Office Location | Southern MD, Engineering
Years with MIL | Less than 1
What were you doing before joining MIL?
Before I joined MIL, I was going to school at Virginia Tech. Prior to VT, I was a Cryptologic Technician in the Navy.
Why did you decide to join MIL?
I decided to join MIL because I felt like the opportunity presented to me was something that I could not pass up on. It was one of those “once in a blue moon “offers.
What are you working on now?
In my current role, I do Test & Evaluation on the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) payload for the new block upgrade to the MQ-4C Triton. I work at the squadron hangar where they house the aircraft, where I work on a team of Flight Test Engineers that cover various mission systems for the aircraft.
What is important about your work?
My work is important because what I work on directly impacts the Navy and Intelligence Community (IC). It is the first unmanned reconnaissance aircraft for the Navy and its integration with a multi-Intelligence configuration has never been done before, so a lot of my job is scientific discovery.
What are the best aspects about your current job?
The best aspect about my job is the amount of autonomy and discretion I have in my line of work. I am the subject matter expert for my area of mission systems, and I feel respected by my peers. Maritime Patrol/Fleet Reconnaissance is a great field to work in for cleared engineering professionals.
Why do you enjoy working at MIL?
I enjoy working at MIL because my work is challenging, interesting, and always evolving. I am never in one spot, I could be at a lab, in the hangar, or at the Flight Test Range on any given day.
What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on at MIL?
The most challenging project I have worked on at MIL was leading SIGINT testing efforts through NAVAIR’s large anechoic chamber. My position had been gapped for several years and not many people in Flight Test have experience with SIGINT. I was responsible for what, how, when, and why in the most state-of-the-art laboratory that NAVAIR has. The number of resources, time, and dedication that went into making that test event possible was incredible.
What is the best piece of career advice you can offer someone in your field who is either applying to or beginning a career at MIL?
Be a professional and be personable. Don’t rest on your laurels and try to learn something new every day.