People of NRL: DeSheyna Perry

Say hello to U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Senior Quality Engineer, DeSheyna Perry!

Title:?U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Senior Quality Engineer, Mechanical Design Section (Code 8211), Systems Integration Branch (Code 8210), Spacecraft Engineering Division (Code 8200)

Education:?MS in Engineering Management, Drexel University (expected graduation June ’22)

BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Robert Morris University

What was your career path prior to your current position: I’ve been on a linear career path with nearly 16 years of experience as a Manufacturing and Quality Engineer in both commercial and aerospace industries. I’ve always been the liaison between manufacturing and engineering. Therefore, choosing a mission assurance field ideally positioned me to ensure efficient and reliable hardware throughout the product lifecycle. Entering the aerospace industry has been a major contributor to my confidence, inclusion, and a sense of confirmation that I followed the right career path.?

What inspired you to pursue your particular field: Growing up in the Midwest, I knew I would become an engineer in the manufacturing industry. Also, I am a very passionate advocate for STEM. Through outreach and mentorship, I strive to break norms by increasing awareness of STEM jobs and opportunities among young women and creating a more inclusive field of practice. “Representation is Everything!”

How does your work impact the Navy’s mission: Mission Assurance is a full life-cycle engineering process to identify and mitigate design, production, test, and field support deficiencies threatening mission success. I am responsible for generating strategic plans to improve NRL’s processes and increase hardware output by systematic monitoring/evaluation to ensure that standards of quality are met.

What’s the most promising new development you’re working on in your field: Standardizing Code 8200 (Spacecraft Engineering) documentation for future projects by taking a lean approach to flow value to the end user.

How I came to be a U.S. Naval Research Laboratory employee: As a contractor, my colleagues valued my level of expertise in quality and manufacturing engineering from previous projects and offered an opportunity to work on-site.

What I like best about working at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory:?Working in a STEM career and at NRL for KBR has allowed me to be myself. I have not compromised my identity to comply with my field or industry.

Pivotal Career Moments/Experiences: Early in my career, I had the opportunity to gain international quality and manufacturing engineering experience. Leading a team with the United Kingdom at our sister facility in North Africa was by far the most rewarding experience of my career. I implemented product transfer procedures, work instructions, and training materials to support a successful product transfer.