Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Pursley is a seasoned defense and security professional whose career spans nearly 15 years in aerospace, project management, and counterterrorism. She currently serves as a Regional Project Manager and Project Engineer for Delta Scientific Corporation, where she leads complex infrastructure security projects designed to prevent vehicular terrorism. Working with architectural and engineering firms, general contractors, and government stakeholders, she oversees projects from concept through final installation across the Pacific Rim, helping safeguard sports stadiums, government facilities, and other critical infrastructure. Nicole combines technical engineering expertise with strategic project management to deliver solutions that protect people, assets, and communities while maintaining the highest standards of quality and operational excellence.
Prior to transitioning into counterterrorism and physical security, Nicole built an accomplished career in aerospace engineering. She served as a flight test conductor at Edwards Air Force Base and held multiple leadership positions at Northrop Grumman, where she began as an intern on the B-2 bomber program before advancing to project management and flight test operations. During her tenure, she contributed to the team responsible for the historic first flight of the world's sixth-generation aircraft and earned multiple Bravo Awards in recognition of her technical contributions and leadership. Nicole holds an associate's degree in math and science, certifications in blueprint interpretation and composite manufacturing, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Purdue University Global. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Engineering Leadership and Management at the University of Oklahoma, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Nicole attributes much of her success to the perseverance and teamwork instilled by her parents through athletics, values that continue to shape her leadership style today. She is passionate about mentoring others and has volunteered with American Corporate Partners, helping veterans successfully transition into civilian careers while also mentoring students through the Northrop Grumman Foundation. An active member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and Phi Theta Kappa, she also supports the National Ranger Association and its initiatives honoring military excellence. Guided by honesty, integrity, and genuine respect for others, Nicole encourages the next generation—especially women entering engineering and defense—to be confident in their abilities, know their worth, and never let obstacles or stereotypes limit what they can achieve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents raised me as an athlete to be part of a team and never quit, even through adversity. That perseverance translates to the professional world, and being on a team teaches dealing with different personalities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's never too late to make a change in your career. If you have a desire to do something, as long as you put time and effort into it, then you can make it happen. Especially important after entering the workforce young at a Fortune 100 company.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident and know your worth. It's easy to lose your worth in a male-dominant environment, but knowing your worth allows you to be successful and not let negative comments affect you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry requires working twice or three times as hard. Also challenges as a mom. Opportunity for growth because the need to keep people safe from harm is never going away, especially with rising threats.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is number one because dishonesty causes setbacks for everyone. Integrity goes hand in hand. Personability matters because everyone is human, not robots, and being friendly helps in the workforce and counterterrorism world.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.