Faun (Nicki) Tackett
Program Manager
Bristow,VA
Summary
Results-oriented Program Manager with 20 years in the solid rocket motor propulsion industry, recognized for fostering collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams. Expertise in managing complex projects and achieving customer satisfaction through innovative solutions. Eager to apply skills in new, challenging sectors that align with mission-driven goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal, Program Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
Culpeper, VA
07.2025 - 09.2025
- Delivered Program Management and Technical Subject Matter Expert support for all product lines to D5 Program Team.
- Managed staffing across legacy Production and new development teams, ensuring functional accountability.
- Provided training and mentoring to junior Program Managers and Engineers to enhance skills.
- Facilitated internal SME support for Strategic Planning, proposal development, negotiations, and EVMS reporting.
- Addressed customer requests regarding current and future contracts, including IMS development and staffing plans.
- Guided multi-functional teams in resolving complex issues and implementing corrective actions.
- Oversaw consultant tasking for Gas Generator development contract to capture essential tribal knowledge.
Sr. Manager/Manager, Program Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
Culpeper, VA
01.2018 - 07.2025
- Managed oversight of Program Managers for various production and service contracts.
- Ensured contract execution and compliance, managing risks across roughly 15 contracts totaling $60-140M per year.
- Functioned as Program Manager for legacy PBCS GG Production, serving as subject matter expert in multiple domains.
- Directed proposal processes for 7-15 proposals annually from initial development to contract negotiations.
- Oversaw financial data submissions as Control Account Manager for PBCS GG Production program.
- Provided inputs for annual strategic plans to enhance new business opportunities.
- Maintained primary customer liaison role within D5 program area, facilitating long-term planning with key stakeholders.
- Supported continuous improvement programs by tracking multi-disciplinary performance metrics for leadership.
Senior Analyst, Program Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
Culpeper, VA
06.2013 - 01.2018
- Provided Program Management support of legacy D5 PBCS Gas Generator Production and auxiliary programs for Navy prime customer.
- Responsible for preparing and negotiating FFP, LOE and CPFF follow on and new business proposals
- Managed subtier procurement, line of balance, delivery and quality performance to ensure effective contract execution while meeting contract requirements
- Advised program team in the resolution of technical and operational problems based on specific company and customer goals and expectations
- Served as the primary company interface with the customer
- Managed allocation and integration of department resources to meet commitments and objectives
- Proposed and managed operational budgets, program plans, risk and opportunity management plans, customer deliverables and schedules
- Responsible for input to preparation of annual product business plans
- Provided direction in problem investigations and resolution across functional areas
- Provided technical document/data review and administrative leadership across functional areas to achieve program objectives
- Participated in technical and programmatic meetings for internal and external customers
Project Engineer
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
Culpeper, VA
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Provided project engineering support for D5 PBCS Gas Generator Production and NFJM Production programs.
- Ensured delivered products met Aerojet Rocketdyne and contractual engineering design requirements.
- Prepared program plans defining and allocating requirements alongside program management.
- Implemented design tasks, special studies, experiments, and hardware/test specifications.
- Evaluated program technical risk based on resources and inputs from functional engineering teams.
- Coordinated with manufacturing, quality, test, procurement, and program areas to achieve program objectives.
- Directed junior engineers and project support personnel in assigned tasks as needed.
- Monitored engineering project status and communicated project requirements effectively.
Engineer, Thermal Design
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
Culpeper, VA
07.2005 - 08.2011
- Executed analysis, design, development, and testing tasks within Thermal Engineering.
- Conducted conventional studies and investigations on complex structures and equipment.
- Independently evaluated and applied engineering techniques, adapting procedures as needed.
- Prepared technical documentation and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Selected relevant analytical data from previous products to define technical principles.
- Reviewed engineering drawings to ensure alignment with analyzed design intent.
- Directed less senior engineers and support personnel in task assignments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The George Washington University
Washington, DC05.2005
Skills
- FBM program knowledge
- MS Office product suite
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Organizational skills
- Presentation skills
- Problem solving
- Quality assurance
- Continuous improvement
- Training and mentoring
- Root cause analysis
- Technical writing
- Control account management
- Earned value management
- Supply Chain Management
- Subtier supplier management
- DoD contracting
- DPAS requirements
- Risk management
- Multi-functional leadership
- Strategic planning
- Proposal development
- Technical subject matter expertise
Certification
Design for Six Sigma Black Belt, 2009
Awards
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Performance Awards: LAUNCH, Various instances in various years 2006-2022
- LMSSC Subcontractor High Five Award, 2016
- FBM Program 10 years of dedicated service award, 2019
Security Clearance
TS, SCI
Timeline
Principal, Program Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
07.2025 - 09.2025
Sr. Manager/Manager, Program Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
01.2018 - 07.2025
Senior Analyst, Program Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
06.2013 - 01.2018
Project Engineer
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
08.2011 - 06.2013
Engineer, Thermal Design
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris
07.2005 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The George Washington University