Getting to Know ADAM's Technical Program Manager, Hebe Luan

What were you working on before you joined Acubed?

Before joining Acubed, I worked on other safety-critical products, including autonomous driving systems and electric vehicles. I was a software engineer for over ten years, which was a great experience that allowed me to contribute more on an individual level. I’ve since taken on the challenge of becoming a Technical Program Manager where, as a leader, I can help our team achieve their goals.

Why did you join the Acubed ADAM team?

Growing up, I was always fascinated by air travel, especially international travel, and hoped that I’d be able to explore new places and cultures one day. When I learned more about Acubed at a women’s technical recruiting event in San Francisco, it was the opportunity I’d been hoping for - to help build safe aircraft.

I also learned about Acubed through a friend who shared more about the company culture. I was excited for the opportunity to work more closely with people. I believe in the servant leadership model, which means serving peoples’ needs to help them achieve their goals and dreams. This leadership style can be challenging in the tech industry, but Acubed is different. Acubed fosters a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation, discovery and an explorative mindset for the future.

What does your day-to-day work look like?

It’s an exciting time to be part of the Advanced Digital Design & Manufacturing (ADAM) team because we’re experiencing significant growth. With the high volume of aircraft orders at Airbus, we’re working on scaling our team to shorten current production lead times. As the Technical Program Manager, my daily work shifts primarily between the three following areas.

  • Strategy: I perform strategic planning with general oversight of execution and tactical decisions. I’m responsible for strategic budgeting and resource planning, compiling financial needs, managing our annual budget and financial forecasting.
  • Structure: I help improve the processes and efficiencies of our team and the work we complete. I work with the team to define the roadmap and support them as we iterate to meet business needs. I also adopt suitable projects to an agile framework, track progress, identify discrepancies and drive them to a solution.
  • People: Interacting with my team and our customers - internal stakeholders at Airbus - is one of my top priorities. As a servant leader, it is my responsibility to be patient and listen to everyone’s needs. Sometimes people are uncertain of what they need or how to prioritize the problems they have; it is my job to help guide them.

What is the biggest professional challenge you’ve encountered so far?

It hasn’t always been easy to be a woman in engineering. I’m incredibly grateful that the Acubed team is supportive and respectful to all its employees.

What advice do you have for someone interested in joining Acubed?

ADAM is a very fun team, where innovative thinking is celebrated. The work is challenging and requires a critical level of problem-solving skills, but you’re also working with a collaborative team of brilliant and driven people. It’s also exciting knowing that you’re working in an industry and at a company on the cutting edge of aerospace with more opportunities to make a significant impact on the horizon.

What is one thing you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy volunteering with non-profit organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank. Faith is important to me, so I also dedicate much of my time to volunteering at churches. Outside of volunteering, I love being outdoors: swimming, surfing, hiking and skiing.

Taking my pilot training through Acubed is truly a dream come true, and I look forward to learning to fly in more ways than one in 2022.

If you’re interested in joining our team and building the future of flight, do reach out via our open roles here.