Sabina Ahmed
Sabina Ahmed is a seasoned Program Manager with over three decades of experience in the defense and aerospace industries. Currently at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, she leads the MACH-TB 2.0 program, the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier sounding rocket platform for hypersonic flight testing above Mach 5. Her work focuses on delivering rapid, cost-effective, and high-fidelity test environments for hypersonic missiles, scramjet propulsion, and advanced materials, ensuring the warfighter maintains a strategic advantage. Sabina’s leadership emphasizes technical excellence, operational efficiency, and collaboration across engineering, mission planning, and contractor teams.
Sabina’s career in program management spans multiple high-profile roles, including positions at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Annapolis Micro Systems, Leonardo DRS, and Lockheed Martin. Over the years, she has overseen large-scale defense programs, from next-generation solid rocket motors for the U.S. Army to complex hypersonic flight test programs. Known for her expertise in budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and integrated team leadership, Sabina has consistently delivered critical defense capabilities while mentoring and guiding multidisciplinary teams.
An electrical engineering graduate from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, Sabina combines technical depth with a results-driven management philosophy. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and an active member of the Project Management Institute, where she has received multiple accolades, including the Project Management Excellence Award. Her professional ethos centers on perseverance, integrity, and completing every project she undertakes, making her a respected leader in defense program management and hypersonics.
• PMP
• Microsoft Project Professional Certificate
• Transitioning to Product Management
• The University of Alabama in Huntsville- B.S.E.E.
• Project Management Excellence
• Named "Most Outstanding Program Manager" by the North Alabama PMI Chapter in 2017
• North Alabama PMI Chapter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and a determination to finish every project thoroughly, making sure programs are completed “from cradle to grave” on budget and on schedule. Staying resilient, continuously learning, and staying focused have allowed me to consistently deliver complex, high-stakes programs throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from John Hutchins, whose encouragement and mentorship built my confidence and helped me advance in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay confident in your abilities and pursue leadership opportunities, even in fields where women are underrepresented. Persistence, strong technical knowledge, and a commitment to continuous learning are key to breaking barriers and building a successful career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the biggest challenges in my field is the continued lack of female representation in technical and program leadership roles. However, I also see opportunity as organizations increasingly recognize the value of diverse leadership perspectives, giving women the chance to reshape the industry and create more inclusive leadership pipelines for future generations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are intellectual curiosity, integrity, perseverance, and knowledge sharing. I believe strong leadership requires strategic thinking and a commitment to continuous learning in an ever-changing world.