For National Engineers Week, we are proud to highlight the talent and dedication of our engineers at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. This week, we recognize Ray Elliot as our “Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc. Ground Crew member.”

Ray is a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer located in Nashville, Tn. He is responsible for supporting our various Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 programs and helping to develop Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) algorithms.

“I was initially drawn to the world of aerospace because of its unique combination of innovation, exploration, and problem-solving,” he said.

Ray’s interest in aerospace led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Alabama while gaining experience through a variety of internships. He joined Airbus U.S. Space & Defense in 2021 as an electrical engineering intern and has worked full-time for nearly three years.

One of Ray’s favorite projects that he’s worked on so far is Durango, an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program developing AOCS algorithms. He helped to develop models and algorithms to enhance its performance and efficiency.

Ray’s fondest memory from the past three years in his role was traveling to France with his team for program milestones and various trainings.

“Traveling with the team was an incredible experience that allowed me to build new friendships while also expanding my knowledge and gaining valuable insights,” he said.

Ray’s proudest professional accomplishment is receiving the 2023 Avionics Team Above and Beyond Award.

“Receiving the Above and Beyond Award is a true honor, but it is a reflection of the incredible team I have the privilege to work with. Their support, collaboration, and shared dedication inspire me to go the extra mile every day,” he said.

For those beginning their journey in aerospace, Ray emphasizes the importance of finding mentors.

“Surround yourself with knowledgeable and experienced mentors who can guide and challenge you, allowing you to grow and reach your full potential,” he said.