SHONNA SIMONS
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Space systems engineering professional specializing in GPS sustainment execution and operations test planning and documentation. Leading discrepancy resolution, risk mitigation, and schedule impact analysis. Coordinate stakeholders to align technical work with program milestones and delivery goals across operations and development teams.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
GPS PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
INFINITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Colorado Springs, Colorado
07.2020 - 04.2026
- Led operations engagement across new and existing OCX system discrepancy critiques; guided subject matter experts and senior leadership toward efficient, effective resolution paths.
- Directed control system discrepancy report management; identified corrective actions, prioritized fixes, risk mitigations, and action items to support schedule, goals, and program objectives.
- Directed data exchange across internal and external stakeholders; implemented configuration management controls for classified and unclassified data to streamline information flow.
- Managed GPS simulator assets for internal and external partners; resolved priority conflicts and availability issues to support testing goals and requirements and meet timelines
GPS SYSTEMS ENGINEER
SAIC
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Authored and reviewed 70+ GPS transition plans; identified process improvement initiatives through root cause data analysis and applied findings to documented plans; briefed metrics with internal/external partners and Space Force leadership.
- Defined, captured, and maintained system requirements to include; schedule and cost risks throughout the system lifecycle; developed risk mitigation courses of action and assessed impacts of risks and proposed changes
- Collaborated with operational SMEs to identify derived requirements from government specifications and interface control documents, assisting in translating requirements into usable information for operational engineering teams
- Manage high risk projects; Work cross functionally with internal and external partners; Work with high tempo operation teams (engineering, scheduling, SW development, transition) to ensure integrated solution efforts are met
- Organized and led technical interchange meetings to determine activities and the technical work necessary to support operations; provided technical recommendations and system expertise to capability integrated product teams.
- Created and maintained comprehensive training programs for squadron personnel across various disciplines to improve operational readiness.
System Test Engineer
AIR FORCE
Colorado Springs, Colorado
01.1987 - 09.2011
- Oversaw test development for GPS operational integration at U.S.. Air Force Warfare Center.
- Identified and executed GPS operational test integration capabilities, enhancing mission readiness for U.S. Air Force Warfare Center.
- Built strategic and tactical test plans and procedures and processes.
- Directed multi-million-dollar joint test and evaluation program for Department of Defense, establishing new standards for operational testing.
- Managed test schedules and directed testing processes to meet national-level reporting requirements.
- Managed GPS mission operations for 2nd Space Operations Squadron, ensuring successful satellite deployment and operational effectiveness.
- Directed $32B GPS software upgrade test. Collected, studied, and analyzed test data for operational fielding decisions.
- Served as inspection lead during critical compliance inspection; Earned Professional Performer award as test lead; Led the organization's achievement of the highest inspection award and highest rating.
- Led team in space operations; flight responsible for personnel manning, logistics, operational goals, strategic plans, and customer results.
- Directed executive support functions for 200+ personnel, including personnel actions, correspondence, internal and external taskings, scheduling, and day-to-day operations in direct support of commander..
- Assessed, established, revised, and implemented GPS training programs; managed operational procedures for GPS operations
- Identified critical deficiencies and mission needs, then worked to find technical solutions needed for efficient GPS combat operations.
REALTOR/TEAM OWNER
KELLER WILLIAMS/REMAX
01.2012 - 07.2019
- Generated over $17M in real estate sales and closed more than 60 homes during 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- Received the Rookie of the Year award and earned top earner recognition for 3 consecutive years.
- Directed military home sales efforts across 5 military installations in Southern Colorado Springs and built strong experience in military residential sales.
- Supported training initiatives and budget and operations work that improved coaching methods and team performance across group.
Education
MBA -
AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY
08-2010
BS - ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
08-2001
Skills
- GPS systems engineering
- Space test planning and reporting
- Systems engineering expertise
- Risk analysis and mitigation
- Program management proficiency
- Leadership and management
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Technical documentation
- Information synthesis
- Analytical problem solving
- Goal alignment
- Active secret clearance
Leadership and Community
- Retired Air Force; 1987-2012; 25 years Honorable Service
- Community Involvement/Volunteer; YMSL Young Men Service League Board Member
- Theater PTO Vice President
Timeline
GPS PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
INFINITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
07.2020 - 04.2026
GPS SYSTEMS ENGINEER
SAIC
07.2019 - 07.2020
REALTOR/TEAM OWNER
KELLER WILLIAMS/REMAX
01.2012 - 07.2019
System Test Engineer
AIR FORCE
01.1987 - 09.2011
MBA -
AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY
BS - ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY