Angelique X. Irvin

CEO

Angelique Irvin has over three decades of experience managing optical systems companies for the defense and intelligence community starting her career in fiberoptics. Her experience spans research, technology commercialization, and manufacturing.

As the founder of Clear Align, Angelique is passionate about innovation and national security. She is focused on delivering AI and network-enabled electro-optic systems that enable advanced free-space communications, imaging for demanding ground and satellite applications, and embedded intelligence to enhance decision-making and response times. The company's sensor systems are designed to support high-mobility missions in challenging environments. From developing sophisticated surveillance systems to working on next-generation combat vehicles, Clear Align serves a broad range of defense contractors with innovative defense systems and subsystems.

Angelique established Clear Align to contribute to a national space program for Lockheed Martin and continues to drive optical research aimed at advancing space qualified optical capabilities. She develops partnerships with key agencies and major defense partners worldwide serving the increasing demand for advanced air mobility, unmanned systems, and space capabilities.

Her track record includes guiding five acquisitions, including the integration of General Dynamics Mission Systems Operation in Nashua, NH (formerly Axsys Technologies). These efforts have driven sustained growth for Clear Align. Under her direction, the company has earned recognition in defense news as an emerging defense company with awards including Inc. 500™, Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, and SBA Minority Entrepreneur of the Year.

Earlier in her career, Angelique led product innovations at AT&T Bell Laboratories, including the commercialization of LiNbO3 optical modulation products, which grew into a $500 million business over five years. During her tenure at Bell Labs she led a committee that reported directly to the Board of Directors focused on new technology commercialization.

As an advocate for innovation and small businesses, Angelique has testified before the U.S. Congress on these topics. In addition to her business responsibilities, Angelique has served for over five years on the congressional scholarship selection committee for military academies in the 8th district, as part of her commitment to fostering the next generation of military leaders. She served the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank for four years as a member of the ECAC that advises on emerging trends, issues, and market conditions working on poverty reduction. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, where she studied Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.

Andrew Partynski

CTO

Andrew serves as Clear Align’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) where he is responsible for the technology development for AI and network enabled sensor solutions. Before Clear Align, he served in key executive positions at Alion, DynCorp International, SAIC, DRS, and Recon Optical. 

Andrew served as Chief Innovation Officer for Alion Science & Technology, where he led technology assessment and evaluations for Army Futures Command, and Army Application Lab including demonstrations of disruptive capabilities, such as the application of artificial intelligence with deep learning, to provide the warfighter with automated decision support. 
At DynCorp International, Partynski led the development of capabilities for the UAE Army’s Research Development & Engineering Center. His efforts included the introduction of advanced engineering tools and technologies, leadership mentoring, and managing an international and culturally diverse team. 

As the Chief Technology Officer at SAIC, he led the organization’s technical community offering best-in-class technology solutions, led the senior solution architects, and personally provided solutions to critical programs including next-generation Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV). He also led the Systems Engineering Community of Practice for SAIC which included 800+ systems engineers and focused on curating best practices, ideas, and solutions for the nation’s defense. Additionally, he led the SAIC Strategic University Alliance in Huntsville, providing strategic research and technology critical to DoD programs.

At DRS Technologies, Partynski began as the Vice President of Advanced Programs, where he grew a new business area in uncooled thermal imaging and developed products such as Driver’s Viewer Enhancer (DVE) and Thermal Weapons Sights. The uncooled business grew the operation from $100M to over $1B. Andrew finished his stay at DRS as the President of the Homeland Security division, where he led the capture and execution of DHS’ SBInet program.

Andrew has five awarded patents and was appointed to several prestigious boards including the President’s Council on Homeland Security. Partynski led STEM initiatives and testified before the House of Representatives on the criticality of STEM education.

Stephanie Campbell

CFO

Stephanie Campbell is a highly accomplished and strategic finance executive with a proven track record of delivering results in the defense industry. Over her extensive career, she has established herself as a value-driven leader, committed to driving financial success, resolving complex challenges, and leading transformative initiatives that optimize financial strategies and enhance organizational performance.

As the Divisional CFO for Defense Electronic Systems at L3Harris, Stephanie served key markets, including search, detection, navigation, fuzing and ordnance. She played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies to deliver high-value solutions and operational excellence to customers, ultimately maximizing financial growth and strengthening organizational impact.

Stephanie brings a proven ability to navigate the complexities of highly matrixed organizations on a global scale. During her tenure as Vice President of Finance at Excelitas Technologies Corp., Stephanie continued to leave a lasting impression with her operational insight and strategic approach, aligning commercial and department of defense programs across seven sites in six countries. Notably, Stephanie's influence extended to diverse areas of optronics, as she played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with FAR/DFAR and CAS in pricing strategies for goverment programs.

Stephanie previously held successive finance roles at LexisNexis, including M&A and FP&A consolidation, where she was instrumental in creating a Global Finance Center of Excellence for Financial Planning and Analysis. Stephanie's approach to leadership extends beyond financial expertise. She excels in developing and leading collaborative, top-performing teams, fostering strong operational relationships, and gaining the trust of leaders at all levels.

Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Dayton, where she actively participated in Varsity Softball and Flyerettes. Stephanie further honed her skills and acquired a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution.

Chris Bigwood

CRO

Chris Bigwood is a dynamic executive with over 25 years of experience driving revenue growth and fostering customer relationships in the defense and aerospace industries. As Chief Revenue Officer at Clear Align, Chris combines strategic insight, deep technical expertise, and a proven track record of business development to accelerate growth. He provides data driven analysis and technical expertise for low risk products and services.

Prior to joining Clear Align, Chris held senior leadership positions at Excelitas Technologies, where he managed global teams, achieved annual sales exceeding $140 million, and expanded the opportunity pipeline to over $300 million. As Vice President of Advanced Optronics, he drove strategic M&A initiatives, developed innovative surveillance and reconnaissance products and engineering services, and led market-leading campaigns that solidified the company’s position as an industry leader.

Chris has a proven track record of securing high-value contracts, including a $140 million deal for avionics technology, while strengthening relationships with top defense manufacturers worldwide. His leadership in defense maritime surveillance systems and deep analysis of critical arms industry trends have been instrumental in serving key defense organizations and building roadmaps that advance mission-critical tech. Chris brings industry leadership of defense maritime surveillance systems including periscopes and situational awareness for the Royal Navy.

Chris played a pivotal technical role in the development of advanced electro-optic systems including thermal weapon sights, missile seeker imagers, infrared sensors, maritime thermal cameras, gunners auxilary sights, and night vision optics. He has authored and presented multiple technical papers at international conferences, with two being recognized among SPIE’s most downloaded publications.

Chris holds a BS in Physics from the University of Salford, an MSc in Applied Optics with distinction from Imperial College and is a Chartered Physicist. His passion for innovation and leadership extends beyond the office. He actively mentors the next generation of engineers and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, gardening and skiing. Chris is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences, sharing his insights on the intersection of technology and strategy in the defense and aerospace sectors.