Diane Shaffer Email & Phone Number

Leading teams addressing AWACS FMS cross-program issues such as anomalies discovered in the UPX-40 (Identify Friend or Foe subsystem) and AWACS Mission Computing System IT modernization. Interoperability tool development. JSTARS Recap support.

Woburn, Ma

Worked with Program managers and IPT leads to identify and manage critical technical, cost and schedules risks on foreign and domestic radar systems. Programs included THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Defense) UAE, RSC (Radar Sustainment Contract) and LM (Lockheed Martin) subcontract Programs.Raytheon EV Certified, Raytheon Six Sigma Specialist. Completed all web-based training for Raytheon PM Certification Level 3.

Tasked with driving systems engineering best practices across programs. Determined the optimal requirements definitions for effective execution of users’ mission on complex electrical/mechanical/software systems.Developed a plan and led a team to develop an operational control unit user interface on budget and a month early.Implemented and executed risk management activities.Developed automated tools for requirements compliance assessment and status reporting.Prepared and briefed status reviewsDeveloped requirements management instructional documentation describing how to use DOORS for specific activities.

Brought on board to implement systems engineering, on “change-resistant” programs and to turn a team of requirements managers into systems engineers. Fostered a culture of innovation. Identified program success challenges and directed solutions. Directed the Systems Engineering team to drive engineering and management process compliance across all programs for the successful attainment of CMMI level 3 accreditation. Reviewed and approved trade studies, systems engineering activities and documentation on complex electrical/mechanical/software weapons systems.Increased team systems engineering skill areas 30% in one year and built a team that significantly improved the technical and programmatic excellence on all programs.Fostered culture of innovation by raising a Continuous Improvement Challenge. The team consistently performed at or near the top in Continuous Improvement.Took programs to best practice status in Systems Engineering.Consistently executed effective systems engineering on-time and below budget.Six-Sigma Certified. Coached others in six-sigma activities. Team member on several projects for six-sigma certification.

Recommended technologies and approval of systems engineering products across Hanscom AFB. Identified problems limiting program success and developed and executed solutions. Integral part of Tiger-Team tasked with implementing an ESC-wide requirements management database and process. Ran pilot and developed an enterprise-level process with wide ESC participation. Business case and technical analyses on Commercial Communication Satellites (SATCOM). Participated in Request for Proposal writing and source selection.Analyzed similarities and differences between programs that successfully implemented CMMI processes with those that were unsuccessful. Used the results to develop program-specific CMMI process implementation plans. Briefed results extensively and led programs in process improvement.Drove a requirements process and tool development and implementation Tiger Team. With the team, wrote an RFP, evaluated proposals and ran a pilot. Developed training and trained program teams.Developed material and trained teams in the following topics: project planning, integrated master plan, integrated master schedule, earned value, risk management, configuration control, deficiency reporting, operations readiness, and requirements management.Developed and maintained a technology roadmap. Took initiative to maintain cognizance on industry activities. Pushed relevant news to appropriate programs. Became central point of contact for information on latest industry activities and cutting edge technologies.Business case and technical analyses of commercial communication satellite systems (SATCOM) and evaluation of emerging commercial satellite communications systems. Assessment of data rate, coverage, interoperability, services, status and applicability issues. Assessment of terrestrial communications systems. Cost evaluation of teleports and satellite service. Advanced technology planning and technology assessments.Developed & implemented CMMI-compliant processes.

Project Manager for this start-up with responsibilities for customer satisfaction, negotiation, budget, schedule, technical performance, hiring, team building, planning, project execution, reporting, proposals and marketing calls on database, and information technology projects.Engineering group leader, acting information resource management group leader and acting deputy program manager on a Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) systems support contract. Supported BMDO systems architecture development. Successfully brokered decisions between BMDO (Ballistic Missile Defense Organization) and PEOs (Program Executive Office) on information technology.Managed a 15-person database development team and contributed to the requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and debugging of Law Enforcement databases for nationwide use by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). The team included architects, coders, testers and technical writers. Maintained customer relationships and helped users define their real requirements. Implemented requirements tracking, code walkthroughs, bug tracking and customer sign-offs that delivered database products more focused on user needs in 15% shorter timeManaged engineering personnel and technical projects and maintained an annual budget on a contract with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Commercial Space Transportation (OCST) Licensing and Safety Division performing maximum probable loss analyses and engineering evaluations of commercial launch vehicles and missions.

Managed an engineering team for this start-up and conducted mission, trajectory, stability and control, aero elastic, re-entry, and post flight analyses of rocket systems.Headed a five-person Quality Assurance group. Implemented quality procedures for vehicle buildup at the launch site. Managed quality assurance for the launches of six successful sounding rocket missions within a three month period.Supported launch operations at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and Esrange in Sweden for various sounding rocket launches. Supported the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a Systems Engineering & Technical Assistance (SETA) contractor. Provided requirements analysis, mission documentation and safety analysis for Pegasus and Taurus launch vehicles.

Rocket performance analysis, stability and control, aero elastic, re-entry, post flight analyses, design, launch operations, failure investigations, integration & checkout, quality assurance, space shuttle payloads, interface control, and safety systems.Task leader for mission, trajectory, stability and control, aeroelastic, re-entry and post flight analyses of launch vehicle and upper stage propulsion systems activities for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Observed testing activities and evaluated testing results.Prepared Safety, Interface Control Document (ICD) and Payload Integration Plan (PIP) documentation for Space Transportation System (STS – Space Shuttle) payloads for NASA/GSFC and coordinated with NASA, Houston.

Mba

Bsae, Aerospace Engineering

Education record