What is your current role and where are you based? How long have you been working at Airbus?
Head of Data Analytics based in Toulouse. I am heading up a department in Space Engineering that delivers End to End data analytics and science solutions to engineers for the products they design and deliver.
I began my career 20 years ago as a Work Package Leader for A400M electrical power center, working on supplier contracts and flight test campaigns. I progressed to manage a team of Multi-systems architects and Validation & Verification managers across different programmes. Eventually taking over the Artificial Intelligence roadmap for the Aircraft Systems Center of Competence, before contributing to the deployment of our astonishing technology in space. What a ride!
Which aircraft/products are you working with?
All aircraft programmes including A400M, A350, A320Neo, A330neo and more recently space activities as my department is transnational, so satellites, human spaceflight, exploration and science.That is what is so interesting about working for Airbus. Even after 20 years, I still discover new products!
What inspired you to be a part of the aerospace sector?
A sense of responsibility: I felt honored to contribute to the aeronautic effort to certify Artificial Intelligence for safety-critical applications. It illustrated how aviation can be at the forefront of responsible AI.
Concerning the beginning of your career path at Airbus - what was the main drive that led you to apply and be part of this company?
A sense of collective accomplishment, being able to create something from a blank page and make it fly, in the air or in space. When I joined Airbus, I was coming from a Research & Development domain and I wanted to create something real and concrete.
To experience the entire development life cycle of aircraft is so fulfilling.It starts with documents, drawings and dossiers. But, as time goes by, it becomes more concrete, with the first software and hardware delivered to the labs before the 1st aircraft is assembled and finally takes off.
It is very emotional.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Making a real difference with the people and the products I work on.
How does your work with AI and data analytics impact space projects?
One of the big challenges my team faces is the capacity to detect abnormal satellite behaviors from its telemetry. The team is delivering the Big Data Platform that allows to ingest all this telemetry for the operators to analyze. We use traditional anomaly detection and processing, based on thresholds, but also more advanced AI techniques that can support and guide the operators in understanding the context of the observed behavior allowing us to launch the appropriate procedures.
Can you describe a project you’re currently working on that you’re excited about?
We currently have an important exploration in progress regarding generative AI and how we can integrate its extraordinary capabilities within our space engineering ecosystem. Space is an extremely constrained environment when it comes to data protection, sovereignty, and projects that are under national restrictions. So we are looking how we can generate the value behind this technology while complying with our regulatory requirements, that is what is at stake here.
Tell us about one of the most memorable experiences from your career at Airbus. What made it so special and unforgettable?
The A00M first flight. I witnessed it with my colleagues. The aircraft was on the runway ready for take-off, then it accelerated. And, as if by magic, the aircraft lifted for the first time. I felt a sense of pride because there was something onboard this aircraft that I actively contributed to.
What is the most important advice you have been given, and is there any important advice you would like to give?
Never give up! Sometimes things are difficult, but with perseverance, we succeed.
A transformation role is always a tough one. Many contrary winds may prevent you from following the trajectory you wish. You need to find people who can help support and challenge your point of view when necessary. And sometimes, you don’t end-up where you thought you were heading, but where the organization needs to be.
What is the most important message you would like to send out to women considering a career in the aeronautic industry?
Airbus is full of opportunities to learn different disciplines, work on different products, take on different roles, to grow and develop leadership skills to make a real impact and difference to the industry.
In what way do the values of Airbus relate to your own?
We are one! It resonates with my personal belief that we can do so much more together than on our own.
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