Jonathan Jett-Parmer
Assistant Teaching Professor / AGPD
College of Engineering and Information Technology
Engineering and Computing Education Program (ECEP)
Engineering 410-455-2230
Education
Graduate Certificate University of Maryland Baltimore County 2023
MS University of Maryland Baltimore County 2023
Graduate Certificate University of Maryland Baltimore County 2022
MBA Old Dominion Univesity 2004
BS University of South Florida 1991
+1 410 455 2230
About
Jonathan Jett-Parmer, P.E. is an accomplished educator and professional engineer, currently serving as Assistant Teaching Professor and Assistant Graduate Program Director for Professional Engineering Programs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). In this role, he leads curriculum design, admissions strategy, faculty engagement, and student success initiatives within the Systems Engineering graduate program. His instruction and course development are enriched by a career spanning over three decades across industry and military leadership, integrating technical rigor with a student-centered philosophy.
Jonathan's teaching approach is deeply rooted in inclusive, iterative learning, recognizing that each student brings unique experiences and motivations to the classroom. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the "why" behind every learner's journey, creating tailored learning environments that connect academic theory with practical application. He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate in College Teaching and Learning Science, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy, all from UMBC, complementing his engineering foundation from the University of South Florida.
Before transitioning to higher education, Jonathan held executive leadership roles globally, including as Global Engineering Director for Safety at Unilever, where he stewarded risk management and compliance strategies for a €1.9 billion capital portfolio. In parallel, he has served with distinction as a Captain in the United States Navy Reserve, managing technical officer communities and leading critical shipbuilding and heavy-lift salvage operations. His military assignments include Director of Military Programs at Naval Sea Systems Command and Commanding Officer roles in multiple naval units, where he provided strategic leadership for engineering readiness and operational support worldwide.
An advocate for lifelong learning and professional development, Jonathan is a licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland and Virginia, an Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP), and Six Sigma Black Belt–trained. He is an active member of professional organizations including INCOSE, NSPE, ASME, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Beyond the classroom, he engages in community service and mentors aspiring engineers, reinforcing his commitment to developing future leaders in engineering and applied sciences.
Research Interests
Jonathan Jett-Parmer’s research interests are grounded in the intersection of practical engineering challenges and emerging technological frontiers, reflecting his career-long focus on applied innovation and systems integration. Building on decades of leadership in global engineering operations and higher education, he is particularly drawn to research that advances both industry practice and pedagogical methods. His work explores how complex systems can be designed, optimized, and sustained across rapidly evolving technological landscapes, with an emphasis on solutions that improve efficiency, resilience, and accessibility in both engineering practice and education.
A significant area of Jonathan’s research focuses on supply chain automation and the transformative potential of intelligent systems in global logistics networks. Drawing from his direct experience overseeing multi-billion-euro capital projects and high-stakes supply chains, he investigates how automation technologies—ranging from robotics to data-driven decision-making platforms—can increase operational efficiency, reduce risk, and enable agile responses to market demands. His research seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical supply chain models and actionable strategies for deployment at scale, with particular attention to sustainability and resilience in the face of global disruptions.
Complementing this, Jonathan is actively exploring systems engineering applications that integrate large language models (LLMs), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance decision support and system optimization. He is interested in how these advanced computational tools can augment human capabilities in the design, operation, and maintenance of complex engineered systems. His research aims to develop frameworks for the ethical and effective integration of AI-driven insights within engineering workflows, ensuring that these technologies serve as trusted collaborators in both industrial and defense contexts.
Jonathan is also deeply intrigued by the possibilities of the developing space economy, recognizing it as an emerging domain that will redefine global engineering challenges. His research examines the systems engineering and logistics considerations unique to off-planet infrastructure, including supply chain design for lunar and Martian exploration, in-space manufacturing, and the role of AI in autonomous operations beyond Earth. He is particularly interested in how terrestrial engineering principles can be adapted to support sustained human and robotic presence in space, contributing to the foundational knowledge that will support future space industries.
Finally, Jonathan maintains an enduring commitment to enhancing engineering education through research on innovative teaching methods, curriculum design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He explores how experiential learning models, authentic assessment, and inclusive pedagogical practices can better prepare students for the complexities of modern engineering careers. His goal is to integrate research findings into scalable educational strategies that empower diverse learners, close equity gaps, and ensure that graduates are equipped not only with technical competencies but also with the critical thinking and collaborative skills demanded by today’s global engineering challenges.
Teaching Interests
Jonathan Jett-Parmer’s teaching interests are deeply informed by his extensive experience in both professional practice and higher education leadership. He is particularly dedicated to fostering applied learning environments where students engage with real-world challenges through project-based instruction. Central to his instructional philosophy is the belief that every student brings a unique set of experiences and motivations, and effective teaching requires an adaptive, student-centered approach. His commitment to this philosophy is evident in his design of courses that balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for the demands of complex engineering environments.
A key area of interest for Jonathan is the advancement of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) education. He recognizes MBSE as a critical methodology for enabling future engineers to navigate the increasing complexity of systems design and integration. His goal is to embed MBSE principles throughout the engineering curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience in modeling tools and frameworks that reflect current industry standards. By integrating MBSE into coursework, he aims to cultivate a mindset of systems thinking and iterative problem-solving, equipping students to drive innovation in both technical and interdisciplinary projects.
Jonathan is equally passionate about leading capstone courses that synthesize students' academic learning with industry-relevant challenges. He views capstone experiences as pivotal opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of engineering principles while refining their teamwork, communication, and project management skills. Drawing from his extensive background in managing complex global engineering initiatives, he structures capstone projects to mirror professional scenarios, fostering not only technical proficiency but also the soft skills essential for career success. He places special emphasis on authentic assessments, aligning project outcomes with real-world performance expectations.
Another cornerstone of Jonathan’s teaching interest is the development of collaborative, cross-disciplinary courses that bring together graduate and undergraduate learners from diverse fields. He believes that the future of engineering education lies in breaking down traditional academic silos to encourage interdisciplinary innovation. Through cross-level and cross-discipline collaborations, he seeks to create dynamic learning environments where students from engineering, cybersecurity, business, and related fields can tackle complex problems together. These experiences not only enrich students’ perspectives but also mirror the integrated nature of modern professional teams, enhancing their readiness for multifaceted career paths.
Across all his teaching interests, Jonathan is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. He leverages his background in professional practice, military leadership, and academic preparation to design courses that are rigorous yet accessible, encouraging students to challenge themselves while receiving the guidance and resources necessary to succeed. His ultimate goal is to inspire students to become not just capable engineers, but also reflective practitioners and collaborative problem-solvers who contribute meaningfully to their disciplines and communities.
Selected Classes
- Spring 2025 SYST 670 – SYST 670 Systems Engineering Projects
- ENMG 693 – ENMG 693 Management Project