We pride ourselves on attracting and retaining a bench of seasoned professionals committed to excellence and practical solutions. Our team of handpicked experts embodies the spirit of “no task too large and no detail too small.”

David Burnett is a recognized leader in business capture and proposal development with an extensive aerospace engineering and development background. He co-founded Cutting Edge to meet client demand for responsive, comprehensive business support from pre-award through program implementation. A respected and effective leader in the fast-moving high-tech sector, he is dedicated to helping both people and companies reach their full potential. David graduated magna cum laude in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He received an MS in Aeronautics at the California Institute of Technology and a certificate in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. He is a father of three.

Elizabeth Shier is a proven leader and a serial entrepreneur, having started five successful companies since cutting her teeth in aerospace at McDonnell Douglas. She co-founded Cutting Edge with an emphasis on efficient operations and people-forward culture to deliver effective solutions for clients of all size. In addition to company leadership she brings her extensive knowledge of security systems, enabling our small, nimble company to perform within multi-level security environments. She is the mother of three wonderful children and received her BS in Management Information Systems from the University of San Francisco.

Amy Shappell has been with Cutting Edge since 2006, currently serving as our Finance Manager. Over her tenure, she has taken on every role within the company, showcasing her versatility and applying her deep understanding of company operations. Known for her “can do” attitude, Amy is a valued team member who embodies a commitment to excellence. When she’s not at work—though that is a rare occurrence—she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, further enriching the collaborative spirit that she fosters at Cutting Edge.

Andrew Grimmer joined the Cutting Edge team in early 2024 and has over 10 years of management experience and 7 years of experience at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. He has both a B.S. in Economics from Brigham Young University and an M.B.A. from Seattle University. Andrew embraces integrity, accountability and dedication in every task, striving to deliver his best and to inspire others to do the same. He is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. Andrew lives with his wife, a pediatric surgeon at CHOC, and their son, along with two large Samoyed dogs.

Erica Linhares joined Cutting Edge in early 2024, bringing a strong background in business analysis, program management, and business operations with over 10 years of experience in Account Business Management, specializing in business integration, financial analysis, and governance to optimize operations and drive growth across multiple industries. She holds a BA in Graphic Design with a minor in Industrial Design, which enhances her ability to contribute creatively to the team. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Erica is fluent in Portuguese. She resides in Tustin with her husband and their son, and she has an adult daughter living in Vermont. Outside of work, Erica enjoys running, cooking, hiking, and delving into historical fiction, making her a well-rounded and dynamic addition to the Cutting Edge team.

Susan Janz has been with Cutting Edge since 2019, serving as an Operations Analyst where her responsibilities include account management, overseeing swag and events, and tackling a variety of tasks. With a diverse background that includes IT, running her own catering and event company, property management, and work with the U.S. Census Bureau, Susan has earned the designation of “Jane of all trades.” Her curiosity and wide-ranging interests have equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the diverse challenges she encounters at Cutting Edge. Susan is a proud mother to an adult son and daughter-in-law living in Las Vegas, and she looks forward to welcoming grandchildren in the future.

Meg Dahlke joined the Cutting Edge team in 2023, bringing a fresh perspective and a wealth of creativity to our dynamic environment. With a B.F.A. from Miami University, Meg combines her artistic vision with a keen eye for detail, enriching our projects with her unique flair. Meg frequently takes on special projects for us, blending her artistic talents with our business objectives. When she’s not contributing her talents to our team, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, capturing the beauty of nature through her lens, or indulging in her love for travel and adventure. In addition to her creative pursuits, she has a big heart for animals and actively fosters kittens, providing them with a nurturing environment until they find their forever homes.

Mia Morris joined the Cutting Edge team in mid-2024, bringing 34 years of experience from a leading multinational IT company where she held diverse roles, primarily as a Business Analyst. Her extensive expertise encompasses administrative management, financial oversight, contract labor coordination, and procurement management. Mia’s well-rounded background provides her with a unique blend of skills and insights, making her an invaluable asset to the Cutting Edge team. She resides with her family in Orange, CA, and in her free time, Mia enjoys cooking, baking, and taking walks.

Mey Saechao joined the Cutting Edge team in 2023, bringing valuable experience from her previous role in human resources and recruitment at a company dedicated to national defense. Working at Cutting Edge allows her to apply her skills to mission-critical programs, a responsibility she finds deeply meaningful. As a Talent Manager, Mey plays a crucial role in aligning our team of experts with client needs, matching qualified individuals to open roles and identifying opportunities that leverage their expertise. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Mey’s dedication to supporting both people and client activities makes her a vital asset to the Cutting Edge team.

Andrea Caissie has been a valued member of Cutting Edge since 2022, bringing over 30 years of experience as an Industrial Security Specialist at Boeing. She is committed to ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance in the aerospace industry. Andrea holds both a B.A. and an M.A. in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, where she graduated magna cum laude. A proud veteran, she served in the US Army for eight years as a Czech linguist, completing two tours in Germany after graduating from the Defense Language Institute. Outside of her professional pursuits, Andrea enjoys reading, solving crossword puzzles, and participating in dog sports with her beloved furry companions.