Scott Tait’s Bio

Scott Tait is President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Science and Engineering, a pre-eminent human factors research, engineering and design firm located in San Diego, California but operating around the globe.  Pacific Science develops cutting edge human-machine interfaces for complex and high-consequence systems in sectors including defense, intelligence, aerospace, medical and automation.

Scott also serves as Executive Director of the UC San Diego National Security Innovation Catalyst.  The Catalyst brings together research, entrepreneurs, industry, and investors to provide innovative solutions and policy recommendations for a broad base of national security customers.

Prior to joining PSE, Scott served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years. His assignments included positions leading strategy, policy and innovation efforts, working directly for 3 and 4-star commanders in the Indo-Pacific region and Washington, D.C. He also held senior policy positions, with a focus in Indo-Asia, on the Joint Staff (J-5), Pacific Fleet staff and U.S. Seventh Fleet staff.  At sea he served in Cruiser and Destroyer ships, commanding USS Mustin (DDG 89) and, most recently, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000).

He holds Masters degrees from Stanford University in International Policy and the U.S. Naval War College in National Security and Strategic Studies. At the U.S. Naval War College, he was a member of the Halsey Alfa Advanced Research and Wargaming Project.