Susan K. (Kathy) Land
“Active participation in a professional association at some level is critical for individuals who wish to get the most from their professional careers. The IEEE family is 125 years strong and growing stronger. I would invite you to see how each of you might use the IEEE Computer Society as a learning resource, to get and stay connected, and as an opportunity to serve in your technical community.”
Deputy Program Manager, Huntsville, United States
Degree(s):
Master Science, Project Management – Information Technology, Florida Institute of Technology
How I got here…
I ‘grew up’ with Software and Systems Engineering. My first technical job was as the systems administrator supporting a missile defense laboratory in the early 1980’s. I have worked on, or led, a variety of software/systems efforts ranging from video game development to hardware-in-the-loop missile testing. If I had to point to one key to success in this field – stay technically current.
A day in the life…
The range of roles I support tends to mirror the product development life cycle: Marketer, proposal developer, detailed requirements evaluator, software designer, software configuration manager, software quality assurance expert, software test lead, software fielding team member/lead, documentation support team member, and help desk team member. The environment is dynamic.
Why I love my job
I am a Deputy Program Manager for the Missile Defense Agency. Responsible for program management of Spiral 8.2 of Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management system. I like the work because each day brings a new technical challenge.
An awesome project
Although I have been proud of all projects I have supported, the one with the highest ‘cool factor’ was as Lead for Product Development supporting the Army Aviation Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) Software Engineering Directorate, Redstone Arsenal, AL. I executed and managed a series of successful releases of the America’s Army public game and training application.
Life outside of work
I am an active volunteer with both IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. I strongly believe in the value of these professional associations.
