About James KC Auchterlonie

Engineer. Builder. Founder of MLNavigator — an AI-driven compliance and workflow platform for aerospace and defense firms

AI SystemsCompliance AutomationAerospace & Defense

James KC Auchterlonie

Founder, MLNavigator

Wichita, Kansas, United States

Professional Overview

Core Expertise

  • Engineer, builder, and founder of MLNavigator
  • AI-driven compliance and workflow for aerospace and defense
  • Offline data expert and engineering assistant that learns

Current Focus

  • Wichita, Kansas
  • AI beyond prompts: LoRA, MLX, multi-agent orchestration
  • Compliance-first: CMMC, AS9100, defense-grade security
  • Air-gapped, on-device AI for MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul)

Experience

  • 6+ years in engineering and operations
  • 8+ years in design
  • 5+ years CAD: CATIA, AutoCAD
  • Apple Silicon optimization, adaptive AI tuning, compliance frameworks

Areas of Expertise

Specialized skills and knowledge across technical, business, and industry domains

Technical

Machine LearningLarge Language Models (LLM)AI SystemsLoRAMLXMulti-agent Orchestration

Deep expertise in AI/ML architecture, enterprise system design, and technical strategy development

Business

Operations ManagementDesign EngineeringProject ManagementCompliance Frameworks

Leadership experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and technical team management

Industry

Aerospace & DefenseCMMCAS9100Defense-grade SecurityAudio Visual Systems

Specialized knowledge in regulatory compliance, defense industry requirements, and safety-critical systems

Key Achievements

Measurable impact and professional milestones

6+
Years in engineering and operations
8+
Years in design and CAD expertise
1,541
Professional network connections
5+
Years CAD experience (CATIA, AutoCAD)

Notable Accomplishments

Founded MLNavigator

Developing AI-driven compliance solutions for aerospace and defense

Professional Certifications

AVIXA AV Technologist and Dante Level 2 certifications for audio-visual systems

Defense Program Management

Led defense program management at Bombardier with focus on aerospace projects

Design Engineering Expertise

8+ years in design engineering with 5+ years CAD experience (CATIA, AutoCAD)

Compliance Frameworks

Developed expertise in CMMC and AS9100 standards for regulated industries

Professional Experience

Career progression and key roles in engineering and technology leadership

2025

MLNavigator

Founder

Developing AI-driven compliance and workflow platform for aerospace and defense firms

2024

CTI

Audio Visual Design Engineering

Audio visual systems design and implementation with Dante certification expertise

2023

AuchShop

Owner & Designer

E-commerce platform development and design solutions

2023

Bombardier

Defense Program & Project Management

Program management for defense and aerospace projects

2023

Lazerworx Design Studio

eCommerce, Design & Production

Full-service design and production for commercial clients

Education

Academic foundation in engineering and design

Wichita State University

Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering

Degree in Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering with focus on ISME (Integrated Supply Chain Management and Engineering)

Butler Community College

Science, Math, Engineering

Foundation studies in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering disciplines

Certifications & Licenses

Professional certifications and technical qualifications

AVIXA AV Technologist

AVIXA • Issued January 2025

AVIXA-Recognized AV Technologist Certificate specializing in audio-visual systems design and implementation

Dante Certification Level 2

Audinate • Issued December 2024 • Expires December 2027

Advanced Dante certification for network audio systems, including bandwidth management, network optimization, and multi-switch configurations. Essential for complex AV installations.

Vision & Focus

Building the future of AI-driven compliance automation

Building MLNavigator as the premier AI-driven compliance and workflow platform for aerospace and defense firms. Focused on creating infrastructure that lets AI operate where regulation, precision, and uptime matter most. Driving toward DoD/SBIR opportunities and strategic aerospace partnerships.

Current Focus Areas

AI Systems Beyond Prompts

Developing advanced AI systems using LoRA, MLX, and multi-agent orchestration for intelligent automation

Compliance-First Innovation

Building solutions that meet CMMC, AS9100, and defense-grade security requirements

Air-Gapped AI Development

Creating on-device AI solutions for MROs (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) in secure environments

Current Initiatives

Actively developing air-gapped, on-device AI solutions for MROs (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) in secure environments. Building advanced AI systems using LoRA, MLX, and multi-agent orchestration. Pursuing DoD/SBIR funding opportunities and establishing partnerships within the aerospace ecosystem.

Let's Connect

Interested in AI-driven compliance solutions, aerospace partnerships, or discussing MLNavigator opportunities?

Schedule a Meeting

Availability: 11am-4pm Monday-Thursday, 2pm-6pm Friday-Saturday

e.g., Tuesday 2pm