Biography
Additional Title(s)
Chief of Performance & Aerothermal Systems —Indianapolis, Rolls-Royce Corporation, MC-S2-03
Kathryn Elliott, the Defense Sector Capability Manager for Performance & AeroThermal Systems at Rolls Royce Corporation, holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and has over 30 years’ experience in Aerospace focusing on gas turbine engine thermodynamic cycle design and analysis, component aero design, test and aftermarket data analysis. She is currently the Rolls-Royce Global Lead Subject Matter Expert for In-Service Performance. She is Chair of the SAE International E-32 Committee which standardizes industry best practice for aerospace propulsion systems health management and she serves on the Management Team for the Prognostics and Health Management Society. She sits on the University of Michigan’s Industrial Advisory Board for the Department of Aerospace Engineering and has been an invited speaker at the Society of Women Engineers National Conference in 2013 and 2018. In 2014, Kathy led the launch of the first Rolls-Royce North America employee resource group, Rolls-Royce Women North America, and has since fostered 7 additional employee resource groups. She was recognized with Rolls-Royce Engineering’s “Inspirational Leadership” Award for 2016. She has served as Mentor and Judge for FIRST Indiana Robotics events for the past 5 years, particularly for the all-girls off-season event Raising Awareness of Girls in Engineering (Indy RAGE).
Kathy is passionate about STEM outreach for girls and redefining the journey to success for women. Along her career path, she has experienced many different work/life styles: full-time, no time, stay-at-home mom, part-time and full-time working mom, contractor, working from home (decades before COVID-19!), and as a sole proprietor – all while functioning as an engineer in the aerospace industry.