Francine Norwood

Francine Norwood has been an aerospace engineer since 1984 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1988. Her extensive career includes positions at NASA Johnson Space Center on descent flight design and dynamics for the space shuttle, where she was certified in Terminal Area Energy Management and Autoland. She contributed to the Constellation project at Kennedy Space Center, developing launch control center displays for the SLS and Orion programs. At Sikorsky Aircraft, she worked as a flight test engineer on the S-92 helicopter and as lead handling qualities engineer for the CH-148 Cyclone, for which she built a slope landing facility. Additional roles include work at Pratt and Whitney on F-135 engines and FADEC software modifications, at Blue Origin as a BE4 engine subject matter expert, and at Lockheed Martin on fleet ballistic missile and rotary mission systems programs. She is a member of the American Helicopter Society, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Mexican American Engineering Society, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Francine attributes her success to her dedicated teachers and mentors throughout her education and career. She advises young professionals entering the field to dress for success, commit to at least five years with a company to develop expertise, ask questions when unsure, and strictly follow standard work and safety protocols.