Her Story
About Nancy
Nancy Lindsey is a seasoned aerospace and engineering professional with more than 40 years of experience spanning aviation, space systems, and engineering. She spent over two decades in systems engineering and more than 20 years in Safety and Mission Assurance, supporting a wide range of NASA programs involving communications, astronomical observatories, Earth science systems, ground systems, and space missions. Her career included leadership and technical roles at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA Headquarters, where she served as a Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability subject matter expert and Deputy Technical Fellow.
Throughout her career, Nancy has demonstrated strong expertise in reliability engineering, risk analysis, quality assurance, systems engineering, mission assurance, and data-driven process improvement. She has architected innovative tools and processes, including the Mission Configuration Tool and Failure Integration and Analysis Tool (FIAT), designed to improve engineering analysis, reliability predictions, and knowledge sharing. She has also contributed to initiatives involving space servicing, space debris mitigation, range safety, remote sensing, satellite operations, and space system manufacturing.
Today, Nancy is the proprietor and principal consultant of Rcktmom, LLC, where she combines her engineering expertise with STEM tutoring, training, and genealogy services. She holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master's degree in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota. She has also earned a genealogist certification and continues to share her knowledge through consulting, education, professional speaking, and mentoring.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nancy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and a commitment to keeping my promises. When I commit to something, I stay focused, overcome obstacles, and follow through until the job is done.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to invest in others and help them grow. One of my proudest achievements was supporting a co-op from being a mentee to becoming a full reliability engineer and eventually a mentor herself at her previous organization.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to stay flexible, build strong experience, and give their first roles enough time to develop credibility and technical skills. Stay curious, engaged, and informed, and don’t be afraid to be the only woman in the room—your perspective and expertise matter.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As an entrepreneur and sole proprietor, one of my biggest challenges is shifting from simply building services to actively marketing myself and communicating their value. I’m also learning to negotiate with clients who expect free services. Having trusted peers and partners as sounding boards and coaches has been invaluable in navigating these challenges.
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