Meet our Data Solutions Team: A Q&A with Mike Malinowski

Further strengthening Jacobs’ focus and investment in our technology, data and cyber business for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Mike Malinowski joins us as our new DOJ and DHS Client Account & Solutions Director to help bring cutting-edge solutions and experience to our government customers and industry partners.

With a distinguished career at the FBI as a senior executive, Mike brings deep relationships, a wealth of experience and a proven track record on instrumental roles for numerous innovative and mission-critical projects. Notably, he was pivotal in establishing and maturing the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) in 2004, following Presidential directive. In 2008, he also led the creation of the IT Specialist National Program, enhancing the career development of all field office IT Specialists at the FBI.

Additionally, Mike was instrumental in contributing to the development of "Sentinel," the FBI's first automated electronic case file system, adopted by agents and analysts in 2012. He also played a lead executive role in designing, building and installing the first corporate FBI Data Center in the western region of the country, located in Pocatello, Idaho.

Hi, Mike. Can you tell us how the work you do is helping deliver data solutions for our clients?

I bring to Jacobs a wealth of enterprise IT experience spanning more than 25 years. This extensive background equips me with the insight needed to guide clients in making informed IT choices that align seamlessly with their mission requirements.

Can you tell us about a project you’ve participated in that you’re especially proud of?

During my tenure at the TSC in the post-9/11 era, I assumed a vital role as the government lead responsible for conceptualizing, devising, and executing the initial framework of the groundbreaking U.S. Consolidated Terrorist Watchlist. This watchlist, which I contributed to establishing, has not only evolved over time but remains actively employed by airlines, shipping ports and U.S. entry points to this day. Serving as the foremost determinant of entry permissions into the nation, it stands as a testament to its enduring significance.

Can you share a time when you delivered something for a client that exceeded their expectations?

In a progressive phase of advancing virtualization technologies tailored for on-premise systems, I spearheaded a highly effective initiative aimed at establishing a cloud infrastructure. This innovative system empowered internal FBI developers with the capacity to execute cloud-like operations within the organization's confines. While this cloud solution might not have encompassed every feature present in public cloud offerings, it provided developers with the essential and prevalent functionalities necessary to not only meet but surpass critical mission requirements.

What do you see as the top benefits that data solutions can provide to clients?

Data lies at the heart of virtually all central national security operations. The efficacy of contemporary AI and ML tools hinges upon the precision, organization and composition of the underlying dataset, a determinant that directly influences the insights delivered. Within this landscape, Jacobs stands uniquely poised to furnish such a mission-critical toolset, thereby enabling agencies to sustain their vanguard positions in refining and dispensing top-tier data analysis of this caliber.

What is some of the best career advice you’ve ever received?

During my tenure at the TSC, I had the privilege of being guided by a seasoned mentor, a retired Air Force Colonel. His invaluable insights left an indelible mark on my approach to decision-making: "In situations that do not imperil life, avoid hasty judgments. Pause, reflect, and whenever feasible, allow time and sleep to intervene before arriving at a conclusion. More often than not, the passage of time and the clarity that sleep offers pave the way for optimal decision-making."