Modeling the mission: The architect of possibility

Talking to Alexus Broussard makes you wonder whether she’s operating with more than 24 hours in a day. As a Systems Engineer in the Space Digital practice, she spends her time building the future – literally. Her work in model-based systems engineering spans many innovative projects, but one recent highlight was collaborating with Space Digital interns to create a working digital model of a space station.

“My favorite thing about working at Sabel is the culture. Everyone I’ve worked with has always been helpful, compassionate, knowledgeable, and a joy to work with,” Alexus said. “If they don’t know something, they are going to go out of their way to make sure they figure it out; both for you, and to increase their knowledge and to learn something new as well.” 

These interactive, visual-first models give customers something they rarely get: a clear, scalable view of their integrated architecture. With Alexus’s guidance, they can explore each component of their system in detail, seeing how everything fits together inside the larger whole. 

But engineering is only one part of Alexus’s impact. She also leads Sabel’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in partnership with Human Resources, focusing on national organizations and conferences that help strengthen diversity in hiring. This year, she’s setting her sights on building deeper relationships with groups like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to expand Sabel’s talent pipeline and connect with universities graduating new talent. 

Her motivation is personal. She landed her very first aerospace and defense role because of a connection made through NSBE. It’s why she’s so committed to paying that opportunity forward. 

Alexus’s path to systems engineering wasn’t linear, which gives her clear insight into non-traditional career journeys and is why she advocates for them. She began her career in the Air Force as a respiratory therapist, moved into healthcare as an EKG technologist at Kaiser Permanente, then shifted to Chevron testing gas and diesel. Her breakthrough into aerospace and defense came from NSBE where she was able to get her first Systems Engineering role at Northrop Grumman. 

Her purpose and drive for success is fueled not only by hard work, but by encouraging others to think outside the box. “I am a Black, and Vietnamese female, and there are not very many people who look like me in our career field. I want to motivate not only other young women, but anyone who has taken a non-traditional path to their career that they can do what they set their mind to,” she said. “Just because you didn’t do it the ‘traditional’ way, doesn’t mean your experience isn’t relevant or valued.” 

Today, she’s earning her Masters in Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with her eyes already set on a PhD. On choosing her field, Alexus is refreshingly candid: “I love systems engineering. I get to draw pictures all day and solve puzzles, it’s a dream.”

And if you think Alexus slows down after work, think again. At home, she spends time with her family, has written two full-length novels, and speaks five languages: Vietnamese, Spanish, German, and Dutch, with French currently in progress. 

Her advice to others is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you don’t think they are good questions,” she said. “Ask them, because even someone who has been in the field for a long time may gain a different perspective with the answer. It’s really important to ask questions and make connections.” 

She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship. “Look for mentors. Find people who will help you develop your skillset and knowledge base in a way that is going to be beneficial in the long run,” she said. “And always give back. That’s what I aim to do – try to give back as much as possible. There is always someone who could use a helping hand.”

One of her favorite examples of giving back was that space station model project with the Sabel interns. “It challenged me to be able to explain what I do in a way that people can understand. It was a great opportunity to not only work on a cool project, but to provide mentorship to colleagues early in their career.”

For Alexus, Sabel isn’t just a workplace; it’s also a community that aligns with her values. “Sabel is one of those companies that doesn’t just talk about company culture, they push forward and stick to it.” 

If you’re still wondering how she fits all this into a single day, you’re not alone. But that’s Alexus: driven by purpose, fueled by curiosity, and committed to lifting others as she climbs.