INCOSE-LA Virtual Speaker Meeting 

Systems Engineering at the Hello – Systems Engineering in Early Stage R&D Working Group

SPEAKERS: Ann Hodges (ESEP, Working Group Chair), Dr. Michael DiMario (Working Group Co-Chair), Dr. Gary Mastin

WHEN:  Tuesday, May 11th 2021, 5:30 to 8:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

COST:  Free Online Event

Virtual Venue: Zoom meeting instructions will be emailed prior to the event and are included in your confirmation email message.  Slides will be available on the LA Chapter web site https://www.incose.org/los-angeles. We plan to record the event.

Questions:  Dorothy Benveniste, 310-390-9384 -- djbenven@outlook.com

Abstract:  Early stage R&D (ESR&D) is one of the most crucial phases in the design process. It blends and blurs the lines between science and engineering. Because of the differences in the social context and culture between research and engineering, many scientists, leaders, and program managers resist including systems engineering at this delicate phase, fearful of overburdensome activities that add little or no value for their R&D pursuits. Systems engineering applied in a risk-based, graded approach supports credibility of research results and provides a foundation for further technology maturation. The ESR&D Working Group is striving to explore principles and frameworks that tailor systems engineering for this pivotal phase in the design process. The presentation will give an overview of the working group, accomplishments, initial concepts on frameworks, and opportunities for involvement.

Speakers:   
Ann Hodges has worked over 45 years at Sandia National Laboratories and is a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff. She is the Mission Services Division’s systems engineering lead for the systems engineering part of the Project and Product Delivery System (PPDS) framework at Sandia National Laboratories and is currently a project manager and systems engineer for a complex exploratory-phase project. She is a primary author of the PPDS framework, which is a risk-informed graded approach to the application of project management, systems engineering and quality management. She obtained a BBA and an MS in Computer Science from the University of NM, and holds CSEP, SAFe SPC4, and CMII certifications. Ann has held Leadership positions in the INCOSE Enchantment Chapter since 2011, as Director-at-Large, Past President and currently Secretary.  She is the chair of the INCOSE Systems Engineering for Early Stage R&D working group.

Dr. Michael DiMario is the Founder and CEO of Astrum Systems, a global consulting venture focused on advancing process of innovation using a comprehensive systems approach. His corporate career began at General Electric Medical and progressed to Lucent Bell Laboratories, and Lockheed Martin. With a background in engineering, quality management and computer engineering, DiMario’s career has spanned the leadership and management of numerous critical research and development projects and organizations. Dr. DiMario has five granted patents, numerous corporate trade secrets, a published book on systems engineering, a book chapter on systems engineering, and numerous peer reviewed papers in regard to systems engineering, innovation, and quality management. He has been interviewed and quoted in Wired Magazine, GPS World, Sifted, Financial Times, and the Smithsonian Air and Space. He holds a PhD in Systems Engineering, MBA in Management of Technology, MS in Computer Engineering, and significant course work in Space Science. He co-chairs the INCOSE Early Systems Engineering and Research Working Group. As a hobby note, he is an avid amateur astronomer and is acknowledged for the earliest pre-discovery of Pluto.

Dr. Gary Mastin has a background in engineering sciences with a specialty in digital image and signal processing.  He recently retired as the Chief Scientist for Prime Solutions Group, Inc. (PSG), a veteran-owned engineering small business in Goodyear, AZ.  Prior to his employment with PSG, Gary spent over 32 years with Lockheed Martin which included tours at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, the Information Systems & Global Solutions business area in Goodyear, AZ, and four years with Corporate Engineering, Technology, and Operations where he retired in 2016 as a Senior Fellow.  Dr. Mastin has over 38 years of experience performing, leveraging, and leading applied engineering R&D in Government and private industry.