Roneagle in the Spotlight: Sonya Johnson

Sonya Johnson grew up in New Orleans and graduated from McDonogh 35 Class of 1988.  After graduation, she chose to attend college out of state.  Mrs. Gladys Torregano, the guidance counselor at McDonogh 35 and graduate of Tuskegee University, suggested Sonya consider the only HBCU at the time offering a BS in Aerospace Engineering.   Sonya received a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mathematics in May 1994 from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama.

After completing her studies she started her engineering career with Rockwell Space Operations Company in Houston developing training programs for astronauts on the International Space Station.  Sonya chose to expand her engineering career accepting a position with General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton Connecticut.  She accepted a position as a shock test engineer.  The position provided an opportunity to perform shock test on Seawolf Class and NSSN Class submarines.

During her stint at General Dynamics, Sonya developed an interest in computers and software development.  She decided to return to New Orleans to pursue a MS degree in Computer Science.  Sonya received a MS in Computer Science from Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in December 2002.  While in graduate school, Sonya found her dream job with Lockheed Martin Space Systems supporting the External Tank.  Lockheed offered her a full time position while allowing her to complete graduate school.  The dream job consisted of being named the Project Manager for the Paperless Manufacturing Execution System (PMES).  The PMES application supported all stages of building the External Tank from receiving the materials through construction to the final delivery to NASA.   This position was the perfect combination of engineering, testing and software.  Sonya was responsible for identifying and resolving problems with the PMES software, testing and coordinating upgrades  to the PMES tool and generally keeping  the 24/7  production floor up and running.  Sonya supported the External Tank program until the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

Faced with the end of the Space Shuttle Program, Sonya sought  opportunities in New Orleans.  She secured a position with eVenture as a Systems Analyst.  The analytical and testing skills used on aircraft, submarines and space vehicles would now be used to support the Veteran Administration.  Sonya worked on the Veteran Heath Identification Card (VHIC) project allowing her support Veterans making sure their new health identification cards worked as expected at VA hospitals and facilities across the country.  Based upon her attention to detail and professional demeanor, Sonya was hired by Engility Corp as the Identity and Security Services (ISS) Governance Manager.   She is responsible for reviewing all work requests for ISS, performing high level project and cost analysis and determining the feasibility of the work being requested.  Sonya has spent the majority of her career supporting vehicles and enjoys the challenge of supporting our Veterans.