Teran Nicole Chase is a Principal Finance Analyst at Northrop Grumman in Chandler, Arizona. Teran always knew she wanted to work in a STEM field because she loved understanding how things worked and came together, so mechanical just made sense. 

Supporting large proposals

Teran’s role at Northrop Grumman is exciting and innovative. She gives pricing support for large proposals within Business Development, which includes the company’s new rocket, OmegA - the biggest in the company's launch vehicle portfolio.

Northrop Grumman constructs, on average, more than 20 rockets per year and launches more than 14. They also design a new rocket every two years, and at the moment are designing OmegA to compete with other aerospace companies for the chance to provide a new generation of rockets to launch satellites for the U.S. Air Force.

Seeking innovative and next generation technology

Teran grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California, before moving to Tempe, Arizona for college. Then she decided to go into the aerospace and defense industry.

“Aerospace and Defense is where they are making the latest, cutting edge, cool technology,” she said. “Interestingly enough, I was a test engineer at a packaging company prior to Northrop Grumman. Although these are two unrelated fields, similar testing was required for the packaging as we do with launch vehicle parts, such as shock, environmental and vibration testing.”

Teran graduated from Arizona State with a degree in mechanical engineering and graduated from ASU with an MBA. Teran says her dream job was to work at an engineering company, but to be on the business side of it. There was a job opening at Northrop Grumman in Finance  – Teran applied, and she began working at Northrop Grumman in 2016.

Giving back to the STEM community

Outside of work, Teran actively volunteers with Northrop Grumman’s STEM outreach. Northrop Grumman in Chandler, Arizona, has a hands-on, large, interactive STEM exhibit that needs the support of many engineers.

“I have really enjoyed those as the premise is to get the next generation interested in the STEM field,” says Teran. “Outside of work, I am a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and have been since undergrad.”

Teran also loves spending time with her family and close friends. Her hobbies include going to the movies, being active outdoors, and playing sports, especially basketball.

Working on what matters

Interested in a career like Teran's? Teran gives some valuable advice - never underestimate yourself or give up because you think your goals are unattainable.

“Aerospace and defense careers give a sense of fulfillment because you are working on projects that have a direct impact in protecting our nation,” she said. “In addition, as I mentioned before, there is also the cool, cutting-edge factor – where you know you are working on the latest technology and helping to advance research.”

Join talented women like Teran at Northrop Grumman

Do you like the idea of combining your passion and talents with your career? Search jobs at Northrop Grumman to find the right fit for you, and join Teran and other talented women in working on what matters.

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