Marlene Escobar
Rosamond,CA
Summary
Highly motivated and dedicated Flight Test Project Manager with a proven track record of delivering successful project outcomes. Expertise in project management, including deliverables, scope, quality, resources, schedule, communication, and third-party contract management. Skilled in streamlining operations for enhanced project efficiency and customer satisfaction. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams to plan, implement, and achieve objectives. Adaptable to dynamic environments with excellent interpersonal skills that inspire motivation and guide teams toward company and personal goals. Demonstrated strong analytical and communication skills while leading teams collaboratively.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Flight Test Project Management
Air Dominance Combined Test Force
05.2023 - Current
- Experienced Flight Test Project Manager overseeing confidential programs with a $41M portfolio
- Manage the Advanced Mission Systems Lab, a pivotal component of a high-priority USAF program's acquisition and technology evaluation strategy
- Establish and maintain effective stakeholder relationships, facilitating special program office customer visits, vendor site surveys, and collaborative meetings
- Develop project plans, schedules, and cost estimates in compliance with 412th Test Wing directives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and project execution
- Managed and coordinated test events such as Orange Flag and special events, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines
- Report weekly project status, test outcomes, and milestones at leadership meetings, ensuring transparency and alignment with program goals
- Participate in the Air Dominance Program Management Review and collaborative program test summits, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making processes
- Guide various personnel actions such as hiring, position descriptions, and selections, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulations
- Acted as a consultant to assigned organizations, collaborating closely with major units within the 412th Test Wing to facilitate recruitment, conduct classification evaluations, and manage employee transfers effectively
- Manage contract performance monitoring and reporting for J-Tech II Joint Range Technical Services Contract, ensuring compliance and performance tracking
- Streamlined operations and improved project efficiency through effective resource management and process optimization initiatives.
Flight Test Project Management
Global Reach Combined Test Force
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Coordinated planned, executed, and tested the Air Force aircraft with the KC-46, the newest refueling aircraft, to achieve refueling clearance
- Led and directed a multi-disciplined staff of military, civilian, and contractors to plan and execute tests per DoD, Air Force, AFTC, and 412th Test Wing directives and operating instructions
- Scheduled project plans, test objectives, and final deliverables
- Controlled and monitored program budget, ensuring compliance with 412th Test Wing standard tools and processes
- Coordinated required resources and negotiated timeframes with support organizations, ensuring test events were scheduled and executed within available resources at the Combined Test Force facility
- Managed funding requests to secure necessary resources for test execution
- Established and maintained effective working relationships with multiple technical experts, including engineers, project pilots, logistics leads, special instrumentation teams, special programs office, home office, and other organizations within the Air Force, DoD, and external companies
- Briefed leadership weekly on project status, test execution, accomplishments, concerns, and deliverables
- Ensured project deliverables were provided to the customer per Air Force Instruction 99-103
- Ensured timely administrative closeout procedures
- Reported timely project information into the Test Management Group database, Test Wing weekly activity report, and Test Wing monthly activity report.
Flight Test Project Management
Emerging Technologies Combined Test Force (ET CTF)
12.2019 - 04.2022
- The Platform Lead for the ET CTF was responsible for overseeing the program portfolio
- Managed multiple fast-moving, complex projects, including Joint Urgent Operational Need and Joint Emergent Operational Need programs
- Led project development from inception to completion, generating statements of capabilities agreement that included project objectives, scope, cost estimates, constraints, resources, risk assessments, and deliverables
- Secured funding to support each project's period of performance, ensuring financial viability and resource allocation
- Managed resources to ensure timely execution of project test events, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness
- Monitored costs and risks, continuously tracking project progress to ensure alignment with goals
- Ensured project deliverables met customer requirements as outlined in the project plan and work acceptance criteria
- Reported weekly, ensuring up-to-date and accurate project information, including scope, cost, and schedule, within test management reporting systems.
Process Improvement Project Management
Test Management Division
02.2019 - 12.2019
- Member of the process improvement team, tasked with finding innovative solutions for the Test Wing
- Collaborated in the development and deployment of a technical report tracker solution, including field training
- Provided director-level summaries of test report tracking, ensuring clarity and actionable insights
- Administered Concerto software, and managed permissions and access for users, ensuring data security and proper access control
- Supported project managers in the field, by responding to support requests promptly and provided on-site support at the CTF
- Assisted in creating and deploying standard project templates, promoting consistency and efficiency across projects.
IT Project Management
412 CS/SCXPP
02.2015 - 02.2019
- Developed, interpreted, and implemented cybersecurity policies and procedures for strategic planning and budgeting
- Facilitated the identification and determination of alternative strategies to achieve optimal forces, equipment, and support for Air Force Cybersecurity
- Oversaw multiple projects across all phases of the lifecycle, from inception to closure
- Created innovative methods for the Project Management Office to evaluate the effectiveness of planning, programming, and budget actions in support of the warfighter
- Utilized work breakdown structure (WBS) to manage resources, capacity, cost estimates, and schedules for deliverable completion
- Prepared and presented high-level briefings on project status and conclusions to stakeholders
- Committed collaborator with interdisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones
- Managed budgeting, forecasting, expense reporting, risk management, status reporting, and briefings
- Drafted and prepared contract documents, including market research, sole source, and technical evaluations
- Reviewed requisition packages for adequacy, consistency, and compliance with project goals
- Monitored contract performance to ensure compliance with terms and conditions
- Guided teams in resolving complex conflicts and problems.
Management and Program Analyst
412 CS/SCXPT
03.2010 - 02.2015
- Led the enterprise Change Management and Configuration Management Office for Edwards information technology (IT) systems
- Implemented and enforced DoD and Air Force policies, mandates, and laws to ensure the availability, integrity, and reliability of network resources
- Acted as a liaison for the Wing Information Assurance Office (IA), addressing training requirements, staffing, and civilian personnel concerns to ensure network security and support management in resolving issues and improving programs
- Conducted base-wide Information Assurance Assessment Program (IAAP) inspections
- Enforced policies and procedures to ensure the reliability and accessibility of information systems, preventing and defending against unauthorized access to systems, networks, and data
- Conducted risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs
- Facilitated certification and accreditation (C&A) packages for Edwards Air Force Base
- Perform site accreditation surveys, route accreditation packages, and initiate protective measures after Information Assurance incidents are discovered
- Performed site accreditation surveys, routed accreditation packages, and initiated protective measures following Information Assurance incidents
- Ensured the protection of information transmitted to, within, and from the installation across local or wide area networks, the internet, or other communication modes
- Comprehensive knowledge of IAAP principles, policies, concepts, methodologies, operations, products, services, and goals of the program.
Data Management Specialist II
JT3
03.2008 - 03.2010
- Supervised the Document Control Center Office, encompassing the Customer Service Desk, Records Management, Library, and Technical Editors departments
- Analyzed and evaluated program effectiveness on both quantitative and qualitative bases, ensuring alignment with established goals and objectives
- Prepared the fiscal year budget for the Document Control Center
- Directed work personnel by assigning responsibilities and providing clear work direction
- Managed the Administrative Record for Environmental Management in compliance with local, state, federal, and Air Force regulations
- Served as the Functional Area Records Manager (FARM), guiding record custodians on document imaging systems and electronic storage media per federal and Air Force regulations
- Maintained Environmental Management standards, contract regulations, practices, and procedures
- Ensured environmental quality, controlled pollution, remedied environmental damage, and ensured compliance with environmental laws and regulations
- Identified opportunities for program improvement and proposed actionable plans
- Ensured compliance with the Privacy Act (PA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the release of environmental impact reports.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL02.2020
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL10.2013
Associate degree - Business Education Technology
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA06.1997
Skills
- Leadership & Communication
- Requirements gathering
- Resource planning
- Scheduling
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Critical thinking
- Microsoft Office
- Hardware integration
- Flight Test Planning
- Project Planning
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Organizational Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Self Motivation
Accomplishments
Received 1st Quarter, TMG Award for the Warfighter in 2023.
Achieved Test Team's exceptional performance, 4th Quarter Award for the KC-46 aerial refueling project in 2023.
Awarded the Top Performer of the Quarter Award, AD CTF, from April - June 2024.
Timeline
Flight Test Project Management
Air Dominance Combined Test Force
05.2023 - Current
Flight Test Project Management
Global Reach Combined Test Force
04.2022 - 05.2023
Flight Test Project Management
Emerging Technologies Combined Test Force (ET CTF)
12.2019 - 04.2022
Process Improvement Project Management
Test Management Division
02.2019 - 12.2019
IT Project Management
412 CS/SCXPP
02.2015 - 02.2019
Management and Program Analyst
412 CS/SCXPT
03.2010 - 02.2015
Data Management Specialist II
JT3
03.2008 - 03.2010
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Management
Columbia Southern University
Associate degree - Business Education Technology
Victor Valley College
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