•ENGINEER OF THE YEAR•

Education:  PhDs in Optics,  University of Central Florida and Materials Science, University of Bordeaux (France); Masters in Optics and Bachelors in Physics, University of Central Florida

As a  Lockheed Martin Fellow at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Clara Rivero-Baleine has been a key technical contributor within the Applied Research Organization for nearly two decades. 

A specialist in infrared materials and transparent ceramics, optical coatings, gradient index optics and metamaterials, Dr. Rivero-Baleine has conducted innovative research leading to discriminating technologies in the areas of advanced infrared windows, gradient index (GRIN) optics, low-cost meta-optics, and high-performance coatings. 

Her ongoing research focuses on developing processes to harden broadband windows, the validation of durable broadband coatings with higher transmission overwide field of views using GRIN designs and development of reconfigurable optics/wide field of views meta-optics designs for next generation platforms.

Over the past two years, Dr. Rivero-Baleine’s impact on technology development at Lockheed Martin has driven her organization’s success with both internal Lockheed Martin business areas as well as external customers such as Air Force Research Labs and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

For example, her recent work in metamaterials resulted in a contract award of $1.8 million for the AFRLLowCOST program and her work with other Lockheed Martin business has been valued upwards of $2 million, and total capture contributions over the last five years approaches $10 million.

Dr. Rivero-Baleine’s approach to GRIN design is considered novel and innovative in resolving development and production issues on two major efforts including the F-35 Tactical Air Support First Adversary to Deploy Infrared Search and Track sensor, leading to a significant cost reduction.  This insertion will be a “first time event” for a production program at Missiles and Fire Control. 

Outside of her Lockheed Martin contributions, Dr. Rivero-Baleine is an active member in the Central Florida technology community, working closely with the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the College of Optics and Photonics. After five years on the Advisory Board, she was named chair in 2019, where she remains today.  She also serves on the Materials Science Industrial Advisory board at the university. 

Dr. Rivero-Baleine’s close ties to the university has led to her playing a major role  in recruiting top talent to Lockheed Martin, not only locally in Orlando, but across the entire corporation. Her successful mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels has enabled students to continue on in industry and post-graduate work.

She is also an active advocate for academic growth in the Hispanic community through her mentoring of University of Central Florida (HSI-designated) students. She was also recognized by the Cuban-American community as detailed by inclusion in the book “Cuban American Women: Making History.” by Arnhilda Badía.  Dr. Rivero-Baleine is among few Hispanic women in her field and has led and changed the direction of several key technologies at Lockheed Martin.