Matthew Scott Elmore

Designer

About

I’m an aviator, software developer, entrepreneur and retired U.S. Air Force Major with over 20 years of service. Throughout my military career, I led intelligence operations, flew high-performance aircraft like the U-2 in strategic ISR missions, and developed cutting-edge software to support flight operations. From commanding reconnaissance missions across the globe to instructing future pilots and managing Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) programs spanning multiple regions, I’ve built a career around precision, leadership, and adaptability.

After retiring from the Air Force, I transitioned to commercial aviation, flying the Boeing 747 with Atlas Air and now serving as a First Officer on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with United Airlines. At the same time, I’ve continued to pursue my passion for technology—building aviation apps and digital tools to improve cockpit workflow and data access. With more than a decade of iOS development experience using Swift, formal training in Python, and ongoing studies in Computer Science, I bridge the gap between aviation and software with hands-on expertise and a problem-solving mindset. Whether I’m flying, coding, or leading a team, I’m driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make every system I touch better.

Education

My educational journey has been a diverse blend of academic achievement and hands-on technical training. I hold a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Aviation Education from Trident University International, where I developed a strong foundation in instructional design and adult learning theory. I also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Western Connecticut State University, which instilled in me a disciplined approach to analysis, research, and systems thinking. Additionally, I completed an Associate of Applied Science in Avionics Systems Technology through the Community College of the Air Force, bridging the gap between technical aircraft systems and operational application. To further develop my passion for technology, I’ve completed multiple iOS development bootcamps, including About Objects’ OS Development in Swift and Big Nerd Ranch’s iOS Essentials and Advanced iOS programs. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University to formally expand my software engineering skills and support my work at the intersection of aviation and technology.

University

Bachelor of Science – Computer Science

2024 – Present

Southern New Hampshire University

Currently enrolled in a CS program focused on a comprehensive foundation in software engineering, algorithms, data structures, and systems architecture. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving and prepares students for careers in application development, cybersecurity, and technology innovation.

Master of Arts – Education: Aviation Education

2012 – 2013

Trident University International

Summa Cum Laude

Completed a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Aviation Education from Trident University. The program focused on adult learning theory, curriculum development, and aviation safety, and equipped me with the skills to educate, lead, and mentor within high-performance aviation environments.

Bachelor of Arts – Biology: Bioscience

2000 – 2003

Western Connecticut State University

Minor in Mathematics

Completed an intensive biology program with coursework in cellular biology, chemistry, anatomy, and environmental science. Built a scientific foundation that supports technical thinking and systems analysis.

Associate – Applied Science

1997 – 1999

Community College of the Air Force

Completed an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Community College of the Air Force with a focus on Intelligence Studies and Applied Science. This program provided a strong foundation in intelligence operations, critical thinking, and technical applications supporting national defense and military decision-making.

Bootcamps

iOS Development – iOS Development in Swift: Comprehensive

2019

About Objects

Completed the iOS Development in Swift: Comprehensive course at About Objects, an immersive program that combines Swift programming fundamentals with iOS application development. This course enhanced my proficiency in Swift and equipped me with the skills to build robust, user-friendly iOS applications.

iOS Development – Advanced iOS

2018

Big Nerd Ranch

Completed Advanced iOS Bootcamp at Big Nerd Ranch, an intensive program focused on enhancing iOS development skills through in-depth exploration of performance tuning, debugging, and a broad range of iOS frameworks and APIs. This experience deepened my expertise in designing efficient, high-performing applications and strengthened my ability to troubleshoot complex issues within the iOS ecosystem.

iOS Development – iOS Essentials with Swift

2018

Big Nerd Ranch

Completed the iOS and Swift Essentials course at Big Nerd Ranch, a comprehensive 7-day bootcamp focused on building iOS applications using Swift. This program enhanced my skills in Swift programming, Xcode navigation, user interface design, data persistence, and integrating web services, providing a solid foundation for developing robust and user-friendly iOS applications.

Military

I served over 20 years in the United States Air Force, rising from an enlisted intelligence analyst to a commissioned officer and U-2 aircraft commander. My career began in intelligence, where I was responsible for analyzing and delivering real-time mission-critical information in support of combat operations. After commissioning through Officer Training School, I became a military pilot and flew a wide range of aircraft including the C-130 Hercules, T-6 Texan II, T-38 Talon, C-12 Huron, and ultimately, the U-2/TR-1 for high-altitude ISR missions. These operations took me across the globe, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and clandestine special operations in denied areas. I was entrusted with sensitive missions directed by the highest levels of government and earned a reputation for calm leadership, operational excellence, and mission success under pressure.

In addition to flying, I held numerous leadership and instructional roles. I served as an instructor pilot, a Flight Commander, an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, software and EFB program director. I was instrumental in modernizing flight operations through technology, developing digital tools and systems that enhanced cockpit efficiency and mission planning. From mentoring cadets and junior officers to managing flight safety and software innovation across multi-theater operations, my Air Force career was defined by adaptability, innovation, and service to mission and team.

U-2 Pilot & Chief of Software Development

2016 – 2020

99th Reconnaissance Squadron – Beale AFB, California

  • Managed and developed cutting edge software for use with both the U-2 and T-38.
  • Director of the Electronic Flight Bag program spanning multiple continents and Area’s of Responsibilities.
  • Commanded U-2 high altitude reconnaissance aircraft in support of President of the United States & Secretary of Defense directed missions.
  • Employed multi-intelligence platform with various payloads in war and peacetime missions worldwide to secure National objectives.
  • Subject matter expert for Air Operations Center Commander & US Forces in Europe.
  • Facilitated the redeployment of U-2 high altitude reconnaissance assets from the Middle East to Europe.

Instructor Pilot Instructor, EFB Program Manager, Software Developer

2014 – 2016

559th Flying Training Squadron –

  • Facilitated AETC's first Electronic Flight Bag program.
  • Taught the necessary skills, techniques, and procedures for upgrading instructor pilots to instruct in a high density, high performance flying environment.
  • Managed all aspects of flying and ground training.

Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Commandant of Cadets

2013 – 2014

AFROTC Detachment 115 – University of Connecticut

  • Taught a curriculum covering Foundations of the USAF, Air Force History, Leadership and National Security Affairs.
  • Responsible for leading, recruiting, training, counseling and evaluating highly qualified young men & women as prospective Air Force officers.

C-295 Special Operations Pilot, Air Commando

2012 – 2013

Air Force Special Operations – North Carolina

  • Part of a selectively-manned SAP (special access program) tasked to conduct national level, Secretary of Defense directed clandestine SOF (Special Operational Forces) contingency missions into denied areas.

T-6 Instructor Pilot, Flight Commander

2009 – 2012

84th Flying Training Squadron – Laughlin AFB, Texas

  • Instructed USAF student pilots in T-6 aircraft; in various regimes of flight to include Formation, Aerobatics, Instruments, Low Level Navigation, and Basic Handling.
  • Supervised 6 Instructor Pilots and more than 50 students per year.
  • Ensured that both students and instructors maintain flying proficiency while executing multiple flight training syllabus to include the training of international students.

C-130 Aircraft Commander, Assistant Chief of Information Operations

2006 – 2009

37th Airlift Squadron – Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany

  • Executed formation airdrops of personnel, heavy equipment and container delivery systems in all weather conditions and using Night Vision Goggles.
  • Performed operations at austere drop zones and landing zones and deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  • Responsible for over 29 thousand training events, 700 sorties, 600 training folders, 40 upgrade programs and 204 simulator courses per year.

Imagery Analyst

1997 – 2000

36th Intelligence Squadron – Langley AFB, Virginia

  • Performed intelligence activities and functions including exploitation, development, and dissemination of multisensor imagery products to support warfighting operations and other activities.
  • Used softcopy imagery systems to exploit, perform mensuration, annotate, and disseminate imagery products.
  • Performed precise mensuration of multisensor imagery to determine geographic location of targets.
  • Compiled imagery derived data into detailed target assessments.
  • Exploited and analyzed multisensor imagery in conjunction with all-source intelligence information.

Training

  • 2012 - Squadron Officer School
  • 2012 - SERE 400
  • 2012 - SERE 245
  • 2012 - CASA-295 Basic/Mission Qualification Course
  • 2010 - MC-12 Basic/Mission Qualification Course
  • 2009 - T-6A Pilot Instructor Training Qualification Course
  • 2008 - C-130 Aircraft Commander Qualification Course
  • 2006 - C-130 Basic/Mission Qualification Course
  • 2006 - S-V80-A, Combat Survival Training Course
  • 2005 - S-V86-A, Water Survival Training
  • 2005 - Undergraduate Pilot Training
  • 1997 - Imagery Analysis Apprentice Course

Decorations

  • Meritorious Service Medal
  • Air Medal (9)
  • Air Force Commendation Medal
  • Air Force Achievement Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Humanitarian Service Medal
  • Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
  • Combat Readiness Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • NATO Medal
  • AF Good Conduct Medal
  • Small Arms Expert Marksmanship

Profesional

After retiring from the Air Force, I transitioned into the private sector, continuing my aviation career while expanding my role in technology and software development. I first joined Cenith Innovations as a Product Manager, where I led a team of developers and contributed to the modernization of cockpit systems, including EFB software for the U-2 and T-38 platforms. I then flew as a First Officer on the Boeing 747 with Atlas Air, operating international cargo missions, before moving to United Airlines, where I currently serve as a First Officer on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In parallel with my aviation work, I am a founding member 4bitcrew, a software company focused on creating intuitive, pilot-centric digital tools aimed at improving workflow and data access in the cockpit. This blend of hands-on aviation and technical innovation continues to define my post-military career.

First Officer - Boeing 787

2022 – Present

United Airlines – Chicago, Illinois

  • Responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft through all phases of flights.
  • Communicate with Air Traffic Control for clearances during push back, taxi, take off, cruise, descent and landing.
  • Work with Captain, dispatch, load planning, flight attendants, gate agents and cargo personnel for efficient and safe operation of the aircraft.
  • Provide outstanding customer service.

First Officer – Boeing 747

2021 – 2022

Atlas Air – Anchorage, Alaska

  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft.
  • Exercise responsibilities in a manner that promotes teamwork, professionalism and mentorship.
  • Incorporate relevant information, develop operational strategies and choose the best course of action consistent with safe, reliable and efficient operation of the aircraft.
  • Exchange information, ideas and instructions in a timely manner.

Product Manager – Multiple Applications

2020 – 2021

Cenith Innovations – Bend, Oregon

  • Managed a team of software developers across multiple companies.
  • Wrote and developed software for use on EFB (Electronic Flight Bags) for the U-2 and the T-38.
  • Coordinated the modernization of the U-2 Cockpit.

Software

Experienced iOS developer with over a decade of hands-on programming in Swift, focused on creating aviation-specific apps that enhance cockpit workflow, checklist management, and data accessibility. Proficient in Python for scripting, automation, and backend support. Skilled in designing user-friendly interfaces and integrating aviation databases into real-time tools. Currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science to further strengthen software engineering fundamentals and expand development into scalable, cross-platform solutions.