Mr. Zabalaoui retired after almost 31 years with Northrop Grumman in May of 2022. In his final role with the company he served as the Director of Strategy for the Strategic Space Systems Division within Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems Sector, a premier provider of space systems and advanced technologies critical to our nation’s security and space exploration efforts. In his capacity as strategy director, he led strategy development and deployment, strategic gap analysis, and discretionary resource prioritization, and allocation for the $3.9B Strategic Space Systems Division.

Before transitioning to strategy, he led Strategic Space Systems Business Development, and prior to that, he led Operations and Integration for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems’ Business and Advanced Development organization, where he provided functional leadership across a breadth of activities including business management, human capital strategies, proposal development and operational effectiveness.

Earlier in his career, he served as director of operations for Space Systems Business Development, leading process development and implementation, cross-sector business development initiatives, and day-to-day operations. He has also held leadership roles in marketing and market development, and began his Northrop Grumman career as a System Engineer working across multiple space programs. Throughout his career, David has supported every space mission area.

Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, David served in the U.S. Air Force at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, California, where he held a variety of roles in the Milsatcom mission area addressing terminal to satellite interfaces, user requirements, and system engineering. In his final assignment, he served as the Milstar Joint Program Office Executive Officer.

Mr. Zabalaoui earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California, as part of the TRW Fellowship Program. He is one of Northrop Grumman’s first certified Six Sigma black belts, and is a graduate of the 2013 Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Program Management Course.

In his spare time, Mr. Zabalaoui enjoys music, and photography and participates in multiple bands, including the 29th Street Band where he serves as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist.