Alejandro Espinosa
San Diego,USA
Summary
Experienced aerospace executive with over 25 years of progressive leadership in aerospace management systems deployment, continuous improvement, and engineering team development. Expertise in driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and fostering cross-functional collaboration within innovative aerospace organizations. Proficient in managing multimillion-dollar programs, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring compliance with stringent airworthiness regulations and quality standards. Committed to steering transformation initiatives that enhance organizational performance, promote team growth, and advance technological innovation.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
System Engineer Manager Airworthiness IPT
Northrop Grumman Corporation
San Diego, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Lead the Office of Airworthiness Consulting and Certification (OACC) for the SPAN Business Unit, setting strategy and governance for airworthiness across multiple sites.
- Oversaw the development and execution of long-term airworthiness certification and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with MIL-HDBK-516 and other regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with program management, engineering teams, and executive leadership to align airworthiness efforts with corporate and operational objectives.
- Spearhead the creation and maintenance of standard processes and metrics, driving early identification and resolution of non-compliance issues.
- Partnered with internal and external stakeholders, including the Airworthiness Executive and Experimental Flight Test Operations, supported cross sector IWOs to optimize system capabilities and safely deploy new aerospace technologies.
Quality & Space Systems Program Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
San Diego, CA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Directed multiple space structures programs and program startup by defining strategic milestones and overseeing cost, schedule, and technical performance to meet critical mission objectives.
- Led high-level customer engagements and negotiated contract terms, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR) ensuring alignment with customer expectations and company goals.
- Mentor and guide diverse teams across technical and administrative functions, fostering professional development and operational excellence.
- Initiated and implemented process improvements, resource allocation strategies, lean-agile, earned value techniques, risk mitigation plans to streamline program delivery.
Test Manager, Avionics & Tactical Networks Operations
Northrop Grumman Corporation
San Diego, CA
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Managed operations across multiple sites for design, manufacturing, calibration, system testing, and final delivery of military aircraft systems including communication and navigation systems.
- Directed and inspired a multi-disciplinary team of 95+ professionals across 5 work centers, ensuring optimal staffing, talent development, and high-quality deliverables.
- Established strategic relationships with customer agencies, such as the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), to ensure adherence to contractual requirements and quality standards.
- Oversaw comprehensive process improvements and quality enhancements that drove operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
Manager, Quality & Production Engineering
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Palmdale / San Diego, CA
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Led engineering teams in high-impact programs for military aircraft systems ensuring Test validation compliance with contractual, ISO, and AS9100 standards.
- Championed quality initiatives that delivered schedule and cost performance improvements and enhanced overall program outcomes.
- Streamlined quality control operations and collaborated with cross-functional leaders to resolve technical challenges and boost manufacturing efficiencies.
- Enabled Manufacturing Center Fuselage team to achieve 1.0 schedule performance index (SPI) and cost performance index (CPI).
Senior Director Quality Assurance & Flight Operational
United States Marine Corps
01.1998 - 01.2012
- Directed quality, safety, and maintenance operations for a fleet of 21 military attack helicopters and associated support equipment, managing a budget exceeding $300M.
- Supervised and developed a large team of over 150 Marines and civilians, providing leadership, training, and strategic direction to enhance operational performance.
- Reviewed Aircraft Discrepancy Books to brief Functional Check Pilots on aircraft requiring Functional Ground Turn or Functional Check Flight ensuring all necessary Flight test checks and ground operation were performed.
Education
Master of Science - Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona, FL01-2013
Bachelor of Science - Professional Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona, FL01-2006
Skills
- Systems analysis and design
- System architecture
- System integration
- System testing
- Hardware integration
- Infrastructure design
- Systems engineering
- Product development
- Quality assurance
- Staffing resource management
- Customer proposals
- System troubleshooting
CLEARANCE
Current Secret Clearance
Timeline
System Engineer Manager Airworthiness IPT
Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2023 - Current
Quality & Space Systems Program Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2021 - 01.2023
Test Manager, Avionics & Tactical Networks Operations
Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2018 - 01.2021
Manager, Quality & Production Engineering
Northrop Grumman Corporation
01.2012 - 01.2018
Senior Director Quality Assurance & Flight Operational
United States Marine Corps
01.1998 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Professional Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Master of Science - Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University