Meet our Industry Person of the Week, Gabriela Coe, a Systems and Software Engineering Fellow at Northrop Grumman.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Gabriela: I began my career as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after graduating from the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Miami. My military experience instilled in me a strong foundation in leadership and the importance of uniting teams to accomplish the mission. The principle of placing the mission above self has been a guiding force throughout my career. Since transitioning to the civilian sector, I’ve carried those lessons into my role as a systems engineer, where my work often feels like solving a complex puzzle. Much like piecing together a puzzle, systems engineering requires a clear vision of the end goal and the ability to align all the components to create a cohesive solution. Each piece, no matter how small, plays a critical role in achieving the final outcome. Addressing customers’ toughest challenges demands innovation, collaboration, and a diversity of perspectives. Systems engineering provides a framework for systematically breaking down problems, evaluating them across disciplines, and integrating solutions that address every aspect. I joined Northrop Grumman as a technical contributor in systems engineering. Over the years, I have honed my expertise one project at a time, contributing at various stages of the program life cycle—from business capture and program start-up to requirements analysis, design, architecture, implementation, operations, and sustainment. This journey has not only deepened my skills but also reinforced my passion for solving complex challenges through teamwork and ingenuity.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Gabriela: As a Fellow at Northrop Grumman, I love that my role allows me to blend technical expertise with soft skills to shape innovative solutions and influence key decisions made by our leaders. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry. A key part of my responsibilities is mentoring early and mid-career engineers, which I find deeply fulfilling. Mentorship, however, is a two-way street—I gain valuable insights and fresh perspectives from our early-career teammates, who continuously inspire me to stay curious and keep learning.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Gabriela: If you’re considering a career in Systems Engineering or STEM take the time to explore and educate yourself. Read widely on topics that interest you, connect with mentors or professionals in the field, and seek out internships to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the work you aspire to do. Challenges are inevitable, but when the going gets tough, stay true to yourself and remain focused on your goals. Surround yourself with people who will not only support and celebrate your achievements but also hold you accountable and push you to grow.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Gabriela: I am passionate about knowledge-sharing as a means to build connections, boost confidence, and spark innovation. This belief inspired me to create Keys to the Future, a podcast dedicated to motivating listeners on their STEM education and career paths. Through engaging conversations with diverse guests, the podcast provides strategies for tackling STEM challenges while highlighting the critical roles of perseverance and diversity. STEM may be demanding, but with support and shared experiences, success is within reach. My mission is to deliver meaningful insights that empower aspiring STEM students and young professionals to overcome obstacles and thrive in their journeys.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Gabriela: Always remember – your background, where you come from, or where you start does not define your potential. Set your goals, stay true to yourself, and persevere through challenges—you are worth the effort, and your dreams are within reach!
Connect with Gabriela on LinkedIn.
THANK YOU, GABRIELA! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
