Isabel Farrell

I am the Build and Test Lead for a product line at BAE Systems Inc., a leading provider of electronic systems for the department of defense. In this role I coordinate and execute build and test for a product line of digital receivers. This includes performing mechanical assembly, conducting digital and RF tests, maintaining strict lab cleanliness and safety standards, and overseeing of a team of technicians and engineers, as well as troubleshooting hardware, software, and firmware issues. I am also shaping the build and test strategy for the product line to ensure a seamless journey from hardware inception to customer delivery for future projects. Before my current role, I worked as a mechanical engineer where I gained proficiency in tools such as MATLAB, Creo Parametric, and ANSYS. My most exciting accomplishments in this role were the successful design of a non-metallic fixture for securing an unmanned helicopter to a raised platform for EMI testing, and creation of a MATLAB simulation that accurately predicted the forces experienced during field testing of a system with multi-stage deployment in a harsh environment. My true passion is understanding technology from a system level. As such, I have cultivated experience across multiple disciplines. I supported requirements development and tracking using DOORS, and created test procedures at multiple levels of hardware maturity. I used Cadence to design a printed board for test instrumentation. I facilitated brainstorming sessions and managed IRAD budgets for developing new technologies or novel re-purposing of existing technology. I successfully completed the Engineering Leadership Development Program, a 3-year program that included on-site technical and leadership training. I have an MSE in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and a BS in Systems Engineering from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I hold a Secret security clearance with the Department of Defense.