KING GEORGE, Va. –
True Soria has always had a talent for solving complex problems. Now, as a computer scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), he spends his days shaping the future of the U.S. Navy’s lethality by re-architecting critical systems. But his impact goes beyond technical expertise.
Soria’s work on the Navy's Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Fire Control System (FCS) is not only complex — it’s vital. The FCS ensures that all calculations required for missile launches—from targeting to navigation and beyond—are accurate and reliable under any circumstances. These calculations demand precise coordination between the software and hardware, a challenge Soria and his team tackle with outside-of-the-box thinking and innovation.
“When you’re working with millions of lines of software code, it’s not just about programming — it’s about understanding the system at a high level to bring all of its parts together,” Soria explained. “My job revolves around creating the architecture that allows these complex systems to function cohesively while pushing the boundaries of their potential.” Soria focuses on model-based systems engineering, where modeling tools like MagicDraw enable the team to create visual diagrams that represent the current fire control architecture and demonstrate future optimizations. These high-level depictions help the Navy streamline operations, improve maintainability and prepare incoming engineers for continued development.
Soria's path to becoming a subject matter expert in computer architecture wasn’t linear. Growing up in California, Soria never imagined he’d be working in a high-level systems engineering role, far from the direct coding he once thought he’d specialize in. However, studying computer science at California State University unlocked a unique skill set. “One of my professors emphasized how computer science increases your ability to think abstractly. That skill is essential when working with systems as intricate as SLBM fire control,” said Soria.
Yet his story isn’t only about innovation inside lab walls. Outside of work, he’s just as committed to shaping the future of STEM. Inspired by his upbringing at the Boys & Girls Club, where he found mentorship and support, Soria is passionate about paying it forward. Partnering with NSWCDD K-12 STEM Outreach Program’s initiatives, such as SeaPerch robotics and innovation challenges, he devotes time to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Through his technical expertise and passion for mentoring young minds, Soria ensures the Navy’s systems remain at the cutting edge while opening doors for future leaders in STEM. His work is a testament to the profound impact of combining advanced technical knowledge with a commitment to community growth.