The Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University has a new director of its Telemetry and Missile Systems division after Margaret Campos stepped down from the position. Nathaniel “Spike” Charles has been named her successor.
Campos has been a cornerstone of PSL for more than two decades. Her journey began as an engineering student aide while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at NMSU. Upon graduation in 2003, she commenced her professional career as an electrical engineer within the TMS division. She ascended to the position of division director in 2019.
“Margaret’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration has left an indelible mark on PSL,” said PSL Director Eric Sanchez. “Her dedication to mentoring engineers, technicians and students has been particularly noteworthy. Through her guidance, she has cultivated a culture of curiosity and excellence, inspiring the next generation of innovators. We are glad Margaret has elected to stay on the team and support future endeavors as a R and D engineer manager.”
Throughout her tenure, Campos has been instrumental in overseeing and managing research and defense contracts that fund the division. She also supervised internal service centers responsible for electronic and mechanical fabrication for the Telemetry Products Line.
“I have had the opportunity of a lifetime at PSL,” Campos said. “To participate in over 100 launches during my career; it has been a truly remarkable experience, and I am glad to continue supporting PSL as an R and D engineer manager with a division director that has already proven to be motivated and excited about the TMS division’s future.
“The most enjoyable part of the job is working with great people,” Campos said. “The true highlights of my time as the director of TMS has been the incredible achievements of our engineers, technicians and students. It has been a privilege to promote an environment that fosters their innovation and talent. Their commitment to excellence and their ability to transform challenges into success stories are what makes PSL such a remarkable place. I am especially proud of the students who have grown into outstanding professionals, carrying forward a legacy of innovation and collaboration.”
The new division director, Charles is a dynamic and results-driven professional with more than three decades of diverse experience spanning engineering, project management, military leadership, research and organizational development.
Charles retired from the Army in 2015, completing a 24-year career where he served in a variety of roles supporting tactical through strategic domains. He is passionate about sharing his experience with test and evaluation professionals to advance the objectives of the U.S. Department of Defense and rapidly transition emerging technologies to the nation’s warfighting force.
His post-military career highlights include leading cross-functional teams in support of several DoD critical technology areas. Previously, Charles held leadership roles at Teknicare, Inc., and TRAX Technology and Engineering Center managing high-stakes projects and implementing ISO 9001-compliant quality systems.
His technical expertise spans IT, telecommunications, electronic warfare, directed energy and biomedical research, including designing communication networks and contributing to more than 40 biomedical studies.
Charles holds bachelor’s degrees in biological sciences and management as well as graduate certificates and degrees in human development, neuroscience and information technology from Iberoamericana University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and Webster University.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Charles to PSL in this leadership role,” Sanchez said. “Spike’s extensive experience and commitment to excellence make him the ideal person to lead our Telemetry and Missile Systems division into the future.”
For more information about the Telemetry and Missile Systems division at NMSU’s Physical Science Laboratory, visit https://psl.nmsu.edu/divisions/telemetry-missile-systems.html.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University’s Physical Science Lab has named Nathaniel “Spike” Charles its new director of the Telemetry and Missile Systems division. He replaces Margaret Campos who had served in the role since 2019. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)