Open to opportunities

Monisha Dawson

@monishadawson

Message

Enterprise technology and engineering leader, guiding teams to mission impact and scalable growth.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead technology organizations that value disciplined execution, people development, and measurable outcomes—especially roles combining enterprise engineering, product lifecycle leadership, and data-driven cost modeling to drive mission-grade impact.

I’m an enterprise technology and engineering leader with 20+ years of progressive leadership at NASA, where I direct 60+ engineers and align people, processes, and technology to deliver measurable mission impact. I’ve led mission-critical software system development, enterprise IT operations, and standardized engineering and resource practices that improve operational efficiency.

I strengthen execution through technical program management, SDLC ownership, and data-driven budget oversight—supporting $1M–$2M+ program budgets and securing up to $2M in new funding through refined cost modeling. I’m recognized for workforce leadership, requirements development (L3/L4), and disciplined compliance with CMMI and NASA engineering procedural standards, including cybersecurity posture improvements.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Co-Founder & Organizational Lead

Current

A&M Digital Holdings

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Leads strategic direction, product roadmap, and operational planning for technology-enabled education and business platforms, including end-to-end product lifecycle and go-to-market execution. Develops financial models and cost forecasts to prioritize resources for scalable growth.

Product Roadmap Product Lifecycle Management Go to Market Execution Financial Modeling Prioritization Strategic Planning

Manager

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Jan 2018 - Jan 2026 (8 years)

Directs workforce planning, staffing strategy, and performance oversight for 60+ engineers, including promotion, evaluation, and improvement initiatives aligned to organizational objectives. Collaborates with project leadership to ensure staffing alignment and resolves contract scope discrepancies.

Workforce Planning Staffing Strategy Performance Management Talent Development

Product Development Lead

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Jan 2018 - Jan 2022 (4 years)

Leads lifecycle development of an in-house Telemetry & Command (T&C) software system and delivers executive-level technical and fiscal status briefings. Builds cost models to secure up to $2M in new funding and ensures compliance with CMMI and NASA procedural requirements.

Telemetry & Command (T&C)Product Lifecycle Management Budget Oversight Executive Briefings Compliance Requirements

Ground System Engineer

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Jan 2020 - Jan 2021 (1 year)

Serves as Ground Software SME for a SmallSat mission by authoring and validating Level 3 and Level 4 system requirements. Participates in mission milestone and peer design reviews and supports integration of mission control and operational systems while ensuring vendor compliance.

Ground Software SME Ground Systems Engineering Requirements Development (L3 L4)SmallSat Mission Support Design Reviews Vendor Compliance

Information Technology Manager

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Jan 2009 - Jan 2018 (9 years)

Manages IT infrastructure and cybersecurity compliance for 200+ users in secure federal environments while overseeing a $1M+ annual IT operating budget. Standardizes Directorate-wide IT allocation processes and maintains System Security Plans, Contingency Plans, and POA&M documentation with supervision of contractor teams.

IT Infrastructure Management Cybersecurity Compliance Federal IT Compliance Budget Oversight IT Allocation Standardization Contingency Plan Contractor Management