Talent Acquisition Project Management

Gena Ellis

Engineering Project Management Professional

Tremonton, Utah Phone

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Professional Summary

Results-focused leader with 20+ years in aerospace and defense, known for building high-performing teams, streamlining operations, and delivering complex programs on time. Expert in workforce planning, Agile execution, and driving measurable organizational growth.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, University of Arizona

Certifications

CompTIA Security+ (Certified for Life)

Key Skills

Project Management Program Execution Earned Value Management Budget Oversight SAP Contract Management Agile Waterfall Risk Mitigation Resource Allocation Strategic Planning Team Leadership Proposal Support Procurement Stakeholder Communication Schedule Management Performance Dashboards Workforce Planning & Forecasting Talent Acquisition Strategy Organizational Change Management Engineering Homeroom Coordination

Professional Experience

Senior Staffing Integration Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation Space Systems (Roy, Utah) April 2023 – June 2024

Led strategic staffing and workforce planning for the Sentinel Program, aligning fulfillment with engineering demand and division objectives.

Created and managed performance dashboards and briefings presented to executive leadership, enhancing data-driven decisions for talent acquisition.

Oversaw cross-functional hiring initiatives and built long-term strategies to drive staffing scalability and agility across program teams, cutting hiring cycle times by 15%.

Liaised with program directors and functional leadership to ensure proactive closure of staffing demands and organizational tasking.

Senior Operations and Staffing Integration Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation Space Systems (Roy, Utah) April 2023 – October 2023

Directed operations planning and staffing integration across multiple engineering homerooms.

Championed the development and execution of demand forecasting processes, improving operational predictability by 20%.

Conducted hiring manager interviews and liaised with program leadership to ensure effective talent and project alignment.

Developed and executed SOPs, aligned with division-wide objectives and change management practices.

Sentinel Systems Security Engineering Sr Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation Space Systems (Roy, Utah) September 2020 – April 2023

Led systems engineering efforts, from architecture design and performance analysis to system simulation and testing for Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program.

Delivered complex systems performance models and simulations under strict DoD and ITAR compliance.

Directed program operations and cost management for the Sentinel Program, exceeding performance targets and driving alignment between engineering and business functions.

Conducted baseline changes and ensured full compliance with earned value standards.

GBSD Sr. Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems (El Segundo, California) September 2018 – September 2020

Directed secure systems engineering and architecture design for a multibillion-dollar Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program.

Coordinated stakeholder engagement and technical delivery to support successful capture of a $13B+ defense contract.

Guided system development, facilitated stakeholder collaboration and supported contract capture.

Created policy frameworks and technical documentation for secure program execution.

JUMPS Engineer Information Assurance

Northrop Grumman Corporation Mission Systems (Redondo Beach, California) April 2017 – September 2018

Directed cybersecurity integration and compliance initiatives, ensuring systems met DoD and NIST security frameworks.

Led the development of risk management strategies, achieving multiple Authorization to Operate (ATO) certifications.

Established policy frameworks and technical documentation for secure program execution.

Deployed project planning, logistics, and supply chain operations across classified programs.

Senior Information Assurance Specialist II

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (El Segundo, California) May 2015 – March 2017

Provided strategic cybersecurity oversight across classified aerospace programs.

Designed and delivered security training programs to elevate team performance and compliance awareness.

Streamlined risk management processes, reducing program delivery delays by 30%.

Improved program performance tracking through development of management dashboards.

Information Assurance Specialist I

Raytheon Missile Systems (Tucson, Arizona) April 2009 – May 2015

Authored and maintained secure System Security Plans (SSPs), enabling successful accreditation of multiple defense systems.

Secured seven SIPRNet ATO certifications, reinforcing security posture across highly sensitive networks.

Conducted forensic analysis and threat detection to enhance incident response and safeguard mission-critical systems.

Provided risk mitigation planning and corrective action development with operational leadership.

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