Karnetria Barnett didn’t anticipate launching an engineering career straight out of college, but that’s exactly how she created a path that led to GE Vernova. After graduating, Barnett landed a job at Norfolk Southern, a freight transportation network that serves a majority of North America’s population and manufacturing base. She was eager to sharpen her skills and advance; she joined the company as a train dispatcher and eventually became the Assistant Terminal Manager of Intermodal. During her 11-year tenure at Norfolk Southern, Barnett gained valuable experience working with Movement Planner (MP), which was GE Transportation’s network planning system for railroad traffic control. This knowledge helped her envision how the next steps in her professional journey would unfold.
When she learned of a promising opening at GE in Melbourne, Florida, Barnett decided to seize the opportunity and apply.
“The position was working with software implementation for Movement Planner,” she says. “After I landed the job, my family and I relocated from Atlanta to Melbourne in 2018, and we’ve been here since.”
Today, Barnett is the Manager of Quality Assurance Engineering at GE Vernova. She shares the key lessons she’s learned as a leader, why she appreciates the company’s welcoming culture, and crucial advice for those striving to carve out a career in engineering.
What led to your job at GE Vernova, and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
After working as a contractor for GE Transportation for a few years, I took time off to have my son. When I returned to work, I decided to try something new and landed a job at NASA. I worked there for a few years as a lead software test engineer for Artemis—NASA’s moon exploration program—and by chance met a GE senior leader on a flight. We struck up a conversation, and she asked if I wanted to return to GE. I jumped at the opportunity; a week after that meeting, I was interviewing. This was the best decision I could have made, hands down!
What are your core responsibilities as the Manager of Quality Assurance Engineering? Why does this work excite you?
In my current role, I manage testing cycles for GE Vernova services teams. I’m the Quality Assurance (QA) lead for North America, and I’m responsible for making sure that we’re working according to the standards set forth by GE Vernova’s quality team. This could include initiatives and tasks like helping new projects create test plans and schedules for their customers, producing deliverables for test cycles, and managing tester activity. While at NASA, I decided I wanted to get into quality assurance because I love technical documentation and research. Seeing a project get off the ground and go live is very exciting and fulfilling. I didn’t think that manifestation would happen so fast.
In 2022, you began your career at GE Vernova as a senior quality assurance engineer. How have you grown or evolved as a leader since then? What valuable lessons have you learned?
When I started at GE, I hit the ground running. There were several projects that I quickly took over. The previous QA manager had departed one week after I was hired. I remember sitting in my office, taking a deep breath, and saying, “This is what you asked for; let’s go!” I couldn’t wait to read and learn all I could, so I started printing out any documentation I could find. I created a large notebook with my first five projects and by the following week, I was joining customer meetings.
Currently, I’m a manager with direct reports. I’ve learned that continuous learning is everything. As a manager, I strive to create a safe space for my testers to learn and grow under my leadership. Happy employees are much more productive.
How would you describe your leadership style? How do you approach mentorship, whether applied to an immediate team member or new talent within the company?
I’m a hands-on leader, but I don’t micromanage. We’re all adults. I check in on my team every week, and we have team calls. If there are new learning materials, I share them with everyone. Continuous learning is something that I stress to my team. Be your best to stay competitive. I have an “each one, teach one” motto. If you know something, make sure to share it.
What’s been one of your biggest accomplishments or achievements that you’re most proud of thus far?
In my personal life, my biggest accomplishment is my family. In my career, I have made huge contributions to NASA’s launch control team. Now that I’m at GE Vernova, I’m surrounded by people who believe in me and my capability. This company has an amazing culture, and I love it here. I get to work with people all around the globe. Recently, I was named QA lead for North America, which has allowed me to assist with projects around the world. I also serve on the virtual leadership team for the African Affinity Forum (AAF), which has allowed employees to cultivate a safe space to be their authentic selves.
What do you like best about GE Vernova’s culture, and why?
I love that GE Vernova cares about employees’ work-life balance. I took this job to work remotely—I wanted to live out my engineering dreams and be the best wife and mother I could be without sacrificing family time. I love that the company wants everyone to feel empowered to come to work as their authentic selves. They encourage us to build community and bridge the gaps in our differences.
How does GE Vernova encourage professional growth and internal mobility? In what ways have you been personally supported?
GE Vernova provides several internal resources for career guidance. Each employee is assigned an HR representative who plays a huge role in ensuring that you have the necessary resources and support to succeed. An internal portal allows employees to stay updated about new vacancies. I’ve been able to go to my past and present People Leaders to discuss my career goals and what I want to accomplish. I’ve enjoyed immense support while building my career here.
What advice would you give those—especially women—who are aiming to pursue a career in engineering? What can they do to stand out during the recruiting and interview process?
Find a mentor in the field or a similar field you’re interested in. Always come prepared. Be early; on time is late! Never schedule a meeting with someone and waste their time. Have quality questions, feedback, and bullet points. Always have an agenda so you have clear objectives for your conversation. Finally, look the part. Always put your best self forward. Be mindful of the image you’re creating for your brand.
How do you cultivate joy outside of work? What gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment?
My husband and I enjoy traveling to new places to compete in Tough Mudder races. I’m the troop leader for my eight-year-old daughter’s Brownie Girl Scout Troop, and I coach my son’s kindergarten academic team. This March, I’ll be a 23-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I’m big on philanthropy and community service. I’m most fulfilled when my family is healthy and happy.