Erich Devendorf is an expert technical resident at RAND and serves as the AI Security portfolio colead at the RAND Center on AI Security and Technology (CAST), where he directs a portfolio of research focused on AI security, control, alignment, and evaluation. Before joining RAND, Devendorf spent fifteen years at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) developing advanced technologies to strengthen U.S. cyber warfare capabilities. At AFRL, he managed a $550 million research portfolio spanning offensive and defensive cyber operations, signals intelligence, and counter-UAS technologies. He also led a five-year research program focused on cyber and AI-enabled advantage in operationally contested, degraded battlefields. Earlier in his career, Devendorf transformed the Air Force's cyber warrior training pipeline, expanded multinational cyber exercises, and led a 50 percent expansion of the Air Force's Advanced Course in Engineering. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing technological superiority and strategic resilience in cyberspace.
Devendorf holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University at Buffalo, and an M.S. in joint warfare from Air University.
Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, University at Buffalo; M.S. in mechanical engineering, University at Buffalo; M.S. in joint warfare, Air University; B.S. in mechanical engineering, University at Buffalo
