Profile

Kristen Gerzina

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems

Contact Details

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems
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Bio

​Currently,
I am a Senior Principal Aerospace Engineer with Northrop Grumman, Defense Systems, in the Armament Systems Business Unit, located in Plymouth, MN (western suburb of Minneapolis).  This was formerly ATK / Orbital ATK Armament Systems. 
I lead the aerodynamics design, modeling, and test at our Plymouth, MN location.  I also lead our small team performing CFD analyses.  We support projectile and munition design and development, including advanced and precision munitions.  I also have some experience in mechanical design and testing. 
I've worked at the same location since graduating with my Bachelor's degree in May of 2005 (University of Minnesota).  While working (for then ATK) I took advantage of the company's Education Assistance program, and got my Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering (University of Minnesota) while continuing to work full time. 
I've been an active member of AIAA since an undergraduate student.  I am also an active member of the local MN Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, and an active member of the ION (Institute of Navigation) Autonomous Snowplow Competition Planning Committee.  I serve as an ABET Program Evaluator, accrediting university aerospace engineering programs. 
In my other free time, I take my beagle for walks, attend Twins, Wild, and Gopher sporting events, play hockey, play guitar, and read when I can.​

Industry

  • Services- Consulting/ Govt Contracting

Professional Interest

  • Applied Aerodynamics
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Missile Systems
  • Modeling & Simulation

University

  • University of Minnesota

Honors and Awards

AIAA Associate Fellow
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
2019

Distinguished Service Citation
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
2013

Engineer of the Year, Country and Community
ATK Armament Systems
2015

Outstanding Section, 2nd Place, Small Sections
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
2013

Outstanding Section, 3rd Place, Small Sections
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Precision Weapons Hero of the Week
Orbital ATK Amament Systems
2016

Professional Associations

SWE
2018 - Present

AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Technical Committee
2017 - 2020

ABET Program Evaluator
2017 - Present

AIAA Region V Deputy Director, Finance
2016 - Present

ION Autonomouos Snowplow Competition Planning Committee
2013 - Present

AIAA Twin Cities Section Chair
2011 - Present

AIAA Twin Cities Section Vice Chair
2010 - 2011