Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD – Dr. James “Jim” Watson was formally inducted into the Senior Executive Service (SES) Corps and recognized as Director of Engineering for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) in a ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Edgewood campus on Jan. 18.

As the Center’s Director of Engineering, Watson oversees a staff of roughly 500 engineers, scientists, logisticians, and other highly skilled professionals who work to design, build, test and sustain Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) capabilities for the joint warfighters and other customers.

Watson joins more than 8,000 other members in the Senior Executive Service (SES) Corps, which was established in 1978 to be a corps of executives to serve in key governmental positions not filled by top presidential appointees. It is the highest civilian service in the government and is extended only to those federal employees who demonstrate professional integrity.

Watson’s position was made official during a pinning ceremony where he was joined by friends and colleagues, both in person and virtually. DEVCOM’s Deputy to the Commanding General Dr. Eric L. Moore officiated the ceremony. During his remarks, Moore shared Watson’s contributions to the Department of Defense (DoD) as a whole and highlighted the value of Watson’s leadership and expertise in the field. “Jim has worked on many assignments and did amazing work to make programs successful,” Moore said. “He’s very passionate about what he does and, most of all, he takes care of people. We are very pleased to have him, and I look forward to seeing him succeed in this role.”

During the ceremony, Moore swore Watson into the SES Corps as he took the oath of office. Watson was then adorned with the SES pin and presented with the SES certificate and flag.

“I am excited to join this position given the remarkable legacy,” Watson said during his remarks. “I’m only successful because of the people around me. So, I want to thank you for allowing me to have a great, new opportunity.”

Watson has served in the DoD in the chemical biological defense field as a scientist and leader for more than 12 years. Prior to entering his current position, Watson was the Deputy Program Executive Officer for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA) headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground. He was responsible for assisting the Program Executive Officer with the oversight of all aspects of operations at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Colorado, the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Kentucky, and PEO ACWA’s Anniston Field Office in Alabama. Under Watson’s leadership, the PEO ACWA team destroyed the last munition in the U.S. declared chemical weapons stockpile.

Before joining the PEO ACWA team, Watson served as an Associate Director of the U.S. Army’s Operational Applications Directorate at DEVCOM CBC. In his role, he was responsible for leading strategic initiatives, including technical direction and management oversight of the Center’s BioTesting Division. During this time, he led the successful return of the BioTesting Division to full operational status after a five-year moratorium on their work with biological agents and toxins.

Watson received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri in 2000 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Maryland in 2006. He was awarded the Civilian Service Commendation Medal in 2022 and the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal in 2023.