In 1983 she started working as a chemical engineer at the Indian Head Naval Surface Weapons Center. From 1991-1999, she managed all navy basic, exploratory research and advanced development programs in high explosives. She also served as the U.S. Navy focus point for explosives and the transition of Navy explosives into weapon systems, providing consultation to government/military, industries and allied nations. From 1999-2002, she managed all NSWC Indian Head's technical programs in Explosives and Undersea Weapons, from concept through engineering development to production and demilitarization.