Molly Crane

My career path has been anything but linear—and that has become one of my greatest strengths. With a foundation in physics and chemistry, I began my journey driven by a deep curiosity for science. A prolonged period of health challenges temporarily paused my academic and professional trajectory, but it also strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and determination.

Upon returning to the workforce, I pursued unconventional roles across government contracting and nonprofit sectors, gaining valuable perspective on complex systems, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership in dynamic environments. I later joined Pratt & Whitney in Quality and transitioned into the Model-Based Definition, Manufacturing, and Inspection (MB-DMI) organization.

I've led initiatives that bridge technical engineering execution with strategic decision-making, ranging from small to enterprise-level, presented at executive events, co-authored a white paper, and driven measurable process improvements—efforts recognized through multiple achievement awards over the years. Above all, I've had the privilege to work with senior technical fellows and other subject matter experts across the industry and across groups. Their willingness to teach and share knowledge has been invaluable.

To further expand my leadership and business acumen, I am pursuing an MBA at Texas A&M University. I actively invest in continuous learning, developing capabilities in AI and Machine Learning, and recently began a Project Management program through Rice University’s Center for Engineering Leadership to fulfill PMP certification requirements.

Your career is not something that happens to you. It’s something you actively shape—with courage, clarity, and conviction.

Create your own opportunities. Don’t wait to be chosen—raise your hand, propose the idea, start the conversation. Never shrink to fit someone else’s expectations. Your potential is not defined by the room you’re in or the opinions around you. Guard your focus. Negativity and doubt—especially from others—are distractions from your goals, not determinants of your capability. Lead in a way that elevates others. Don’t aim to build subordinates; build leaders. The strongest professionals create environments where others grow. Commit to continuous self-reflection. Growth is intentional. Regularly ask yourself what you’re learning, how you’re improving, and where you want to stretch next. Listen and ask questions, because curiosity is power and there will always be someone smarter than you in the room!

Working in defense and engineering environments presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially as a woman navigating the intersection of technical expertise and project leadership. This field demands precision, accountability, and adaptability within highly regulated systems and evolving operational constraints. I have found that translating complex technical realities into strategic decisions, managing diverse stakeholder expectations, and earning credibility in traditionally male-dominated spaces requires persistence, confidence, and a focus on reliability and results. For me, the challenge has never been the work itself, but ensuring that thoughtful, collaborative leadership is recognized alongside technical rigor. Over time, I’ve learned that consistency, preparation, and delivering measurable outcomes are the most effective ways to build trust and drive progress, bridging disciplines while maintaining momentum under pressure. Developing relationships with colleagues across groups and companies, participating in networking events, improving skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy are critical.

I love teaching people, I love learning, working with people. Community service has always been a parallel thread in my life. I volunteer at food pantries and community kitchens, not as an obligation, but as a grounding force. Service keeps me connected to the realities beyond boardrooms and project timelines. It’s a reminder that leadership is measured not only by what we build, but by who we uplift. I could list values like integrity, but kindness and recognizing a person for themselves, not their job, is equally important.