Systems Engineering Seminar

Systems Engineering Standards in Action

Presented by:
Cynthia M. Firman
GSFC SBIR/STTR Program Manager and Technology Infusion Manager, Code 504/599

Biography:

Ms. Firman graduated from University of Maryland with a B.S. in Mathematics/Economics and Johns Hopkins University with a M.S. in Electrical Engineering. She has worked with NASA for over 30 years serving on a multitude of projects providing ground and flight software and hardware engineering tasks. Ms. Firman has performed the full lifecycle including formulation, development and test as both a discipline engineer and as a system engineer. She joined the Mission System Engineering (MSE) Branch in 2005 and designed 75 missions in the Mission Design Lab, and has served as a system engineer on LDCM, SGSS, and CxP. She served as the GSFC representative to the Office of Chief Engineer System Engineering Working Group, infused the NPR 7123.1A in GSFC projects and continues to support SE standard development/updates. Recently, Cynthia served as a MSE on the Suomi-NPP mission supporting integration, verification and validation leading to the successful launch and transition to operations. Ms. Firman served as the MSE for the ASTRE during the Phase A effort and led the team to a successful Peer Systems Requirements Review (SRR) /Mission Definition Review (MDR), a key milestone for the recently submitted Concept Study Report. Currently, she is the GSFC Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Program Manager and leading the infusion of those technology results at the Center.

Abstract:

This seminar will introduce the practical side and application of the NPR 7123.1A and GPR 7123.1A Systems Engineering Standards and "Engine". The presentation will include an introduction to the 17 core processes and examples of their application. The importance and use of a Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) will also be discussed. Ms. Firman will demonstrate how the standards were used effectively to accomplish the complete spectrum of systems engineering tasks needed to facilitate the Suomi-NPP launch in October 2011. Additionally, the use of the standards applied to stand up an Explorer Phase A effort during 2012 in rapid fashion to create a feasible mission design with credible products for use over the remainder of the project lifecycle.