AI engineering usages with innovation and business ethics
Hi, I’m
Karen Williamson
Bowie,MD
Summary
Highly skilled Principal Systems Engineer with expertise in systems requirements analysis, functional analysis, timeline analysis, trade studies, requirements allocation, and interface definition. Responsible for influencing the development of solutions that directly impact strategic project/program goals and drive business results. Actively recommends and develops new technical solutions, products, and standards to support the overall strategy and operations of the function. Excels in resolving highly complex problems by applying extensive technical knowledge, conceptualizing ideas, reasoning, and interpreting information. Effectively directs cross-functional engagement with systems, software, and test/integration engineering staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality products. Successfully manages various phases of program deliveries for the Federal Aviation Agency, ranging from $500k to $3M. Adept at implementing effective risk management strategies.
Professional systems engineer with deep expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex systems. Skilled in systems architecture, network security, and software integration. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting to changing needs seamlessly. Known for reliability, technical acumen, and leadership in project execution.
Overview
32
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Leidos Company
Principal Systems Engineer, Team Lead
06.2016 - 04.2025
Job overview
- Since the early capture and award of the EnRoute Automation Modernization, set-up specialty engineering mission for the initial and renewed acquired large scale federal programs, developed early system projections to validate and support architecture design for the CONUS and offshore air traffic control system. Managed various phases of programs ($500k - $3M) for the program.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Lead projects and team of 10 System Engineering Analysts, including serving as the liaison to obtain information and providing recommendations to the senior leaders or other interested parties. Resulting in concise and effective communication to meet or exceed transition deadlines; exercised judgement to conform promptly and effectively to shifting priorities, project adjustments, demands and timelines.
- Responsible for technical planning, system hardware-software-network design implementation with a Fedsimulation environment to provide Fedclients eral Agency with system projection for the stringent requirements of the EnRoute Automation Modernization program. This effort has developed a system that has remained stable for operations and the meet the 365 days demand.
- Responsible head author for the development and delivery a program contractual agreed CDRL document that must meet government acceptance at each delivery. These 41 CDRLs delivered earlier than scheduled while within the cost plan.
- Presenter of System Technical Variance Reports which are Technical system risks for meeting system requirements for the monthly program review. This data is report up to the FAA from the Chief Engineer.
- Coordinate a team of engineers to present Performance Technical Information to the FAA in face-to-face meetings biannually as defined by the Contract statement of work.
- As the Team Lead of Computing Resource Analysts, responsible for Secession planning for tasks, team recruitment with management leadership and onboarding new employees into the company culture and understanding of technical tasks.
- Performed an organizational assessment to evaluate the state of new programs; identify any opportunities; anticipate and identify risks are effectively communicated with risk mitigation strategies implemented and resolve issues.
- Provide direction and participate in annual corporate quality assurance audit of engineering processes and procedures. Supported updates as needed to maintain the corporate Capability Maturity Model Level 4.
- Received a $10K award as part of the capture team for AFSS program ($400M program with 10 option years)
- Reviewed and tracked resources and labor hours on projects, including project deliverable tracking and reviews, resource scheduling and resolving schedule conflicts. Resulted in timely and accurate data analysis and written reports about project/program status related to technical performance and achieving target goals and objectives according to the requirements and integrated master schedule.
- 40 hours per week
- Remote work
- Provided insightful input during brainstorming sessions aimed at identifying opportunities for innovation in current projects.
- Reduced downtime occurrences through proactive maintenance checks on critical components and implementing preventative measures where necessary.
- Implemented cost-effective solutions that maximized return on investment without compromising system integrity or performance levels.
Lockheed Martin
Independent Research Analysis Development System Engineering Manager
05.2006 - 12.2013
Job overview
- Development engineering manager for fast-paced, high visibility $6M innovative and development of next generation Air Traffic Control functions and awareness utility applications. Developments were showcase to Lockheed Martin Executives as part of corporation investment. Managed the developers, coordinated test plans, and managed internal and external demonstrations. Provide engineering planning and execution for annual Air Traffic Trade show both domestic (ATCA) and abroad (CANSEC). Demonstration typically support next proposal bids FAA programs (En Route Automation Modernization enhancements and Terminal Base Flow Management programs)
- Key Achievements:
- Reviewed and tracked resources and labor hours on projects, including project deliverable tracking and reviews, resource scheduling and resolving schedule conflicts. Resulted in newly initiated automation to streamline the “ideas to reality to end product” status reporting to key stakeholders, to include resource loaded program schedules, milestone accomplishments, and usage metrics, analyzed data and increased awareness about the system’s value and performance to program office.
- Managed 10 -12 projects across multi-disciplines in the cross organization.
- Assessment return of investment of IRAD projects and determine and stopped “low or no value” tasks that were funding wasteful initiatives.
- Evaluated technical staff according to personnel management guidelines, awards and recognitions, professional and/or technical growth, discipline, merit promotion, pay and benefits, performance, and training.
- Created monthly plans for actions for the team to meet the mission of readiness for demonstration. Trade show schedules are mandatory and must be met with all hands-on deck coordination.
- Sponsored an employee to complete a PHD study which would build the credibility of company expertise in Air Traffic computer human interfaces. This effort required presentation to the division President. Mentored several young engineers into management and leadership roles.
- Awarded 300 shares of Lockheed Martin stock for employee excellence award.
- 40 hours per week
Lockheed Martin Company
System Engineer Manager
01.2000 - 01.2012
Job overview
- Promoted to System Engineer Manager, for Specialties such as Performance, RMA, Safety and Information Security
IBM Corporation
Advisory System Engineer – Computer Analyst
01.1999 - 01.1993
IBM Corporation
Advisory Design Automation and Simulation Support / Relational Database Management Lead Engineer
01.1993 - 01.1985
Education
Howard UniversityWashington, DC
Master of Electrical Engineering (MEE)
01.1985
Howard University
Bachelor of Science from Chemistry major and Allied Sciences Minor
01.1981
Skills
- Stakeholder engagement
- Client-focused service approach
- Strong attention to detail
- Engineering operations management
- Skilled in candidate engagement and outreach
- Account management oversight
- System development and deployment
- Senior stakeholder engagement
- Bid and proposal cost development
- Strong organizational abilities
- Effective risk mitigation
- Effective team leadership
- Effective scheduling and prioritization
- Effective conflict resolution
- Performance metric evaluation
- Approach to achieving system goals
- Telecommunications
- System testing
- Data analytics
Accomplishments
- Designed and executed tangible reduction plans to reduce impact of risk events by 15%.
- Analyzed and designed a high-speed wireless network to support [name of customer] with a more reliable and cost-effective model.
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
- Used Microsoft Excel to developprojections tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
- Designed and executed tangible reduction plans to reduce impact of risk events by [number]%.
Certification
- Completed Leidos Agile Scrum Master training 2018
- Completed Lockheed Martin Control Account Management Training with a must pass rate of 80% (scored a 92%)
- Udemy AI Fundamental Certification
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Interests
Quilting, design digitizing; and Art textile usages
Sustainability design and implementation;
Community engagement
Affiliations
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
- Pearl Elegance Foundation, Inc.
- Uhuru Quilters Guild, Inc.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsWork from home optionTeam Building / Company Retreats4-day work weekStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingCompany CulturePaid time offCareer advancementTimeline
Principal Systems Engineer, Team Lead
Leidos Company
06.2016 - 04.2025
Independent Research Analysis Development System Engineering Manager
Lockheed Martin
05.2006 - 12.2013
System Engineer Manager
Lockheed Martin Company
01.2000 - 01.2012
Advisory System Engineer – Computer Analyst
IBM Corporation
01.1999 - 01.1993
Advisory Design Automation and Simulation Support / Relational Database Management Lead Engineer
IBM Corporation
01.1993 - 01.1985
Howard University
Bachelor of Science from Chemistry major and Allied Sciences Minor
Howard University
Master of Electrical Engineering (MEE)
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