Mr. Joel A. Figueroa

Mr. Joel A. Figueroa Jr. is the Information Technology (IT) Systems Manager and SIPRNet Laboratory Security Manager for the Department of Systems Engineering (DSE) at the United States Military Academy (USMA). In this role, he manages the department's Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) Laboratory, oversees classified information systems, and provides comprehensive IT support to USMA faculty, staff, cadets, and DSE computer laboratories. He is responsible for maintaining secure network operations, ensuring cybersecurity compliance, supporting classroom technologies, and managing the IT infrastructure that enables education, research, and mission-critical operations.

Mr. Figueroa is a distinguished retired U.S. Army veteran with nearly three decades of military and federal government service in information technology, cybersecurity, communications, and operational leadership. During his Army career, he deployed multiple times in support of combat operations, where he led communications and information technology efforts supporting joint and coalition forces in complex and austere environments.

Prior to joining the Department of Systems Engineering, Mr. Figueroa served in numerous leadership positions as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO). His distinguished assignments included serving as the Afghanistan Projects Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) with the 160th Signal Brigade, Watch Officer with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and Interim J6 Senior Enlisted Advisor to a two-star general at U.S. Forces–Afghanistan (USFOR-A). He also served as an Enterprise Systems Administrator and held several key communications positions at the United States Military Academy, including Information Management Officer (IMO) and Communications Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) supporting the Superintendent and General Officer staff (SGS).

Mr. Figueroa holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Cybersecurity and a Master of Science in Project Management. He has earned numerous industry certifications in information technology and cybersecurity, including CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA).

Throughout his career, Mr. Figueroa has specialized in secure communications, enterprise systems administration, cybersecurity, and the management of classified information systems supporting military education, research, and operational missions. He is passionate about mentoring others, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology to solve complex challenges in support of the Department of Systems Engineering's academic mission. His commitment to secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions helps prepare and develop the next generation of Army leaders.