Getting New Methodologies Off the Ground: Lessons from Digital Engineering Transformation with Chris Finlay

Implementing a new engineering methodology sounds straightforward on paper. In reality, it often means navigating organizational resistance, changing long-standing habits, proving value quickly, and building momentum one success at a time.

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with Chris Finlay, Vice President of Engineering Innovation at SAIC, to discuss his journey helping organizations adopt Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, digital thread strategies, and AI-enabled engineering practices across the defense industry.

Chris shares candid stories from the front lines of transformation, including early MBSE projects, lessons learned overcoming resistance, and the practical strategies that helped move digital engineering from experimentation to enterprise adoption.

Key Topics Discussed

The Accidental Start of Digital Engineering

Chris recounts how one of his earliest experiences with what would later be called MBSE started simply as a way to manage overwhelming engineering complexity. By leveraging modeling tools and connecting data across engineering artifacts, his team unknowingly created one of their first digital threads long before the term became commonplace.

Why Resistance is Normal

New methodologies often challenge established workflows and expose inefficiencies. Chris explains why resistance from program leaders and engineers isn't necessarily opposition—it’s often a rational response to perceived risk. Successful transformation requires empathy, patience, and meeting people where they are.

The Power of Quick Wins

One of Chris's strongest recommendations is to avoid trying to "boil the ocean." Instead, organizations should identify a manageable use case, demonstrate measurable value quickly, and build momentum through visible successes.

The Story of the Skeptical Product Owner

Chris shares a memorable example of an engineering leader who entered a model review determined to prove MBSE didn't work—only to immediately identify critical issues that the model exposed. The experience became a powerful demonstration of how digital engineering can reveal problems earlier and at lower cost.

Finlay's Five Firsts of Digital Engineering

Chris outlines the principles that have guided his transformation efforts for over a decade:

1. Digital engineering is not a substitute for good systems engineering.
2. Digital engineering exposes bad engineering practices faster.
3. Connected data enables the digital thread—but avoid overconnecting everything.
4. You cannot hire your way out of transformation; upskilling is essential.
5. Organizations that haven't started their digital engineering journey are already behind.

The Gray Beard Phenomenon

One of the most interesting insights from the discussion is Chris's "Gray Beard Phenomenon." Engineers working closely with digital models rapidly become subject matter experts because they gain access to the system's "crystal ball"—the connected knowledge captured within the model.

Measuring and Celebrating Success

Transformation efforts gain traction when organizations track meaningful metrics and celebrate progress. Chris emphasizes that cultural change requires both measurable outcomes and visible recognition of teams that deliver value.

Key Takeaways

• Digital engineering succeeds when it solves real problems, not when it is adopted for its own sake.
• Cultural transformation is often more challenging than technology implementation.
• Early wins build credibility and momentum.
• Metrics help drive behavioral change and secure organizational support.
• Upskilling existing teams is often more effective than hiring new specialists.
• Celebrating success is critical for sustaining transformation efforts.

About the Guest

Chris Finlay is Vice President of Engineering Innovation at SAIC, where he leads enterprise digital engineering transformation initiatives spanning MBSE, digital thread, digital twin, and AI-enabled engineering. With more than 20 years of experience in defense systems engineering, Chris has helped scale digital engineering capabilities across major organizations and mission-critical programs.

Connect With Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering

Have questions about digital engineering transformation, MBSE adoption, or digital thread strategies? Leave a comment, connect with the Razorleaf team, or reach out to continue the conversation.

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