Sarah Kane is a seasoned executive leader with over 15 years of experience in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology industries. Currently serving as Vice President of Space at Honeywell Aerospace, Sarah drives strategic planning, program execution, and customer engagement for one of the most critical sectors in aerospace. Her commitment to delivering mission-critical systems and empowering multidisciplinary teams has made her a recognized leader in the field. With an active TS//SCI clearance, Sarah is trusted to lead programs that secure national interests and advance global innovation.
Before joining Honeywell in April 2024, Sarah served as Executive Director and General Manager of Space Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) at L3Harris Technologies. In this role, she oversaw classified satellite programs and DoD missions, securing contracts exceeding $1.5 billion. Her leadership encompassed end-to-end program execution, including payloads, ground systems, and small satellites, showcasing her ability to deliver integrated solutions in high-stakes environments.
At L3Harris, Sarah also led the F-35 Technology Refresh 3 (TR3) program, managing the development and delivery of advanced Integrated Core Processor (ICP) technology. Under her leadership, her team delivered over 1,000 modules with processing capabilities 25 times greater than legacy systems, enabling the F-35 to integrate new weapons and operational features. Her contributions to aerospace innovation have been transformative for global defense capabilities.
Prior to L3Harris, Sarah served as General Manager and Site Leader for Military Escape Systems at Raytheon Technologies – Collins Aerospace. She was responsible for the Profit & Loss (P&L) of a $1.7 billion military ejection seat retrofit program, upgrading aircraft like the F-15, F-16, F-22, and A-10. Her efforts have been credited with saving the lives of over 850 airmen through the Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES) program. This role underscored her ability to lead critical recovery and execution efforts while fostering employee morale and retention.
Sarah’s journey in aerospace began at The Boeing Company, where she spent over a decade in engineering, program management, and supply chain roles. Her responsibilities ranged from leading the design and certification of the KC-46A Tanker’s aerial refueling systems to managing global operations for the Boeing 787 program. Her leadership in supplier recovery and system integration solidified her reputation as a strategic problem solver who delivers results under pressure.
In addition to her professional roles, Sarah is deeply committed to community service. As a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, she has contributed to roofing, home restoration, and construction projects, reflecting her passion for improving lives beyond the workplace. Her dedication to giving back aligns with her personal values of growth, collaboration, and service.
Sarah’s educational background is as diverse as her professional experience. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech in Marketing Management and Spanish Foreign Language and Literature, achieving Spanish fluency through international immersion. She has earned Master Certificates in Applied Project Management and Government Contract Management from Villanova University and completed the Executive Leadership Program at The Wharton School in 2021. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA in International Business at the University of South Carolina, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Sarah brings a global perspective to her work, having collaborated with teams in Germany, Italy, Canada, and beyond. Her bilingual proficiency enhances her ability to navigate complex international projects while fostering meaningful connections across cultures.
Sarah is also an active member of Chief, a network dedicated to empowering women executives, and has spoken at prominent aerospace and defense conferences, including events focused on advancing women in technology. Her ability to inspire others is a testament to her dynamic leadership and passion for driving industry change.
Through her career, Sarah has proven to be an exceptional leader who excels in managing high-profile projects, fostering innovation, and building resilient teams. Her journey reflects a relentless commitment to excellence, a profound understanding of the aerospace industry, and a vision for advancing the future of defense and space technologies.
Character:
Sarah Kane exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence in every role she undertakes. Her leadership is rooted in empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a steadfast focus on delivering results under high-stakes conditions.
Knowledge:
With over 15 years of experience in aerospace and defense, Sarah brings unmatched expertise in program management, engineering, and international business. Her technical proficiency and strategic insights enable her to navigate complex systems and deliver transformative solutions.
Strategic:
Sarah has a proven ability to drive billion-dollar programs, secure critical contracts, and implement recovery strategies for high-profile initiatives. Her visionary approach ensures long-term growth, innovation, and alignment with organizational objectives.
Communication:
A bilingual leader fluent in English and Spanish, Sarah excels in bridging cultural and professional divides. Her ability to communicate effectively across global teams and stakeholders fosters alignment, trust, and shared success.