Colonel (Ret.) Al Niles
Colonel (Ret.) Al M. Niles Jr. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SoloTech Solutions, Inc., bringing more than three decades of leadership experience spanning military operations, defense acquisition, aerospace, aviation, and executive management.
A career Army aviator, acquisition executive, and Special Operations leader, Al spent more than 30 years leading organizations at the intersection of operations, technology, and modernization. From combat deployments across multiple theaters to senior leadership positions within Army Aviation and U.S. Special Operations Command, he was responsible for developing, acquiring, and fielding capabilities that enhanced readiness, improved operational effectiveness, and supported some of the Department of War's highest-priority missions.
Al concluded his military service as Project Manager for the CH-47 Chinook Helicopter Program Office at Redstone Arsenal, where he led one of the Army's most complex aviation acquisition portfolios, overseeing modernization, sustainment, international programs, and lifecycle management efforts supporting U.S. and allied forces around the world.
Following retirement from military service, Al transitioned into executive leadership within the defense industry, where he was responsible for strategic growth, business operations, customer engagement, and program execution across a broad portfolio supporting Army Aviation, missile defense, engineering services, systems integration, and technical support contracts. As an executive leader, he oversaw teams of engineers, analysts, program managers, logisticians, and technical professionals supporting critical programs and organizations.
His industry leadership experience includes developing growth strategies, leading capture and proposal efforts, building partnerships with government and industry stakeholders, managing multimillion-dollar programs, and aligning technical solutions with operational requirements. He has worked closely with Portfolio Acquisition Executives, Program Managers, Combatant Commands, Special Operations organizations, and defense contractors to deliver mission-focused solutions that improve readiness, modernization, training, and operational effectiveness.
Through SoloTech Solutions, Al combines operational experience, acquisition expertise, and executive-level business leadership to help government agencies, defense contractors, and international partners solve complex aerospace, aviation, defense, and national security challenges. His unique perspective as a former warfighter, acquisition executive, and defense industry leader enables him to bridge the gap between operational requirements and acquisition execution, ensuring solutions are practical, effective, and grounded in real-world experience.
B.S., Tuskegee University · M.S. Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · M.S. Management Science, Florida Institute of Technology · M.S. Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College
Industry leadership & strategic engagement
SoloTech Solutions maintains active engagement across the defense, aviation, special operations, education, and veteran communities. These leadership and advisory roles provide unique insight into emerging technologies, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and mission requirements across government and industry.
Global SOF Foundation
As an Advisory Council Member, Colonel Niles provides strategic counsel on modernization, acquisition, and capability development across the global Special Operations community. This role embodies SoloTech's commitment to operational excellence and direct engagement with the warfighter, ensuring that solutions developed address real-world mission requirements.
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Association
A Life Member dedicated to supporting the community, professional development, and operational advancement of Army Aviation's most elite special operations unit. Colonel Niles remains deeply connected to the aviation community that shaped his 30+ year military career, contributing institutional knowledge and mentorship that directly informs SoloTech's rotary-wing and fixed-wing program strategies.
University of Alabama College of Engineering
Serves on the Board of Engineering, advancing workforce development, academic excellence, and industry-academy partnerships in aerospace and defense disciplines. Colonel Niles is committed to preparing the next generation of engineers and acquisition professionals who will shape America's defense posture, reflecting SoloTech's investment in long-term workforce sustainability and technical excellence.
PMP & DAWIA Level III Acquisition Professional
Holds Project Management Professional certification and Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Level III status, representing mastery in program execution and federal acquisition policy. These credentials ensure that every SoloTech engagement adheres to the highest industry standards for compliance, governance, and procurement excellence. Colonel Niles also holds Black Belt Lean Six Sigma certification, enabling process optimization and continuous improvement across all program activities.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Life Member committed to supporting the veteran community and advancing causes that benefit those who served. This engagement reflects SoloTech's deep roots in the military community and our unwavering commitment to service, supporting organizations that advocate for veterans across all service branches.
Active Department of Defense Security Clearance
Maintains an active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, enabling rapid engagement with government agencies on classified and sensitive programs. This standing clearance eliminates security processing delays and demonstrates SoloTech's commitment to safeguarding national security interests. Combined with established relationships across CONUS and OCONUS organizations, it positions the company to support the most mission-critical defense initiatives.
Why It Matters to Our Clients
SoloTech Solutions leverages relationships and insights gained through active leadership roles across the Special Operations, Army Aviation, aerospace, academic, and veteran communities. These engagements help us remain connected to emerging requirements, industry best practices, workforce trends, and strategic partners that directly benefit our clients.
Let's Start a Conversation
Reach out to discuss how SoloTech can support your program office or team.