Learning & Development
Cal State Fullerton, BS Communications and Business Administration
Joined Northrop Grumman in 2004

I actually first came here as a contract employee in Talent Acquisition.  In 2004, I was hired as an NGST employee in College Recruiting.  In 2006, I was assigned the lead on a corporate project involving centralizing college recruiting events across Northrop Grumman, which allowed me to work with diverse groups of people.  Although it was extremely challenging to integrate processes for eight business sectors, it helped me learn about myself and to make some important career decisions.

Currently, I am in the Learning & Development organization, leading the operations for our onsite university.  SPACE University offers onsite high-level education in key capabilities such as systems engineering, laser engineering, program management and subcontract management as well as business and leadership courses.  We also have a Professional Development Center which offers tools and resources to assist all Space Technology employees with every stage of professional growth and development.

Space Park reminds me of a college campus.  There is an onsite fitness center, running track, company store, and clubs and organizations that support every extra-curricular activity imaginable.  The environment fosters excellent technical accomplishment and encourages giving back to the community, such as volunteering at local K-12 schools to promote mathematics and science.  The Friends to Families program assisted employees in "adopting" 150 local families during the last holiday season. 

The people here inspire me to continually do better both professionally and personally.

Production and Supply Chain
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, BS Manufacturing Engineering
Joined Northrop Grumman in 2004

The most anyone can hope for is a job that he or she enjoys.  At NGST, I have felt that my professional and personal goals have been supported.  Management has made it clear that I'm valued and helped facilitate my movement to satisfying positions.  I've also been encouraged to continue my education, both on the job and by pursuing a Master's Degree.

I began my career here in an engineering Technical Rotation Program, which allowed me to explore a number of engineering positions in different departments.  My responsibilities have ranged from machining to microelectronics population to composites production.  In all instances, I was quickly given positions of responsibility which helped to accelerate my career.  One constant in all of my positions is the exceptional quality of people and their drive for technical excellence.

I currently work as Project Manufacturing Engineer on light weight composite structure assemblies.  I'm responsible for analyzing engineering/scientific applications and requirements, and incorporating state-of-the-art technology, concepts, and equipment into engineering designs.  I provide solutions to engineering problems requiring application of theoretical principles and experimental/design techniques.  I am a liaison between design and production and, as a result, my job exposes me to many disciplines ranging from spacecraft concept to launch.  The "hands on" approach many engineers have at NGST is part of what makes my job great.  I work closely with technicians, and my production experience gives me valuable insight into technical issues.

I also appreciate NGST's involvement in the community.  There is an abundance of local community work that is organized through the company such as the Harbor City YWCA remodeling, engineering outreach programs to local schools, and holiday gift drives for local families.  There are also events which support national or world issues such as assembling care packages for our deployed military, American Cancer Societies Relay for Life, and blood drives.

Systems Engineering
USC, BS Electrical Engineering; MS Engineering Management
Joined Northrop Grumman in 2003

I came to Space Technology directly from college because it met all my criteria for a great company.  My position as a power electronics designer allowed me to utilize the skills I learned in college to develop high tech hardware that not everyone has a chance to work on.  Also, this is a large company with plenty of resources to help me develop the skills necessary to succeed in my job.  Right out of school, 
I was put in charge of designing a slice for remote interface units, and my experiences and opportunities continue to grow.  I'm currently working as a power systems lead on a satellite spacecraft whose mission is to discover water on the moon.

NGST has made extra efforts to create a great working environment.  There's a Community of New Employees (CONNECT) to help with new employee assimilation; a Web forum so we can ask and answer questions about anything; a 9/80 work schedule so people can get every other Friday off; job rotation programs; leadership development programs; and educational reimbursement.  I work on exciting projects, in a great location, and enjoy a wonderful environment.

For me, this large company with numerous programs provides countless career growth opportunities whether I want to build hardware, interface with customers as a systems engineer, or move into management. 

Production and Supply Chain
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, BS Industrial Engineering; USC, MS Systems Engineering (in progress)
Joined Northrop Grumman in 2003

Our products have a one-way ticket, so it's important that we get it right.  Working with numerous teams, we build complicated electronics that must succeed once they're launched into space.  My job is 50 percent on the floor manufacturing current designs, and 50 percent reviewing and influencing the hardware of the future.  I feel like I'm part of something where the sum is definitely greater than its parts.

There are great flexible work schedules at Space Technology.  I'm trusted to get my job done, and have the freedom to take care of other aspects of life outside work.  One of my interests is the Society of Women Engineers.   I'm currently Secretary of the Northrop Grumman Corporation Society of Women Engineers. There are a lot of members here at Space Technology and throughout Northrop Grumman.   The company is very supportive of our activities and efforts to continually engage the population, expand our membership, and increase the visibility of our members.  This is part of the environment that fosters technical excellence, high-performing teams, and personal accomplishments and freedom.

Regardless of the technical challenge, teams derive a solution.  It is truly the people here at Northrop Grumman that make the difference.  I'm pleased to work alongside those committed to a job well done and celebrating when we deliver—not to mention launch!

Production and Supply Chain
BS Business Admin., Information Systems/Quantitative Management (ISQM), Loyola Marymount University
Joined Northrop Grumman in 2003

As a financial analyst, I use my business acumen in many ways, from pure accounting and finance to a blend of skills in project control, talent acquisition/human resources, contracts, and pricing.  I use everything from financial models to management strategy in creating business case studies and tracking tools for all levels of our organization.

Two things have made my time with Space Technology especially great:  I'm lucky to have a cool mentor who helps me discover what I like to do and offers advice on how to go after it; and an organization for new hires has helped me develop great social relationships with interesting and fun people.  We plan events all around LA, including surf and snowboard lessons, trips to The Getty Museum, and Friday social hours.  My friends and I helped tutor local middle-school kids for the regional Science Olympiad.  There are a lot of opportunities to be active in our community.

I've been involved in the NGST Leadership Development Program, which has provided extra training, mentorship, and high visibility, allowing us to tackle difficult challenges facing our sector in areas ranging from engineering to business development.  The variety of experiences here has added to my enjoyment and career growth.

Payloads and Sensors
BS Aerospace Engineering and MBA, University of Southern California
Joined Northrop Grumman in 2003

After a rewarding career with the Air Force, I wanted to stay in the South Bay and pursue my next professional challenge.  I was familiar with TRW (now NGST) because I was in one of our customer offices for over nine years.  I had great respect for the caliber of people I interacted with as a customer, and now I get to provide that same level of service on behalf of the company.  My Air Force program management and space systems acquisition experience directly transitioned into Space Technology.

As the acquisition manager for the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite for the National Polar-orbiting Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), I manage cost, schedule, and technical performance of a major subcontract; it's like managing an entire program within the larger context of the NPOESS program.  The management challenge of such a large and complex program is what I thrive on.  Acquisition management is much like being a program manager, so there is opportunity for crossover between managing subcontracts and managing programs. 

Although the work here is demanding, it is also rewarding and important.  The technical strength of Space Technology's people allows us to design, develop and deliver extraordinary programs for our customers.  I'm constantly amazed at how people will band together to solve yet another tough problem.  There's always a new challenge around the corner, and yet we always find a solution. 

Engineering
BS, Chemistry, University of Southern California
Joined Northrop Grumman in 1979

My passion for the space industry was triggered at a very early age.  I grew up in the Apollo era and remember watching the landing on the moon.  When my high school physics class toured TRW (now NGST), I saw that this is where the best and brightest scientists and engineers worked, and I wanted to be part of that team.

I now lead the Systems Operations team as part of the Launch and Operations Center.  We work alongside other NGST engineers and customers to best determine how to successfully "fly" a mission.  We lead the design efforts to determine how we will operate new complex planetary probes that will soon explore the moon, Mars, and even Jupiter.  It takes vision, an excellent understanding of physics, and exceptional engineering skills to make these missions happen.  These are the types of challenges I dreamed of when I decided on a career in the space business.

It is also important that I work for a company that is genuinely concerned with the quality of math and science education students are now receiving, and we are committed to helping local students achieve success in these and other academic areas.  Many of us volunteer to tutor students at local junior high schools so that NGST's tradition of technical excellence continues well into the future.  There is a spirit of giving to the community and a sense of philanthropy that defines us beyond a business venture that only seeks profit.

We are experiencing phenomenal growth, and I'm excited about the newest technologies and real business opportunities we have today.  We have evolved to more than a satellite company; we are an innovator, a creator of new technology, and a developer of new business models for our industry and nation like never before.  I'm still passionate about what we do here.

Payloads and Sensors
BS, MS Ceramic Engineering, University of Illinois
Joined Northrop Grumman in 1988

I came to NGST in 1988 because of the company's exciting and innovative projects; that belief has not changed during my career here.  Performing in an exceptional manner and doing the best technical job remains our most important priority.

I've enjoyed continual growth and technical achievement here.  Working on NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory, which will help determine the origins of the universe, was very exciting.  Now I'm an acquisition manager on the James Webb Space Telescope which, when launched in 2013, will peer at greater distances into the universe than ever before.  Managing a major subcontractor means that I ensure they meet the technical requirements within the cost and schedule constraints.  Although a technical background is required for this job, it is really more about programmatic aspects and people.  Those are the parts of the job that I enjoy the most.

I can actually go to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and see an exhibit on Chandra.  That makes me proud of the work I've done and excited about the challenges ahead.