May 2019- Article by AL.com – In Huntsville, there are over 280 STEM and aerospace and defense companies just in Research Park, whose teams depend primarily on a steady flow of contract revenue. It’s like a large body of water: while the surface may be chaotic, there are strong and orderly currents, where much of the billions spent in Huntsville go. Not only is the demand for STEM employees high, if those employees are selective, they may land somewhere they can spend a whole career.
Centering on employee excellence from the start
Employees can win the contracts or big contracts can win employees. Companies do not become places you can spend a career by accident: once stability is achieved, employee grooming and promotion from within has to already be in the culture. That means doing things right when you’re a young, start-up company. Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (INTUITIVE) began 20 years ago as an aerospace engineering firm with just one contract and two employees. Coming from the government, founders, A. R. (Rey) Almodòvar and Harold R. Brewer, saw the value in hiring employees that would fit a larger vision for how to do good business, selecting those who demonstrated integrity, honesty and quality work. “They hired people to be part of the company, in a larger sense, expecting they would likely do different jobs over time,” said Juanita Phillips, Vice President of Employee Experience.
Within a few days of starting the company, Rey and Hal wrote a document called “Who We Are.” Since the beginning, they have never changed a single word. All new employees review it. It is the subject of meetings held by the Chairman with all managers; an employee trivia game; and an upcoming series of Monday Morning Coffee with the President. “Our culture values the employee, and once we are past the intentional, careful hiring of a person, our attention turns to how we will keep them, what opportunities we will provide for them to develop themselves,” said Phillips. “Put that together with having meaningful, fulfilling work, and it’s an inspiring atmosphere; everyone wants to bring their best work.”
Finding a culture of excellence and an eagerness to become experts in advancing fields, the DoD began to rely on INTUITIVE for an increasing variety of professional engineering, technical services, and aerospace needs. This year, from their home base in Huntsville, INTUITIVE operates 11 field offices throughout the Southeast with more than 400 employees.
In any defense hub, there are teams that never go into action, mid-career professionals ready to strike out for a quick payday and young professionals hoping to get a first break, a call that never comes. Some groups may persist 3-5 years on a lucrative contract, and suddenly the complacent team is shocked when it disappears. There is usually more work to be had, but many (especially younger employees) desire less chaos and more self-directed progress as professionals. It pays employees to think about the history and culture of the company they’ll choose. “Many variables impact selection [for contracts] and it can sometimes take years,” said Phillips. “So, companies have to build a pipeline, build momentum, and build a bench. In this world, your reputation is everything; the quality of service you provide to customers is who you are.”
‘Swiss Army’ employees can grow and evolve, not just survive
Indeed, some STEM professionals find themselves in plug and play roles, not necessarily standing on individual merits or unique qualities. The most trusted companies look at the contract world differently, living in the deeper current, and they prefer promoting from within and developing employees over a lifetime. “We aren’t hiring a steak knife or a chopping knife – we’re hiring Swiss Army Knives,” said Phillips. “Our Chairman actually has one on his desk as a reminder!”
Employees at INTUITIVE are driven by interest and opportunity to seize new experiences or re-direct their paths: from contracts to data management; administrative personnel to program analyst; accounting to personnel security operations; mechanical to model-based engineer; and the list goes on. In yearly progress reviews, employees are invited to help chart their course for exciting work. Paul Collins, an Engineering Technical Lead, said, “I am in a definite minority among my age group because of the fact that I have worked at the same company for almost 10 years. I know many companies utilize STEM majors for only a few strengths they identify and then place that person in a position where they exercise only that strength.”
Burnout and boredom are vanquished by a true open-door policy with the executive team. Collins reflected, “Several of my colleagues in the past have spoken up about losing enjoyment or the feeling of hitting a road block, but INTUITIVE management has found ways for them to get involved in new projects or take on slightly different roles for new challenging work—they’re still here and happy.”
Promotion
Those who show progress and fit the culture are rewarded with promotions and incentives. “Our ‘Who We Are’ document declares that we expect to hold open the door of opportunity, without discrimination, to those who will prepare themselves for increasing levels of responsibility,” said Phillips. Familiar faces with track records help inspire new business as well. Phillips noted, “Employees at INTUITIVE can look all around and see examples of individuals who have been promoted within the company, whether in leadership roles, management areas, or technical paths. We greatly value employee credentials, and are flexible in supporting education, training, and certifications.”
Arlee Holmes, for instance, began at INTUITIVE as a student-hire while finishing a degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. She then stayed on as a Program Controller. After developing an interest in corporate messaging, she made a move to Corporate Relations Specialist and moved upward to become a Senior Corporate Relations Specialist, and recently, Corporate Communications Manager. During this time, she completed her MBA—all this as a millennial.
At select companies, the employees and the cultures they maintain do win the big contracts. Through flexibility and excellence, INTUITIVE has never let go of an employee due to a lack of incoming work.
If you’re interested in joining the team of Swiss Army employees at INTUITIVE, please visit irtc-hq.com/careers today.