National Director, Systems Engineering
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

Wendy Robello has over 18 years of systems engineering and strategy experience in the aerospace and defense industry. She is currently the national director of systems engineering for Northrop Grumman aeronautics systems, where she leads the long-term strategic planning in training, processes and tools to ensure systems engineering rigor across the sector.

Prior to this role, Robello held the distinguished honor of being a senior NG Fellow, leading the strategic integration of technology and engineering within defense systems. Robello has also led strategic analytics teams, providing competitive positioning and investment strategy across the businesses both at mission systems and aerospace systems sectors. Before joining Northrop Grumman in 2012, she held program management and systems engineering positions at General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems, Inc.; Boeing Phantom Works; and Boeing Defense Systems. Robello has supported systems across space, air, ground and underwater domains.

Robello is a mentor in Northrop Grumman development programs and employee resource groups including Women in Science and Engineering, Supporting Women in Future Technology, Pride in Diversity Alliance, Adelante’s Mujeres Mentoring Circles and serves as an executive advocate for the LatinX/Hispanic Employee Advocacy Program. She is also an executive board member for the Global Women in STEM Leadership Summit and founder of the Robello California Alliance for Minority Participation Scholarship.

Robello has received numerous awards and honors such as the Northrop Grumman Innovation Award, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. Exceptional Leadership Award and Professional of the Year Award, U.S. Air Force Medium Altitude UAS Division GEM Award, Boeing Phantom Works Silver Team Award and Boeing Amelia Earhart Society – Woman of High Potential Award.

Robello earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC Irvine, a master’s degree in systems architecture and engineering from the University of Southern California and a doctorate in systems engineering and engineering management from The George Washington University. Her research focused on strategic investment planning using machine learning techniques for quantitative competitive positioning.