Systems Engineering Architect, Calian – Advanced Technologies
Helen Percival is a Systems Engineering Architect at Calian – Advanced Technologies, where she leads the design of satellite planning, operations, and ground-segment systems used in mission-critical environments. Over eight years at Calian, she has progressed from individual contributor to technical authority, entrusted with defining architectures that must remain reliable while adapting to changing mission requirements. Her work centers on translating complex operational needs into scalable, modular systems that operators depend on in real time. She has been instrumental in shaping platforms that support dynamic resource management and long-term mission evolution.
Helen joined Calian after completing a Master of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering, with specialization in quantum information. From early in her career, she distinguished herself through an ability to approach systems design with both analytical rigor and creative problem-solving. Over time, she evolved from an early-career engineer into a systems architect frequently relied upon to serve as the bridge between customer mission objectives and Calian’s engineering execution.
Her most significant accomplishment has been leading the design and implementation of Calian’s Orchestrator, a platform that allows satellite operators to dynamically allocate and manage critical resources such as power, data, and pointing. Under Helen’s leadership, the system progressed from concept to a fully operational, microservice-based solution that integrates with downstream scheduling and command-and-control systems. She translated complex customer requirements into a modular architecture capable of evolving alongside emerging mission needs, while overseeing system validation, integration, and delivery under tight timelines.
In leading this effort, Helen coordinated systems engineers and software developers to maintain alignment between design intent and implementation, a role that required sustained technical judgment and cross-disciplinary trust. She also played a central role in Calian’s broader transition toward microservice architectures, championing modular, decoupled services to improve scalability, maintainability, and integration flexibility across satellite planning platforms. This work reduced rework, improved requirement clarity, and strengthened collaboration across systems, software, and product teams.
In parallel with her technical leadership, Helen has invested significantly in team development. She has mentored and guided multiple junior systems engineers and developers, strengthening systems thinking and technical confidence across her group. Colleagues describe her as calm under pressure, deeply dependable, and adept at listening carefully before synthesizing complex ideas into actionable designs.
Outside her core role at Calian, Helen contributes to the broader engineering community through sustained service with IEEE. As Women in Engineering Chair in her local IEEE section and External Relations Liaison for IEEE Region 7, she organizes events, builds professional connections, and promotes engagement between industry and the engineering profession, while also mentoring early-career engineers and university students interested in satellite and systems engineering.
← 20 Under 35
