Tech Brief: Crossing Boundaries « 2020 Satellite Innovation

Rooted in the concept that multidimensional thinking and knowledge sources enable better customer solutions and more innovation, the concept of “Crossing Boundaries” in global aerospace engineering services makes the expertise and proficiency of executives across an organization available to clients across various segments of the business, such as Commercial, Civil and Defense sectors.

A recent Harvard Business Review piece cited the importance of cross-pollination of ideas in boosting innovation, including a McKinsey survey showing that 94% of executives across industry were dissatisfied with their performance in that area. But how is successful “Crossing Boundaries” achieved and what are its challenges?

Covered:

o How established best practice expertise from sophisticated government programs, such as multi-million dollar satellites and telescopes, are beneficial to commercial enterprises.

o How teams bringing cutting-edge commercial technologies and expertise in the field are vital to issues such as national security and space exploration.

o How insights on classified programs of national and international significance provide opportunities to advise industry clients on new sources of value creation that benefits both commercial markets and government customers.

Tech Brief

Date: October 8, 2020 Time: 11:15 am - 11:30 am

Janet Grondin
VP Defense Programs
Stellar Solutions

Janet Grondin is Vice President for Defense Programs. In this role she leads and is responsible for oversight of Stellar Solutions’ robust technology, management, and expert solutions for Department of Defense customers related to space and missile systems for national protection and security. These efforts include space superiority, launch enterprise integration, and web services development programs; major programs like GPS and the Space-Based Infrared System; and related capabilities that serve the Air Force in missile warning, weather, precision navigation and timing, and communications. Stellar Solutions has established an exemplary breadth of engagement to ensure continuity of operations across the globe in the event of a threat.

She joined Stellar Solutions as Director of Emerging Space Capabilities in 2018 after supporting Northrop Grumman Corporation as Director for Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Exploitation Systems as well as Operations Director for MILSATCOM and National Program ground systems.

Before that, Grondin served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force in numerous leadership, project management and technical roles, developing significant expertise in command, acquisition, program management, and systems engineering for space and ground systems. These positions included Chief of the Range and Network Division that oversaw the Eastern and Western Ranges; Air Force Satellite Control Network and Standard Space Trainer; Program Manager for the Global Positioning System (GPS) Operational Control Segment; Program Element Monitor for Space Situational Awareness and Special Access; and a Director of Engineering supporting the National Reconnaissance Office.

Her education includes a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering (magna cum laude) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the AF Institute of Technology, a M.S. in Strategic Studies from Air War College, and a M.S. in Military Operational Art & Science from Air Command and Staff College. Grondin is the President of the Women In Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter (WID-GLAC) and a Board Member of the National Defense Industrial Association Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NDIA-GLAC). In 2019, Janet earned her credentials as a California Awards for Performance Excellence (CAPE) Examiner.