Tell us a little about your background.
I’m originally from Canada and grew up in Melbourne, where I completed my Aerospace Engineering degree and worked briefly in research and in STEM Education, specialising in space science. I then moved to Brisbane to start my engineering career as a Systems Engineer, and also worked in aviation as a Mechanical Design Engineer.
What does your role involve?
I’ve been at Northrop Grumman Australia for 11 months and there hasn’t been a quiet moment since joining, which I love! I help engineering teams develop, integrate and deliver safe systems and products – analysing failure modes and conditions, developing frameworks to support safety in design, and providing guidance to designers and developers to ensure our systems don’t hurt people.
I’m currently supporting satellite ground station projects, aviation sustainment programs, and head office governance framework development, so a broad range and enjoyed working alongside some extremely talented Australian and US engineers.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
As a self-confessed aviation geek, seeing a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport stripped down in deeper level maintenance was phenomenal – it’s so cool that we have so many people supporting such an amazing platform and key capability for the RAAF.
What makes Northrop Grumman Australia special for you?
At Northrop Grumman Australia there is a genuine desire to see our people succeed, with established mentorship and support structures which are embraced by everyone to ensure we have the tools to Define Possible. Seeing my colleagues motivated to do the right thing makes me proud to work for an organisation that prioritises safety engineering.
What does Defining Possible mean to you?
Defining Possible takes control of the problem – we tackle the problem first, before the solution. Redefining and exploring what is known helps us innovate, and open-mindedness helps drive advancements in the industry.
What advice would you give someone considering joining Northrop Grumman Australia?
Let your passion for innovation shine through. We value creativity rather than rigid thinking – it’s important to explore the creative areas of your skills and be comfortable embracing it!
What do you do outside work?
I spend most of my spare time outdoors – hiking or kayaking – or reading (when the weather forces me inside). I love travel, and have just booked a caving expedition in Vietnam!
What is your claim to fame?
In a previous life, I spent most of my time training as a competitive cheerleader and dancer, coached dance teams and represented Australia at the Dance World Championships.
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