Northrop Grumman Space Technology
Redondo Beach, CA August 1999 to September 2003

Hired as Senior Member of Technical Staff, promoted to Grade 10 Engineer after one year. Received a company Fellowship to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Southern California.

Primary responsibility is systems engineering, performing architecture trades for the NPOESS weather satellite project. Led rigorous trades to analyze and optimize a newly suggested architecture concept. This innovative proprietary concept was a key contributor to winning a $4.5 billion contract for NPOESS development. Other work covered cost-as-independent-variable trades, availability modeling, orbit analysis, and orbit maintenance requirements.

Coordinated risk management activities for $17 million study contract. Presented risk issues to government customer, pursuading them to modify difficult-to-meet requirements. Trained engineers in risk management process, facilitated risk analyses, followed up with engineers to ensure preparation of supporting documents, organized monthly risk management meetings, and presented risk status at design reviews. Briefed process to another TRW project that was having cost and schedule problems to support their recovery efforts. A general discussion of risk management methods can be found in a paper written as part of Master's degree program.

Authored sections of the successful NPOESS PDRR ($17M) and EMD ($4.5B) proposals, covering risk management, architecture, and systems engineering processes areas. Also provided orbital mechanics support to GLAST and Resource 21 proposals.

Trained junior engineers in orbital mechanics analysis methods and provided mentoring.