Sara Sumner

Linked engineering execution with leadership and industry partners to advance NASA’s space nuclear propulsion program.

Transitioned to project office as deputy project manager, enhancing coordination and program execution.

• Led development of DRACO project plan, establishing compliance with NASA management requirements.
• Formulated systems engineering strategy for nuclear thermal propulsion technology development.
• Built collaborative relationships with Lockheed Martin to enhance coordination and obtain critical engineering insights.
• Developed government system model architectures for DRACO and SENTRE initiatives.
• Conducted test readiness reviews for significant propulsion technology demonstrations.
• Facilitated communication among technical teams and stakeholders through effective management of program risk processes.

Led systems engineering and integration activities for the Human Landing System Crew Module, coordinating work across multiple organizations and major suppliers during early development of NASA’s Artemis lunar landing system.

Key Contributions

• Directed systems engineering and integration across five major industry partners and a cross-functional technical team supporting crew module development
• Established a “one team” systems engineering approach that strengthened collaboration and clarified roles across the integrated development team
• Chaired the Crew Module SE&I governance board to maintain the technical baseline and ensure integration across Human Landing System elements
• Created programmatic integration working group to resolve supplier conflicts, eliminate duplicated work, and close critical scope gaps between partners
• Led development of systems engineering and integration processes, verification strategies, and system development planning
• Advanced model-based systems engineering and digital engineering integration through coordination with enterprise digital engineering initiatives
• Coordinated programmatic requirements flowdown, technical risk mitigation, and schedule alignment across partner organizations

Cultivated strategic relationships with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, driving propulsion business opportunities.

Secured $10 million NASA contract for evaluating advanced propulsion technology.

• Coordinated RL10 engine integration efforts among Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, and NASA for SLS exploration upper stage development.
• Represented space business unit in working groups, influencing propulsion verification, validation, and system integration.
• Contributed to enterprise digital engineering initiatives as a member of Aerojet Rocketdyne Digital Engineering Governance Board.
• Developed strategic messaging and technical positioning for SLS propulsion capabilities, supporting future exploration missions.

Led integration of RL10 engine with Boeing’s exploration upper stage design for NASA’s space launch system.

Coordinated technical collaboration between Boeing, NASA, and Aerojet Rocketdyne during critical down-select activities.

• Chaired engine interface control working group to manage technical interfaces between stage and propulsion system.
• Maintained interface control document governing RL10 and exploration upper stage design integration.
• Represented propulsion integration in cross-program working groups and design reviews.
• Supported proposal development for SLS program phases as deputy proposal manager, overseeing daily coordination.

Collaborated with engineering and product development teams to identify customer needs and develop systems engineering solutions.

Provided technical demonstrations and briefings to enhance understanding for prospective and existing customers.

• Advised executive leadership on industry trends and opportunities regarding model-based systems engineering adoption.
• Supported proposal development and business growth initiatives as a systems engineering subject matter expert.

Led consulting and training activities in systems engineering for aerospace defense and commercial sectors.

Managed systems engineering efforts for multiple government and commercial clients.

• Grew consulting and training business over 50 percent by enhancing customer engagement.
• Created systems engineering processes and data management strategies for large-scale engineering programs.
• Provided training and consulting on model-based systems engineering tools to diverse organizations.
• Contributed to NASA Systems Engineering Community of Practice team initiatives.

Supported major defense and aerospace programs including NASA Constellation and the Army Future Combat Systems program.

Key Contributions

• Led team managing system requirements for multiple Future Combat Systems development efforts, ensuring alignment with program objectives
• Maintained requirements baselines across program specifications and development documentation
• Trained 200 engineers and analysts on program requirements management processes, enhancing team competency and compliance
• Co-founded SAIC Systems Engineering Center of Excellence, promoting development of systems engineering best practices and fostering collaborative innovation