deliver outputs you can verify: traceable, explainable, and built for real-time use so you can act quickly without second-guessing the data behind your decisions.
We deliver outputs you can verify: traceable, explainable, and built for real-time use so you can act quickly without second-guessing the data behind your decisions.
Engineering Teams Integrating AI and Software Into Existing Systems
You’re responsible for making AI and software solutions work within real systems, not in isolation. That means dealing with legacy infrastructure, security constraints, and environments where failure isn’t acceptable.
We develop AI and software solutions that integrate cleanly: designed to work within your existing architecture whether it’s classified environments, edge deployments, or constrained networks. All without disrupting operations.We deliver outputs you can verify: traceable, explainable, and built for real-time use so you can act quickly without second-guessing the data behind your decisions.
We develop AI and software solutions that integrate cleanly: designed to work within your existing architecture whether it’s classified environments, edge deployments, or constrained networks. All without disrupting operations.We deliver outputs you can verify: traceable, explainable, and built for real-time use so you can act quickly without second-guessing the data behind your decisions.
Meet the Team
Built by People Who Know the Mission
You won’t work with middlemen. You’ll work with ML experts, software engineers, and project leads who build, validate, and deploy AI and software systems in secure environments.
Leadership
Stu Shelley
CEO, Principal
Stu Shelley
CEO, Principal
Stu co-founded Etegent in 1996 with the goal of applying innovative academic research to real-world challenges. He earned his master’s degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati’s Structural Dynamics Research Laboratory, where he later served as a Post-Doctoral Researcher and Research Assistant Professor. His work has focused on signal processing, modeling and simulation of complex electro-mechanical systems, and real-time control technologies, while consulting with numerous national and international organizations. Stu leads Etegent to drive the development and transition of innovative solutions necessary for our customers. His leadership has resulted in over 30 patents. He is focused on building and inspiring a high-performing team to deliver impactful, mission-driven capabilities.
Kate Legters
Chief of Staff
Kate Legters
Chief of Staff
Kate leads Etegent’s HR and IT functions, among others, as Chief of Staff, bringing expertise as a senior HR leader and Organizational Psychologist. She is experienced in organizational change, communication, and development, championing culture and employee experience, leadership coaching, training, employment law, analytics, statistics, and performance. She has two master’s degrees in HR Management and Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Justin Cerrato
Director of Finance and Accounting
Justin Cerrato
Director of Finance and Accounting
Justin leads Etegent’s Finance & Accounting organization, overseeing financial strategy, reporting, and operational performance across the company. He is closely partnered with the CEO and senior leadership to support financial health and drive strategic decision-making in a complex government contracting environment. Justin brings over 10 years of experience across corporate finance, government contracting, accounting, and program management. Prior to joining Etegent, he served at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), where he earned recognition through both individual and team awards. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Wright State University.
Zack Steck
Director of Engineering
Zack Steck
Director of Engineering
Zack leads the entire Etegent’s Engineering team, which includes our machine learning and software engineering efforts to develop advanced intelligence solutions. He plays a key role in defining and executing the company’s technical strategy and has led the development of Etegent’s ML ecosystem, bringing strong experience in transitioning systems from prototype to deployment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati.
Braydon Osborne
Senior Engineering Manager
Braydon Osborne
Senior Engineering Manager
Brayden leads the Etegent Machine Learning team, made up of standout engineers who bring exceptional technical depth to some of the most complex problems in geospatial intelligence. Brayden has a background in deep learning target detection with an emphasis on specialized modalities like SAR and OPIR. He pioneered Etegent’s rapid ATR delivery processes for defense customers. He helped oversee the development of Etegent’s ML tooling, and he continues to enable the ML team to develop automatic region monitoring and explainable AI solutions. Brayden holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
OUR WORK IN ACTION
Custom AI and Software Solutions That Work
Our AI and software solutions support a wide range of markets, enabling rapid processing and analysis of complex data to generate timely, actionable intelligence that informs and strengthens operator decision-making in hours instead of months.
DEFENSE & INTELLIGENCE
We provide AI and software systems that enable teams to process, analyze, and act on complex data quickly. Our systems integrate explainable AI tools and real-time synthetic data to support low-latency detection, tracking, identification, and persistent monitoring across domains, including land, sea, air, and space.
FEDERAL (NON-DEFENSE)
We provide AI and software solutions that enable civil agencies to process and analyze geospatial intelligence for speed and clarity. Our solutions support disaster response, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure analysis, delivering reliable detection, tracking, and insights across real-world conditions.
COMMERCIAL GEOSPATIAL & EARTH OBSERVATION
We provide AI and software systems that enable rapid analysis of satellite, aerial, and drone data to monitor physical environments and generate scalable, location-based insights. These systems support large-scale processing with limited data and integrate directly into commercial platforms.
AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS & PERCEPTION
We deliver edge-deployed AI and software solutions that enable real-time perception on autonomous platforms, with models deployed directly on onboard hardware rather than centralized systems. These systems support detection, tracking, and classification, delivering reliable insights that assist human operators in semi-autonomous and time-sensitive operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers on our AI and software solutions, processes, and deployment approach.
How is Etegent different from other AI vendors?
Most AI vendors deliver models. We deliver full AI and software solutions that are built, tested, and deployed in real environments.
We operate as a defense technology company that focuses on delivering AI and software solutions for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. We work within mission constraints, combining cleared engineering, human-in-the-loop workflows, and rigorous verification and validation to ensure outputs are trusted and usable from day one.
What does working with Etegent look like?
We follow an end-to-end approach designed for real deployment and long-term use, but we also partner at any stage based on your needs.
If you’re not sure where to start, our team works with you to define the problem and determine the right path forward.
From there, we develop, test, and deploy AI and software solutions, from data preparation through deployment and ongoing monitoring.
How do you ensure systems perform in operational conditions?
We evaluate performance against the conditions your system will actually face. That includes degraded data, edge cases, and evolving environments. We provide clear performance metrics, model confidence, and documented behavior so teams can validate outputs and make informed decisions.
Can your systems be deployed in secure or classified environments?
Yes. Our systems are built for secure deployment from the start.
We support classified, air-gapped, on-prem, and edge environments, including low-bandwidth or limited compute. Our teams regularly deploy within government systems where security, reliability, and integration are non-negotiable.
What happens after deployment?
Deployment is the beginning of operational use, not the end of the work.
We provide monitoring, diagnostics, and explainability tools to track performance, identify issues, and support updates as conditions change. This ensures systems remain reliable, auditable, and aligned with mission needs over time.
Ready To Work Together?
We work with engineers and R&D teams to build AI and software solutions that meet your specific technical and operational requirements.