Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Alfonso

Lancaster

Summary

Dynamic Flight Operations Manager with extensive experience at Northrop Grumman, skilled in leading cross-functional teams and driving operational excellence. Proven expertise in flight test planning and execution, complemented by strong analytical abilities and a commitment to safety. CAM certified with a top-secret clearance, adept at fostering collaboration and achieving program objectives. Well versed in DCMA 8210.1 and associated contractor operating procedures/annexes.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Flight Operations Manager 2 and Manager to Project Managers

Northrop Grumman
Palmdale
07.2024 - Current
  • Led the development and execution of detailed flight test plans, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.
  • Drive day-to-day execution of departmental activities in support of program objectives
  • Functionally manage a team of 15-25 project managers across multiple test activities including Palmdale, San Diego, Edwards and Melbourne FL.
  • Partner across functions to support cross-discipline and intra-discipline Flight activities and Flightline Processes and procedures
  • Familiarity with FAA part 91, & DCMA 8210
  • Manage all flight operations section, supporting site flight test as well as multiple off-site programs. Manage Airfield Flight Equipment personnel across Palmdale and Edwards and Flight Coordinators/dispatchers.
  • Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations
  • Conducted employee performance management, goal development, quarterly connections, and leadership development.
  • Support section staffing for project managers through requisition development, facilitating and conducting interviews, onboarding and mentoring staff through career growth.
  • Drive corrective actions and coordinate corrective action plan and monitor processes and tools to track improvement progress and performance.
  • Provided leadership and mentorship to a team of flight test engineers, pilots, and other flight operations personnel, fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams, including flight crews, ground support teams, flight and ground standardization team (FGOST), and engineering personnel, to achieve program objectives.
  • Analyzed flight test data to assess aircraft performance, identify issues, and validate design parameters.
  • Provided leadership and mentorship to a team of flight test engineers, pilots, and other flight operations personnel, fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence.

Flight Operations Analyst Senior, ADP

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Palmdale
11.2022 - 07.2024
  • Managed all AFP 42 LM Airfield driving programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
  • Maintained crew records for all Flight Test personnel, ensuring accurate and up to date information.
  • Coordinated nighttime operations, stakeholder meetings, and corporate VIP flight activities, demonstrating strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Cabin Trimmer Senior, Flight Operations, ADP

Lockheed Martin
Palmdale
05.2021 - 11.2022
  • Utilized Shop Floor Manager (SFM) to fabricate diverse trim pieces for aircraft, meeting exact specifications and quality standards.
  • Collaborated with engineers to ensure conformance to company and customer requirements, demonstrating strong technical skills and attention to detail.

Founder and Owner

Xtreme Cleaning
Palmdale
11.2010 - 11.2022
  • Managed and operated a successful cleaning business, demonstrating leadership, strategic planning, and operational management skills.
  • Developed and implemented business strategies to drive growth, optimize operations, and maintain profitability, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.

Spares Processor Packing Technician, Flight Test Operations/Engineering

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Palmdale
09.2018 - 05.2021
  • Initiated spare part deliveries from 33 vendors, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring timely delivery of critical components.
  • Managed repair requests, interfaced with contract administrators, and performed supply chain management activities, demonstrating strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Education

Master of Systems Engineering -

University Of Texas At El Paso
05.2027

Master of Business Management -

University of Phoenix
05.2024

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Phoenix
01.2023

Flight Academy for Private Pilot License -

07.2025

Skills

  • CAM Certified
  • Experience with EVMS
  • Microsoft Office Suite & Excel
  • Flight Operating Software (FOS) & (Kool)
  • Top-Secret clearance

Timeline

Flight Operations Manager 2 and Manager to Project Managers

Northrop Grumman
07.2024 - Current

Flight Operations Analyst Senior, ADP

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
11.2022 - 07.2024

Cabin Trimmer Senior, Flight Operations, ADP

Lockheed Martin
05.2021 - 11.2022

Spares Processor Packing Technician, Flight Test Operations/Engineering

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
09.2018 - 05.2021

Founder and Owner

Xtreme Cleaning
11.2010 - 11.2022

Master of Systems Engineering -

University Of Texas At El Paso

Master of Business Management -

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Phoenix

Flight Academy for Private Pilot License -

Rachel Alfonso