Driving Excellence in Aerospace Engineering
As an aspiring engineer growing up in India, Shalini Natarajan never imagined she would one day drive innovation in global aviation. Today, she serves as the Senior Engineering Manager for FlightHub, an integrated aviation platform for pilots, at Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Company, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the field.
Based in Iowa, USA, Shalini is passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in aerospace engineering. She thrives on solving complex problems and delivering cutting-edge solutions, finding immense reward in the tangible impact of her work on flight connectivity, safety, and operational efficiency.
Shalini’s commitment to continuous learning and improvement keeps her at the forefront of industry advancements. Born in India, she completed her Bachelor of Engineering at Anna University, Chennai, and an MBA in Organizational Leadership from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, Iowa. She began her professional career with Rockwell Collins, followed by Trimble Inc.
“Starting from my engineering education in India, I’ve had the opportunity to work with leading global organizations, which taught me the importance of cultural diversity and teamwork. Transitioning into leadership roles, I learned the value of strategic vision and operational excellence. My experiences have reinforced the belief that empathy, transparency, and accountability are critical to effective leadership.”
In 2019, Shalini joined Collins Aerospace and rose through the ranks to lead the Airbus A320, A330 and A350 Connectivity Solutions, FlightHub, and ARINCDirect programs. These initiatives aim to revolutionize flight connectivity and operations through advanced technology and real-time data integration. Airbus Connectivity Solutions connects avionics to the ground and the cockpit to the entire aircraft, supporting Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications. FlightHub, an EFB application, enhances flight efficiency by providing pilots with pre-flight documents, flight plans, weather information, and post-flight reports, managing the entire flight lifecycle from start to finish. ARINCDirect focuses on providing a comprehensive suite of products and support for streamlined flight operations.
Shalini’s aim is to leverage innovative solutions to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. However, her role hasn’t been one without challenges.
Throughout her career, she has faced numerous obstacles from revitalizing struggling programs to managing cross-functional teams across different geographies. One of the recent hurdles was overcoming project delays that hindered the FlightHub program from entering the market on time. By focusing on strategic resource allocation and lean processes, she helped turn the program around, expedite delivery, and enhance overall performance, ensuring a timely market entry.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the aerospace industry faced significant challenges, including a drastic downturn and severe supply chain disruptions. Collins Aerospace’s commercial space leadership needed to navigate this unprecedented crisis effectively. Shalini’s thoughtful leadership played a crucial role in guiding her team through these tough times.
Transitioning from in-person to remote work was a significant change, and Shalini’s ability to lead her team through this shift was instrumental. She focused on maintaining clear communication, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring that her team remained productive and effective despite the challenges. By implementing strategic planning and prioritizing mental well-being, Shalini ensured her team adapted quickly to remote work, maintaining high levels of efficiency and morale. Her life motto, inspired by Dr. Wayne Dyer,” If you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose being kind”, guided her approach, fostering a supportive and empathetic work environment during this challenging period.
Overcoming such challenges helped Shalini hone her problem-solving skills and resilience. “I firmly believe that hard work, coupled with strategic planning and relentless execution, is the key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. Persistence, adaptability, and a strong work ethic are indispensable in navigating the complexities of the business world.”
Sharp and skilled, Shalini has many achievements under her belt.
In her current leadership role on FlightHub, she spearheaded the groundbreaking introduction of advanced features like Flight Profile Optimization, aimed at achieving significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and setting new standards for sustainability in the aviation industry. As a certified SAFe Agile Trainer, she has trained over 200 employees in Agile SAFe methodologies. Consistently recognized as a top talent, Shalini has served as a talent assessor for campus recruitments and has mentored and trained emerging leaders in engineering leadership courses.
In her personal life, Shalini has a deep passion for fitness, which encompasses yoga, strength training, running, and cycling. She holds a certification in Yoga, which has significantly enhanced her physical and mental well-being. This holistic approach to fitness allows her to maintain a high level of energy and focus in both her personal and professional life.
It has also helped her steer clear of the rat race. “Rather than getting caught up in the rat race, I focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and making impactful decisions. Being a tiger means leading with vision, courage, and integrity, setting oneself apart through excellence and resilience.”
Shalini draws inspiration from leaders who drive change and make a positive impact on society through innovation and ethical practices. She aims to build strong, high-performing teams that excel in delivering exceptional solutions, and to contribute significantly to the advancement of the aerospace industry.
“I aim to mentor emerging leaders and foster a collaborative team environment, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advancements and sustainability. My ultimate desire is to leave a legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity in the field of aerospace engineering.”
An emerging Thought Leader, Shalini shares her mantra for the next generation: “I believe that continuous learning and adaptability are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving world. Embracing change, fostering a culture of innovation, and maintaining a commitment to ethical practices are key to long-term success. As we advance in our careers, it’s important to remain grounded in our core values and to mentor the next generation of leaders. By doing so, we not only achieve our professional goals but also make a lasting positive impact on our industry and society as a whole.”
