Aspire Higher: How NASA is Developing the Next Generation of Engineering Leaders

To be successful, aeronautic and aerospace projects require project teams to collaborate effectively in order to (1) get the design right and (2) manage complexity. In this session of the Virtual Project Management Challenge, we will focus on how NASA develops its engineers to lead project teams successfully from both a technical and leadership perspective. Specifically, the Challenge will look at the agency’s Systems Engineering Leadership Development Program (SELDP) and explore how the program helps NASA develop the next generation of engineering leaders. This Virtual Project Management Challenge will feature insights from SELDP graduates Sean Laughter, Standards Verification and Integration Lead for Commercial Crew at Langley Research Center (LaRC), David Rutishauser, Avionics Lead for the Safe and Precise Landing Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) Project at Johnson Space Center (JSC), and Lisa Smith, Lead Systems Engineer in the Environmental Life Support System (ECLSS) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). SELDP Project Manager Kevin Magee and Leadership Facilitator and Coach Cindy Zook will offer their perspectives on the value of the program as well.